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28 October 2024

Students attend debate on major online retailer’s suitability for listing on the London Stock Exchange

 

As part of Edinburgh College’s Sustainable Education Week, 120 students packed out the Music Box Theatre at Sighthill Campus for a highly anticipated debate on the topic: “This house believes that SHEIN is not suitable to list on the London Stock Exchange when considering the UN's 17 Sustainability Goals.”

The event, held on Wednesday 23 October, attracted students from various courses eager to engage with the pressing topic of sustainability in the fast-fashion industry. The debate featured two teams of speakers, with Andrew Maudsley, Adam Conway, and Neil Forrest arguing for the motion, while Margaret Boyack, Jane Dunsmore, and Sara Taylor presented the case against the motion.

The thought-provoking discussion focused on whether SHEIN’s business practices align with the United Nations' 17 Sustainability Goals, which encompass areas such as eradicating poverty, responsible consumption, and environmental protection.

Harvey MacLeary, an Accounting student, expertly chaired the debate, guiding the discussion and ensuring a fair and balanced platform for both sides to present their arguments. The audience was actively involved, with students given the opportunity to cast their votes at the end of the debate.

After hearing both sides, the audience voted 60/40 in favour of the motion, declaring that SHEIN should not be floated on the London Stock Exchange due to its perceived failure to meet the sustainability standards outlined by the UN.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with students expressing a desire for more events like this to further their understanding of real-world business challenges and sustainability issues. The event was praised for its relevance, the quality of arguments presented, and its value in supporting student learning.

Margaret’s idea to do a debate was a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in meaningful discussion on the intersection of business and sustainability. The turnout and the enthusiasm we saw today reinforce the importance of continuing such debates.
Jacqui Bower, Curriculum Team Manager, who coordinated the event