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Interview

Ivana Modena. Sustainable development is a holistic way of life.

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Partner of the educational project in the interests of sustainable development under the auspices of the Russian national network of the UN Global Compact - the competition “Impact of Business. Local solutions to global problems ”- business school SUMAS. The founder and president of the School, Ivana Modena, Ph.D., author of the book Global Markets and Local Structures, a member of several international commissions in the field of education and communications, explained why she was inspired by the project to promote the idea of education for sustainable development, including - in Russia.

Ivana, let's start with your motivation. Why did you choose this path?

The main reasons are my passion for educational sciences in general, the desire to change traditional educational models for more innovative ones and, of course, dedication to the values ​​of responsible business practice, which is unthinkable today without understanding the complex interrelation of elements and levels of sustainable development fr om local to global. The synergy of these motives allows my team to promote the transformation of running a business towards the most ethical and humane management decisions. For the same reasons, SUMAS is fully involved in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, because they are based on similar foundations in their trinity: economic rules, environmental protection and social inclusion.

How do you formulate the concept of "sustainable development" for your listeners?

We focus them not on the fact that sustainable development is a kind of theoretical concept, but on the fact that this is a new holistic way of life, and mastering it is one of the main tasks facing humanity in the 21st century. All of us - every person, company or state - are trying to create value today in conditions of limited resources. The generally accepted practice has long contributed not to the growth of these resources, but to their increasingly catastrophic reduction and absorption. But for society, business, and government, economic growth, the environment, and social integration are equally important. Sustainable management allows not to separate these three aspects, but jointly integrate into all strategic areas. It is increasingly clear that such an approach provides effective management and long-term profitability. A sustainable future is no longer an option or choice; it has become a necessity. The new generation will have to reconsider both life and business practices in order to ensure a positive impact on the environment, the economy and society as a whole. Sustainable development is one of the most relevant to date area of ​​human knowledge and competencies. And this is most clearly seen in the private sector. A business that operates according to the principles of sustainable development is, accordingly, the most stable in all senses and quickly, successfully growing. It is expected that this trend will only increase in the coming years. The most effective leaders of the near future will be those who learn to synthesize practical problems and current activities with the most important global challenges and values ​​of sustainable development.

Does your school prepare such leaders?

The goal of SUMAS is to educate socially responsible leaders who will make responsible decisions in difficult conditions, and to provide them with an innovative combination of business knowledge and a deep understanding of the foundations of sustainable development. Our School fills the gap between education in the field of business management and scientific knowledge in the interests of sustainable development, forms high educational standards for students, providing not only theoretical knowledge, but also the best practices in the field of sustainable development. Business School SUMAS strives to offer the most advanced and complete programs that allow you to prepare qualified leaders of the future. We became the first business school in the world to launch bachelor and master programs in the field of sustainable development management. To ensure the future success of its students, SUMAS instills in them relevant professional and entrepreneurial skills through collaboration with corporate partners, supports student initiatives that help develop personal communication and social skills. The international multicultural educational environment of our School plays a big role in this.

What are the main goals of your programs, which of them are most in demand?

The goal is to achieve the goals of your child's life. It’s not a problem. There are also programs for health care and health care, concept of sustainable development. Bachelor of business administration (BBA degree), master of business administration (MAM), doctor of business administration (DBA degree), training programs for managers. Recently, we are seeing an increase in demand in two directions. The first is a young man. SUMAS launched a special career-oriented program. Employees and employees. Therefore, corporate programs develop for companies. Thus, it’s not a problem.

What is the portrait of your listeners?

We have students fr om more than 30 countries, including Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada, Japan, India, Brazil, the states of South Africa and others. 45% women, 55% - men. Undergraduates are graduates of schools who would like to work in the business field in Europe and are looking for programs with a focus on sustainable development. MBA students are young professionals (25-36 years old) who are seriously interested in sustainable development and environmental issues. These are mainly professionals already working in corporations, non-governmental organizations and government agencies that require knowledge and practice in the field of sustainable development. Distance education: age from 21 to 45, working professionals of corporations, non-governmental organizations, as well as government agencies that require knowledge and practices in the field of sustainable development, and they optimize the schedule and curriculum that allows you to combine workload with work.

What is one of the aspects of sustainable development and education for its purposes that is important to you personally?

I am personally inspired by the area of ​​social integration. My professional interest as a sociologist is related to gender equality. Equal and fair opportunities for men and women are not only one of the fundamental human rights, but also an important foundation for a prosperous and sustainable world. This is becoming more and more aware. The first country in the world, wh ere the law requires employers to ensure that the same wage is offered to everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity or nationality, Iceland has become. Saudi Arabia announced the granting of the right to drive a car to women, thus ending the long-term policy that has become a symbol of the oppression of women. Being a woman is not easy not only in developing, but also in developed countries, wh ere women suffer from violence in their own homes. Women usually achieve excellent results in the educational process, make decisions in various fields of activity, but most of them do not reach the highest levels of the career ladder, as they are occupied by men. This phenomenon is called the “glass ceiling effect”.

What do you expect from the project in partnership with the Russian network of the UN Global Compact?

Interesting communication, bright new projects, opportunities to promote the idea of ​​education in the interests of sustainable development. Thanks to the partnership between the SUMAS business school and the national network of the Global Compact of Russia, we can support young people from Russia who will become the leaders of tomorrow. I am glad that we provide the main prize fund for this unique competition, focused on the Russian youth. The winners will be awarded scholarships for undergraduate and master's studies at the school SUMAS. I am very inspired by the idea of ​​the competition, I am grateful to my Russian partners for the launch of this important competition and look forward to continuing our long-term cooperation.

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