Responsible Business: CSR, Gender Equality & Sustainable Impact

Responsible Business: CSR, Gender Equality & Sustainable Impact

This program consists of two main blocks:

First block Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The first block of the programme focuses on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). In today’s globalized world, businesses must navigate diverse ethical norms and values that vary across countries. This presents a challenge, as differing moral standards lead to different expectations regarding a company's economic, social, and environmental responsibilities.

In industrialized societies, stakeholders—including customers, suppliers, employees, the public, and the media—expect companies to go beyond merely complying with the law. In developing countries, where legal protections are often weak, fundamental issues such as human rights, fair wages, and working conditions become even more pressing.

Throughout the week, we will examine the complex relationship between businesses and society in a globalized world. Participants will explore how companies can balance social, environmental, and economic goals while meeting stakeholder expectations. The program integrates theory with practice through a stakeholder management simulation game and a company visit to learn first-hand about the challenges and opportunities of CSR. The week concludes with individual presentations, in which participants will critically assess the CSR strategy of a company of their choice and develop recommendations for their own organisations.

Week 2: Gender Equality and Sustainable Impact
The second block addresses the persistent challenges of gender equality, as highlighted in the 2024 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) progress report. Despite global commitments, progress remains slow: gender inequality costs the world economy $10 trillion annually, and at the current rate, extreme poverty among women could take 137 years to eradicate. Gender parity in leadership and political representation may not be achieved until 2063, while significant gaps persist in addressing gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health rights, and equal opportunities. Additionally, climate change and economic inequality disproportionately affect women and marginalized groups, making urgent action essential.

This week aims to close these critical gaps by equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools to drive gender-responsive policies, programs, projects, and leadership initiatives. By focusing on economic empowerment, political representation, gender-based violence, climate action, and sexual and reproductive health, participants will be empowered to accelerate progress toward a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.