The world faces a myriad of challenges that requires decisive and immediate action. While governments lead global efforts, some business schools form new models to address the world’s most pressing issues.
Renowned for its innovative curriculum, the Geneva Business School has shone the light on corporate diplomacy. This focus empowers students to negotiate the intricacies of global business and understand how corporations can navigate political and cultural barriers. In today’s world, such skills are no longer a luxury but a necessity.
“We are looking at the world from the top of a pyramid, trying to understand where we are going. Therefore, geopolitics and international relations within our program is key. Today, we need to acknowledge the role of private institutions and organizations in different parts of the world and how they can be active advocates and actors to try and help solve conflicts,” said Geneva Business School Spain CEO Nicola Jackman.
Within the context of the European Union, ESCP Business School embraces multiculturalism and adopts a humanistic vision wherein economic, political, cultural and social dimensions are deeply intertwined.
“At the core of ESCP is a European vision of the economy that belongs to multiple ecosystems,” said ESCP Business School Executive Director for Brand & Communications Dimitri Champollion.
On its 51st year, ESCP equips its students with the tools to bridge such divides and trains future business leaders who can shape a more inclusive, equitable global economy.
Across the Atlantic, the Ecole des sciences de Gestion at the University of Quebec in Montreal (ESG-UQAM) wants to have a global impact through, among others, its Executive MBA programs. By making those programs accessible from anywhere in the world, it hopes to shape effective business and government leaders in Canada and abroad.
“We are very proud of our contributions in uplifting the level of education not only in Canada but also in developing countries. Some of our graduates have become impactful CEOs, diplomats and public servants. It is in our DNA to shape leaders,” said ESG-UQAM Dean Komlan Sedzro.
In Sweden, Linköping University’s Division of Business Administration encourages students to apply rigorous scientific methods to solve business problems, an approach critical in an era of fast technological change and big data.
“We take pride in the space we give our students and employees to pursue research and innovation by combining multiple fields, to explore the impact job satisfaction on mental health in the workplace, for instance. Inter-disciplinary convergence is in our DNA”, said Linköping University Division Business Administration Head Pernilla Broberg.
Finally, in the Middle East, Qatar University’s College of Business & Economics has designed a curriculum around the concept of ‘Conscious Capitalism.’
“Businesses play a vital role in not only generating economic and financial value but also in creating significant environmental and societal value. It is imperative that we embrace business models that no longer necessitate tradeoffs between profitability and the desire to make a positive impact on society and the environment. By seeking synergies, businesses can effectively achieve both goals simultaneously,” said Qatar University’s College of Business & Economics Dean Rana Sobh.
