This month, I wanted to dedicate an article to education. A topic dear to my heart!
Grand-daughter, daughter, spouse... I always have had teachers around me and have the highest respect for their life-long commitment to education. I consider teachers’ contributions essential to make the world smarter, and by doing so, a better place for all!
This winter semester, I was invited by Professor Luania Gomez Gutierrez at ESG UQAM to give lectures to master’s degree students in accounting sciences. I was delighted to be given the opportunity to share my experience through the lenses of a business leader. But even more so, I welcomed the opportunity to engage with the next generation of managers and to face their questions around sustainability. And the conversations I experienced with this class have been nothing short of inspiring and thought-provoking!
Why is education in sustainability so critical?
In today's rapidly changing global landscape, the imperative for businesses to embrace sustainability has never been more pressing. As our world faces complex challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequality, the role of business leaders in driving sustainable practices has become paramount.
Many studies have underscored the importance of integrating sustainability into business education to better prepare business leaders. Research has shown that companies with strong sustainability practices tend to outperform their peers financially in the long run.
Moreover, there is growing recognition among stakeholders, including investors, consumers, and employees, of the value proposition offered by sustainable businesses.
In short, there is a clear business case for incorporating sustainability into the curriculum of business schools, universities and executive education programs.
When Business meets Academia
My most recent experiences as a lecturer at ESG UQAM and as a participant at CEDEP's (Home - CEDEP) Faculty Day have further reinforced my conviction that sustainability education is paramount. By teaching finance master’s students on topics such as ESG and business performance, I witnessed firsthand their enthusiasm and engagement. The class was eager to learn on how to integrate sustainability into their professional practices. The discussions we had about risks and opportunities facing companies and how to create and measure value creation from sustainability initiatives were thought-provoking and inspiring.
Different options for ESG education
I would mention 3 interesting sources of education for business leaders who seek to develop their knowledge on sustainability and ESG.
1) Academic programmes: they help develop a clear understanding about concepts such as climate change, biodiversity, ethics, governance or new regulations and standards, through the lens of academic researchers and teachers.
2) Communities of practice: These groups allow business leaders to share about their experiences and challenges with industry peers. Such initiatives exist through local industry associations, Chamber of commerce, not-for-profit associations, or think-tanks.
3) Business practitioners: Real-life business insights are an excellent complement to sustainability education. Sustainability experts and business practitioners speak a language common to their audience and can share useful insights and advice based on their professional experience.
In conclusion
The need to educate business leaders and employees in sustainability is undeniable. By equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to address sustainability challenges, we can empower them to lead their organizations towards a more prosperous and sustainable future. Through collaborative efforts between academia and industry, we can build a generation of business leaders who are not only financially savvy but also socially and environmentally responsible.
I look forward to hearing about your own experience. How and where did you educate yourself with respect to sustainability? What did you enjoy and what did you miss?
You can drop me a few lines at: contact@magalidepras.com.
I look forward to reading from you!
Yours Sustainably,
Magali
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