On December 10th, the Swiss School of Business and Management Geneva had the privilege of hosting an inspiring event focused on sustainability titled “Sustainability: Understanding Its Essence and Universal Importance.” The event brought together students, faculty, and guests for a thought-provoking discussion on the pressing issues surrounding climate change, corporate responsibility, and the path toward a more sustainable future.
Welcoming Khulan Berger: A Leader in Sustainability
We were honored to welcome Khulan Berger, the Director of MYBLUEPLANET, a renowned Swiss NGO dedicated to climate protection. Khulan, who is also a Youth Ambassador for the Climate Bridges – WE Build Bridges for Climate & Sustainability Network, shared her extensive knowledge and experience in sustainability. Her work with the Swiss government, major industries, and international organizations has made her a key figure in the fight against climate change. As part of the diplomatic missions for climate change from Switzerland, Khulan’s insights offered a unique perspective on how businesses, governments, and individuals can take action.
Exploring Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
Khulan’s presentation delved into essential sustainability concepts and corporate responsibility. She provided our students with valuable tools to apply sustainability frameworks within business environments. One of the key concepts discussed was Doughnut Economics, a visual framework that helps define a safe and just space for humanity by balancing planetary boundaries and social foundations. Khulan also introduced The Iceberg Model, a tool for systematic thinking that can be applied to business and project management, encouraging our students to think critically about sustainability at all levels of operation.
Learning from Real-World Sustainability Initiatives
Throughout her talk, Khulan shared examples of regional sustainability initiatives and highlighted the roles of various industries and organizations in advancing climate protection. She emphasized the importance of aligning businesses with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas like entrepreneurship, innovation, and environmental responsibility. Her first-hand experiences attending international sustainability events offered our students a practical view of the global efforts being made to tackle climate change.
Sustainability in Practice at SSBM Geneva
At SSBM Geneva, sustainability is an integral part of our educational mission. Our programs are designed to prepare students to lead sustainable initiatives within businesses. From entrepreneurship to project management and marketing, we equip students with the skills to identify and implement sustainable solutions across all business domains. Sustainability isn’t just a theory for us – it’s a practice that our students actively engage with.
Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Technology Conference in April 2024
In April 2024, SSBM Geneva will host an event focused on Sustainability and Technology, which will bring together students, industry leaders, and sustainability experts. The conference will explore the intersection of sustainability and cutting-edge technologies, offering our students an opportunity to learn from professionals in the field and apply their knowledge in the context of modern technological advancements. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for this exciting event!
Thank you to Khulan Berger for a visit to SSBM Geneva. Her talk not only expanded our students’ understanding of sustainability but also inspired them to integrate these principles into their future careers. As we continue to focus on the United Nations’ SDGs and foster sustainable innovation, we look forward to seeing the positive impact our students will make in the world of business and beyond.
We are excited about what the future holds and eager to share more about our upcoming events and student projects. Sustainability is not just a topic we teach; it is a value we live by at SSBM Geneva.
