IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs recognized at 2024 MERIT Summit & Awards for its Humanitarian Crisis Simulation project

Four professionals, three men and one woman, smiling and posing with an award certificate at a conference.

The MERIT Summit celebrates excellence and innovation in Higher Education globally

IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs has achieved an extraordinary milestone, securing two awards at the prestigious MERIT Summit & Awards 2024 in Dubai. The institution was recognized for its innovative Humanitarian Crisis Simulation project, a flagship initiative designed to raise awareness on global challenges, and teach students how to tackle decision-making under uncertain contexts, like a humanitarian crisis. 

This groundbreaking initiative, which is integrated into both undergraduate and master’s programs, was celebrated as a transformative educational project during the awards ceremony of the “Leadership 2030: Navigating Transformation” Summit. The Humanitarian Crisis Simulation project received two awards, making the School the only institution present at MERIT Summit to win two of them: 

  • The Audience Award, voted by conference attendees across all categories, highlighting the project’s widespread impact and resonance, and distinguishing it as the top initiative among all categories.
  • The Social and Environmental Special Recognition, showcasing IE University’s commitment to education that drives meaningful social and environmental change.

As Vice Dean Borja Santos mentioned, the Humanitarian Crisis Simulation project exemplifies IE University’s commitment to providing transformative learning experiences that prepare students to address the most pressing global challenges.

“Globally recognized, IE School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs drives innovation through partnerships, shaping transformative learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.”
Vice Dean Borja Santos

IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs recognized at 2024 MERIT Summit & Awards for its Humanitarian Crisis Simulation project“These efforts earned three prestigious international awards this year, inspiring us to further empower students to tackle global challenges," added Borja Santos.

These recognitions, underscore the alignment between the School’s innovative approach and the values celebrated by MERIT, making the acknowledgement even more significant. 

“The MERIT Awards are designed to celebrate innovation and transformation, shining a light on initiatives that drive meaningful change,” said Rumy Le Gal, Head of Programme and Content at the MERIT Summit & Awards.


“IE University’s Refugee Camp Simulation is a perfect example of what these awards stand for – a creative approach to prepare students and future leaders to address global challenges with deeper understanding and empathy.”
Rumy Le Gal -  MERIT Summit & Awards

In addition to these achievements of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, IE University received recognition in other categories for its Executive Education initiatives in collaboration with key partners. These include: Leadership Development with Roche; Developing Women Leaders with NBK and People Development with Zain. 

The latest awards add to a growing list of international recognitions for the IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs over the past year, including distinctions from APSIA and QS, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in innovative education.

About MERIT Summit & Awards:

Since 2017, MERIT Summit is a unique gathering of prominent international Business Schools and Human Resources Directors of companies from different industries to share insights, challenges and success stories in the corporate learning, leadership and people development realm. Its mission is to bring knowledge from business and educational leaders to empower individuals and organisations develop, innovate and achieve their strategic objectives.

Created in 2022, the MERIT Awards are designed to recognize the efforts put forth by global industries and the markets they serve. These awards will acknowledge companies that have contributed to the continued growth of the market worldwide. Currently, there are seven awards programs that are open to all organizations operating within each of the categories.