The WBCSD is a global organisation where business leaders from 200 companies opt to create a positive change in our society through their actions and make our world a more sustainable place. In their annual meetings, the business leaders discuss environmental problems and try to find ways of transforming their businesses.
The ten LUMS students are working as hosts to support the WBCSD’s ‘Roadmaps to impact in today’s realities’ meeting. Tor-Elesh Albrigsten, Nevena Stoyanova, Michal Trela, Aleksandra Reinert, Daniela Solis, Alexandra Ursu (all of whom are pursuing a BSc Business Studies degree), Medeea Fercu (BSc Management and Human Resources), Davide Baino (BBA European Management), Nina-Marleen Osterod (International Business Management) and Tom Vaughan (International Business Management) were appointed as the official university ambassadors after a competitive selection process, impressing tutors with their passion for driving change for a more sustainable world.
The group are looking forward to taking an active role at the meeting. Daniela Solis said: “We all need to be part of this global movement, part of the change.”
Medeea Fercu said: “It is our duty to be aware of today’s global reality and combat the misconception that economic growth and sustainability cannot complement each other.”
The students are all taking an innovative field trip module - OWT.232 Management and Sustainability: WBCSD Bootcamp. This course is designed to bring theory and practice together and give students invaluable work experience. Students have already attended an intense week of teaching in preparation for the WBCSD’s meeting, which challenged their perceptions of what sustainability is and developed their critical thinking skills on what organisations can really do to have an impact by focusing not only on their economic benefits, but also on their social and environmental responsibilities.
Dr Alison Stowell, who is one of the organisers of the module and the trip and the Pentland Centre Teaching Liaison, said: “Our students are driving change, their desire to make a difference is incredible. Our field trip module enables students to hear first-hand the views of experts and witness theoretical ideas being put into practice.”
The students have the opportunity to hear from and meet C-Suite Executives from companies such as Unilever, Aditya Birla, Nestlé, KPMG, Olam, Royal Dutch Shell and many others. Being able to sit in on business meetings, they will get to hear how businesses leaders are striving towards a more sustainable future.
Follow the team’s journey on Twitter (#LUMSatWBCSD), as well as their blogs where they will reveal more about their background, their passions, and their experiences in Mexico City.