IMD Annual Report 2019

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Responsible leadership development

IMD is committed to contributing to a more sustainable world, both in its operations as an international academic institution and in its executive education and research activities. IMDundertook itsfirstmaterialityassessment to inform its ongoing commitment and holistic approach to sustainability as a leader in executive education. An overview of this approach and achievements can be found in IMD’s first Sustainability Report, published in 2020. Defining materialities IMDconducteditsfirstmaterialityassessment to identify the priority areas of sustainability that are important to its stakeholders and to the interests and responsibilities of IMD. Thisrigorous,six-monthprocessofinterviews, surveys and workshops involved engagement with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including course participants, alumni, staff and partners, and resulted in the development of a framework highlighting 13 important sustainability issues which were approved by IMD senior management. Five of these 13 issues were then selected as key focus areas where IMD believes it can have the greatest positive impact.

The topic of responsible leadership management is central to IMD’s business and is clearly linked to our vision. To develop leaders who transform organizations and contribute to society, sustainability must be deeply embedded into both teaching and research.

Cutting-edge education

In order to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment, developing state- of-the-art pedagogy is key. Specifically, by continuing to expand its digital offerings, IMD can provide a base for more executives to join IMD events and programs.

Access to executive education

Encouraging gender diversity as well as diversity across geographic, cultural and functional boundaries is core to IMD’s values. Having a diverse student body is necessary to attracting prospective students and clients and to developing culturally aware leaders.

Workforce diversity and inclusion

Today’s students want to see themselves reflected in the professors and administrators. By taking diversity into consideration in the faculty recruitment process, IMD can guarantee its strong academic pedigree.

Mobility and emissions

To help mitigate climate change, IMD must take urgent action to reduce its carbon emissions specifically arising from the travel of its students and staff. IMD can develop solutions that offer the same experience in a less carbon intensive way.