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Friday, 21 September 2018

Rio Tinto and The University of Western Australia have joined forces to bring an innovative global leadership program for students to Western Australia designed to enhance their cultural intelligence, networks, collaboration and leadership skills.

It is the first time the program has been run in Western Australia and is just one of many initiatives that the UWA and Rio Tinto partnership has delivered during the past 20 years.

Hosted by UWA and supported by Rio Tinto, the Common Purpose Global Leader Experience runs from Monday 24 to Thursday 27 September and will enable up to 100 UWA students to play a part in tackling some of the biggest issues facing business, governments and society.

The program is focused on the major world challenge ‘how do we ensure smart cities are inclusive?’ . Students will explore the issue from a local perspective and meet visionary leaders from global businesses, governments and not-for-profit organisations to help them understand the challenge and create innovative solutions.

They will then present their solutions to city leaders, experts and the senior leaders from program partners UWA and Rio Tinto.

UWA was selected in 2012 as one of Rio Tinto’s inaugural partners for its Global Education Partnership Program, now known as the Talent Education Partnership. The Partnership program takes a lifecycle approach to supporting students through initiatives aimed at aligning the University’s programs with Rio Tinto’s core values.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater said the University was committed to developing graduates who were equipped to deal with a changing world and prepared to become future leaders.

“It’s exciting to be investing in our students through this program, enabling them to reach their potential and enhance their learning and leadership skills, as well as gain new pathways to employment,” Professor Freshwater said.

Rio Tinto’s global head of projects David Joyce said a collaborative approach between industry and higher education was needed to help solve the challenges brought about by the rapid pace of change and disruption in today’s business environment.

“This demands a fundamental shift in the way we think about work. Employers like Rio Tinto are looking for graduates with broader skills and a real-world understanding. This initiative will help better prepare graduates to enter the rapidly changing workforce and we are proud to support it,” Mr Joyce said.

Media references

David Stacey (UWA Media and Public Relations Manager)        08 6488 3229 / 0432 637 716

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