Sustainability certificate - Driving Sustainability from the Boardroom

The Driving Sustainability from the Boardroom program, offered by IMD Business School in collaboration with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), is a highly experiential executive education initiative designed to equip current and aspiring board members with the skills to govern ESG issues effectively. This 2-day on-campus program immerses participants in the complexities of ESG, enabling them to influence and integrate sustainability into corporate strategy while fulfilling expanded fiduciary duties. It can be taken standalone or as part of IMD's board diploma pathways, focusing on full ESG literacy, opportunity identification, and crisis management through simulations.

Core Content

The program addresses the global imperative of ESG factors, emphasizing how boards must respond to stakeholder scrutiny and integrate sustainability into strategy. Key topics include ESG literacy for leading boardroom discussions, leveraging ESG for long-term success and reputation, understanding fiduciary and accountability duties in stewardship, and handling difficult ESG conversations or crises via immersive simulations. It draws on real-life examples and peer exchanges to explore sustainability challenges as opportunities, with a curriculum shaped by IMD's expertise and WBCSD collaboration.

Key Skills

Participants gain the ability to lead ESG conversations, ask critical questions in and out of the boardroom, and identify ESG opportunities for organizational growth. The program develops competencies in steering sustainability integration, managing crises through experiential learning, and expanding fiduciary responsibilities to include ESG accountability. Graduates emerge equipped to influence board decisions, foster positive change, and apply deep knowledge from diverse industry perspectives.

Target Learners

This program is tailored for current or aspiring board members, chairpersons, and board secretaries who recognize sustainability and ESG as boardroom imperatives. It suits experienced professionals from various industries, with an average participant profile including 20 years of experience, age 52, and representation from 15 nationalities. It is ideal for those seeking to elevate their stewardship role in corporate governance.

Learning Format

The program is delivered over 2 days on IMD's campus, featuring a highly experiential format with simulations, faculty-led sessions, and peer discussions. It includes a 10-day pre-program countdown for preparation, emphasizing real-world application and interaction. Upon completion, participants join IMD's vibrant board alumni community for ongoing virtual and face-to-face exchanges.

Additional Benefits

Graduates become part of IMD's board community network for continued peer support and discussions on governance trends. The program has been recognized as a finalist in the QS Reimagine Education Awards for Sustainability Education, reflecting its innovative approach. It supports career advancement through board diplomas and provides lasting access to a network of peers for advice on ESG challenges.

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