UN SDSN ESG, the first professional training programme in the country on ESG and Sustainable Development, is launched by Lifelong Learning Centre (KEDIBIM) of the Athens University of Economics and Business, in collaboration with the PwC Greece .

The programme brings together the scientific and educational experience of Athens University of Economics and Business with the business Practice and expertise PwC, the leading ESG consultancy in Greece and the scientific expertise of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), the largest global network of universities on Sustainable Development Solutions, which operates under the auspices of the UN General Assembly.

The programme

This is a comprehensive programme, of a total duration of 36 hours. For the first time, it provides participants with a certificate of training in ESG and sustainable development from the Athens University of Economics and Business. Its aim is to help participants to fully understand the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to successfully integrate Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) criteria in the operation of their businesses.

The programme is taught by internationally renowned professors, researchers and professionals from the industry and PwC. Addressed to to business executives, employees in the early stages of their careers. But also to all those who wish to gain knowledge about ESG. The initiative is part of the broader cooperation between PwC Greece and the University of Economics and Business. A partnership that looks forward to the continuous strengthening of the relationship between the business and academic community.

The project, in which the Research Laboratory of Socioeconomic & Social Sciences of the University of Cyprus participates, is Environmental Sustainability (ReSEES) of the UoA, follows a face-to-face teaching model. Lectures are conducted in an interactive context, using contemporary case studies.

The first cycle of the programme will start on 23 January 2023. Those interested can register on the website of the Lifelong Learning Centre of the Athens University of Economics and Business from 23 November.

Registration forms can be found on the website of the programme at: https://www.dept.aueb.gr/en/ReSEES/content/about-0

As Mr. Dimitris Sakipis, ESG Leader at PwC:

"For us at PwC, ESG and sustainable development are a key pillar of our global strategy, 'The New Equation', and a vehicle for our practical contribution to the transition to a modern economic model of sustainable development that promotes social well-being. Our aim through this programme is to contribute to the understanding of the sustainable development model and its importance for the environment, the economy, businesses and society. As the leader in advisory services and the partner of choice for companies for their strategic and ESG transformation, we leverage our expertise and the years of experience to help businesses and their employees to formulate a business plan that is sustainable, inclusive future. We aim to create a an enlarged pool of professionals who will lay the foundations for a stable, long-term, inclusive growth path."

For her part, Prof. Phoebe Kountouri, who is leading the project stressed:

"For our very survival, we need a bold socio-economic transformation that will put us on a sustainable path of growth. At least in Europe, the broader institutional framework of the European Green Deal is strictly in this direction. Technological progress provides us with the solutions for the green and digital transition.

Companies should immediately integrate ESG and SDG criteria into their operations, their production, the way they choose their investments, and reformulate their business plans. Through the UN SDSN ESG programme, the Athens University of Economics and Business in collaboration with PwC Greece, we provide all the necessary skills to business executives to understand and implement these criteria, as well as to quantify the impact of their implementation. The companies that will enable their executives to do so will be the ones that will be able to ensure their continued and increased profitability in the new institutional framework."