International Conference on the Sustainable Development of Multinational Enterprises

International Conference on the Sustainable Development of Multinational Enterprises (MESD’26) is a two-day international academic and business conference taking place on 10–11 December 2026 at the ICN Business School – Berlin Campus, Berlin, Germany. Marking the 20th anniversary of the MESD conference series, the 2026 edition focuses on “Multinational Enterprises, Sustainability and Responsibility in Times of Crisis.” The conference brings together researchers, academics, business professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders interested in the sustainable development and responsible management of multinational enterprises.

Purpose and Objectives

The primary purpose of MESD’26 is to provide an international platform for research and dialogue on how multinational enterprises can address sustainability and responsibility challenges during periods of economic, geopolitical, environmental, and social disruption. The conference encourages interdisciplinary perspectives on sustainable business development and responsible corporate practices.

Key Activities

The conference includes academic presentations, research paper sessions, thematic discussions, networking, and opportunities for researchers and practitioners to exchange perspectives. Participants can submit extended abstracts of approximately 1,500 words in English, with accepted contributions forming part of the conference's research programme and proceedings.

You’ll explore

• Sustainability strategies and responsible management in multinational enterprises
• Corporate responsibility during times of crisis
• Sustainable business models and international operations
• Environmental, social and governance challenges
• Multinational enterprise responses to global disruption
• Research and emerging perspectives on sustainable development

Significance

The conference is significant because it marks two decades of the MESD conference series while addressing the increasingly complex sustainability challenges facing multinational enterprises. Its focus on sustainability and responsibility during times of crisis provides an opportunity to examine how companies can maintain long-term value creation while responding to major global disruptions.

Expected Outcomes

Participants can expect exposure to current academic research, emerging approaches to sustainable multinational enterprise management, and perspectives from international researchers and practitioners. The conference is intended to encourage research collaboration, knowledge exchange, professional networking, and further dialogue on responsible and sustainable business practices.