(List #86)Extending the Impact of Business Education

Firstly, my apologies for being silent for the past few weeks. I have been travelling quite a bit and although I had grand plans to keep sending out my Monday lists, limited internet, and time, prevented me from doing so. But I’m back at my desk and and back to List.

This week I’m looking at some courses I found at different universities which I think are an exciting direction for business schools to have an impact in relation to the SDGs. Not all of these courses refer to the SDGs directly, but their programs are (hopefully) addressing important SDG related issues, which is why I have included them. Business education has a significant influence not just of the business sector, but how all sectors operate.

1.SUSTAINABILITY IN SPACE

The Space & Sustainability Initiative at CU Boulder in the US is one of the first programmes in the US to focus on the private sector and entrepreneurship in space exploration and to help shape the norms of behaviour that can grow commercial space operations. The programme, specifically designed for the next generation of space entrepreneurs, teaches the principles of sustainable space governance and exposes students to the existing problems and solutions in order to ensure that they have the requisite tools to achieve the SDGs. CU Boulder sits in the centre of a growing aerospace ecosystem which currently includes the country’s largest aerospace companies including NASA.

2. SUSTAINABILITY IN THE POLICE

Druker School of Management in the US has paired up with the California Police Chiefs Association to profile leadership development that addresses major issues in policing.  Topics include risk management, citizen engagement and public trust. The School also has a partnership with Defy Ventures to provide a certificate in entrepreneurship for incarcerated students. Neither mention sustainability in their materials, which is a huge lost opportunity in my opinion. These are the kinds of programmes that should include sustainability in relevant ways as they go straight to the core of what the SDGs aim to do. Imagine new generations of entrepreneurs giving back to society in many more ways than one!

3. SUSTAINABILITY IN CONFLICT AREAS

The Business-on Conflict Research Group at the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business in Lebanon, hosts over 80 members and 30 affiliate researchers from academia, the humanitarian sector, and the private sector, representing a body of expertise concerning the role of business in conflict zones. Business growth in conflict settings helps with rebuilding societies torn by war, providing goods, services, and sustainable livelihoods, and fostering peace through economic and social development. Focusing on small businesses within these settings ensures that profits and employment opportunities go to those most vulnerable, offering an indigenous solution to reduce poverty and promote peace in conflict-affected regions.

4. SUSTAINABILITY IN CONGREGATIONS

Sisters’ Blended Value Project, facilitated by Stathmore University Business School in South Africa, aims to train 600 Sisters in over 40 congregations in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia through six individual and institutional courses. Many of the participants are involved in income generating activities in their congregations and wish to upskill to provide greater value to their communities. The programme is designed to provide guidance on how to design and implement effective social enterprises in their respective congregations guided by their charisms and mandates.

5. SUSTAINABILITY IN NGOS

The Almaty NGO Academy at Alma University in Kazakhstan was first launched on September 15, 2020, and within two months, over 300 non-governmental organizations (over 800 people) in Kazakhstan were trained within its framework. Classes were conducted by renowned experts and business trainers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and neighbouring countries. The NGO Academy’s training programs and services provide the necessary legal and managerial knowledge for NGO representatives. The project has demonstrated that the development of civic society should be based on specific education available for NGOs, and universities are the best platform for the provision of needed educational services.

Have a great week!

Best

Giselle