In recent years, the concept of sustainability has become present in everyone’s life as the answer to the most pressing issues of 21 century.
Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. (The United Nations Brundtland Commission)
Climate crisis, poverty and hunger, social inequality to name only a few global issues that affect our lives today, are an ever-lurking threat to the future of mankind.
The lack of regulations during the industrial revolution pushed society to take action which initiated the sustainability movement. The rapid growth came with a price. The leader in sustainability, Paul Polman encapsulates it in a tweet:
Something to think about:
The Earth is 4.6 billion years old. Let's scale that to 46 years. We have been here for 4 hours. Our industrial revolution began 1 minute ago.
In that time, we have destroyed 50% of the world's forests. This is not sustainable pic.twitter.com/0s2wLZW8m8— Paul Polman (@PaulPolman) December 10, 2021
We are responsible for making critical decisions that will shape the future of the world we leave to the next generations. But how can we achieve it?
The United Nations formulated the 17 most important Sustainable Development Goals as a part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which serves as a blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. Being aware of these problems is a good starting point in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Sustainability is divided into three pillars:
💡 OPPORTUNITY: Master of International Business – Concentration in Sustainability.
Business School Lausanne introduced a new program curated for Bachelor graduates who share a strong desire to master the capabilities to initiate sustainability-focused business impact within local or global organizations or start their own social enterprise.
- Environmental sustainability is probably your first association with the word sustainability. It involves all issues connected with the well-being of our planet: preserving and restoring the environment, responsible management of natural resources, clean energy and so on.
- Social sustainability: focuses on people and aims to create healthy communities and good quality of life for everyone. It focuses on very important aspects such as human rights, gender equality, living conditions, fair labor practices and so on.
- Economic sustainability: creates a stable economy by engaging in practices that don’t affect communities negatively while supporting long-term economic development. It is crucial that businesses and governments change priorities and imply strategies that focus on green consumption rather than constantly aim for profit.
Do you think that many companies nowadays live by these principles? Is it important for you as a customer or a business owner that a brand is sustainable?
Would you stop buying clothes from a brand using child labor? Would you keep supporting a company with huge CO2 emissions? And finally:
Why do companies with sustainable business models that drive change have an advantage?
- According to the recent study conducted by Attest, 51.5% of consumers believe that a company’s positive impact on the environment is very important.
- CSR Study held by Cone Communications proves that 88% of Americans will be more loyal to a company that supports social or environmental issues.
- As claimed by Impact Reporting, 73% of investors state efforts to improve the environment and society play into their investment decision-making. Moreover, 25% of consumers and 22% of investors cite a “zero tolerance” policy toward companies that embrace questionable practice on the ethical front.
- A study by Porter Novelli states that 88% of employees believe that making money is no longer the only priority of a company, a positive impact on society is a must. 95% also requires a business to benefit all stakeholders including shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers, communities etc, not just shareholders alone.
Establishing sustainable business practices within a company is crucial to its competitiveness today. Whether you are planning to start a venture or improve your current business, you need to have a sustainable business approach.
You can be the leader of positive change
The world needs leaders just like you to help build a more sustainable world. There’s a number of paths for you to become the next advocate for change.
Have you ever considered getting a degree in Sustainable Business? We have a perfect opportunity for you:
🌍 Join the Master of International Business – Concentration in Sustainability at Business School Lausanne
If you dream of a career that will allow you to initiate a positive change in business and society, join the Master of International Business. This program offers a strong concentration in Sustainability enabling you to develop the strategic competencies to initiate transformation in business, thus leveraging business as a force for good.
Business School Lausanne offers a top curriculum with courses endorsed by the UN, focusing on the latest frameworks and business practices such as ESG, sustainable supply chain management, circular economy and social entrepreneurship competencies.
If you feel like this program is tailored for you, don’t wait and apply now before the deadline on January 31, 2022 23:59 CET. Young leaders fluent in English and holding a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline are welcome to apply!
Not ready to join the program yet? No worries! Sign up via this form to join a free consultation on what it takes to study International Business Concentration in Sustainability!
For more business and entrepreneurship tips, subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
