School of Business Symposium Reflects on the Relationship Between Human and Business Rights

Posted on: 18 October 2010

Trinity College’s School of Business recently held an inaugural symposium on the relationship between human and business rights which featured a keynote speech by New York City Commissioner on Human Rights, Patricia Gatling, during which she addressed the importance of human rights both from a personal and business perspective.  The symposium, which was opened by the Irish Human Rights Commission, Dr Maurice Manning, was chaired by the School of Business’ Associate Professor of Finance, Brian Lucey and organised by Professor of International Business, Colm Kearney.

Senator Maurice Manning, Dr Patricia Gatling, Professor Colm Kearney.

Addressing the symposium were speakers from a diverse range of academic disciplines, from business and civil society who each addressed the issue of whether there was or should be a conflict between human and business rights.  Speakers included Professor Paul Walsh of UCD’s School of Politics and International Relations and TCD’s Professor Colm Kearney who spoke on recent developments in international business and how these shed light on human rights.  Head of TCD’s School of Religions, Theology and Ecumenics, Professor Linda Hogan and Head of the Department of Sociology, Dr Ronit Lentin, spoke on religion, migration and rights.  Other contributors included Kark Deeter of Irish Mortgage Brokers and John Devitt of Transparency International Ireland who addressed the issue of whether it is a human right to do business in an open, transparent manner.  The business of aid for the developing world were addressed by Associate Professor of Psychology in TCD’s School of Psychology, Malcolm MacLachlan and Trinity International Development Initiative’s Dr Ogenna Uduma.

Trinity’s School of Business holds numerous symposia and public lectures throughout the year.  Information on upcoming events can be found via the website.