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Should PMI take a stand on international conflict

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Mike Frenette Manager, IT PMO| Halifax Water (retired) Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
We often discuss PMI helping in times of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, fires, tsunamis and the like. That is a noble and not really arguable by most people. Such help may come in the form of volunteer efforts of any kind as well as the application of PMI knowledge to manage projects that help with communication among aid agencies, reconstruction, aid distribution and so on.

But what about disasters that are not natural, such as the destruction of entire neighborhoods and human life by aggressive powers engaged in land grabs?

Should PMI remain neutral in such cases? Or should they take a stand after conferring with leaders and members in affected areas?
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Ricardo Triana
PMI Team Member
Global Head, Culture & Diversity| Project Management Institute Washington DC, United States

Hi Mike,



As always, it's nice to talk to you and thanks for bringing your concern to this forum. As a professional association, PMI remains neutral and non-political. Our mission is to equip project professionals with the skills, knowledge, and ethics to lead responsibly — no matter the circumstances.



Often that means responding to natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, or fires. But it also means coming together in situations where people are displaced, lives are disrupted, and communities face urgent challenges — regardless of the cause. In these moments, our role is to empower project professionals to apply their skills to help organize, communicate, rebuild, and provide hope.



And this aligns with PMI’s culture values:


- Make It Easy – by sharing tools, resources, and ways to act quickly.
- Aim Higher – by applying project management to create meaningful, lasting impact.
- Be Welcoming – by creating a safe and supportive space where everyone can contribute.
- Embrace Curiosity – by learning from one another’s experiences.
- Together We Can – by uniting across borders, backgrounds, and perspectives to help those in need.

So while PMI does not take political positions, we do stand for care, connection, and action -- and we believe our community can make a real difference when we live these values.



That’s why PMI in Times of Need exists: to create a space where we can listen, learn, and act together. I encourage everyone here to share ideas, stories, or opportunities to help, because your voice or knowledge may be exactly what someone else in our community is looking for.



I sincerely believe we can turn care into impact,

Ricardo

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Chia Fang Chang
Community Champion
PM Consultant| CLOUD SAFE CO., LTD. New Taipei City, NWT, Taiwan
Hello Mike,

Thank you for raising this – it’s a difficult but important question.

Personally, as a project professional, I try not to take a public political position in my PMI role. Instead, I focus on acting from shared human values, regardless of nationality, race, or any other label.

To me, PMI’s strength is in creating spaces where we can support people affected by conflict with respect, empathy, and practical help – applying our skills in planning, coordination, and communication in a way that protects dignity and reduces harm.

Whether PMI as an organization should “take a stand” is complex, but I hope whatever we do continues to reflect the spirit of our Code of Ethics – responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty – and keeps the focus on human lives rather than politics.

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