Introduction

Business schools play a critical role in shaping the minds and skills of future leaders, managers, and professionals across various industries. As hubs of knowledge, research, and innovation, they have a significant influence on the evolution of business practices that would enhance sustainability endeavors. In essence, business schools are uniquely positioned at the intersection of education, research, and industry influence. By championing sustainability, they not only fulfill their academic and social responsibilities but also ensure that the future leaders they produce are equipped to handle the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century.

The College of Business & Economics at Qatar University aims to connect various AACSB-accredited business schools in the MENA region to encourage regional collaboration among these schools and their stakeholders, which include students, faculty members, practitioners, policymakers, and governments. The goal is to establish and execute an agenda that promotes the fight against the impact of climate change by educating current and future leaders about the challenges of achieving sustainability. To this end, the “MENA Business Schools Alliance for Sustainability” is a proposed platform that seeks to unite business schools in the MENA region with the overarching goals of promoting environmental stewardship, capacity building, and advancing sustainability objectives, including monitoring the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The alliance’s primary focus is on business education’s role in achieving these goals.

Business schools in the alliance will collaborate with key global and regional players in the area of sustainability to accelerate the diffusion of knowledge and empower business schools to serve as catalysts for positive change in the business community and society.

Definition of Sustainability from the Viewpoint of the Alliance

Sustainability is about making decisions that ensure, or even improve, the quality of life for future generations. Its aim is to promote human well-being while maintaining the balance and resilience of the Earth’s ecosystems, without placing excessive strain on the environment.

Sustainability, from a business schools’ viewpoint, encompasses the deliberate integration of economic, environmental, and social dimensions into our teaching methodologies, research agendas, and community engagement efforts. It signifies a strategic intent to equip our students with the knowledge and skills to leverage organizational resources—be they human, financial, or physical—in a manner that addresses both contemporary market demands and broader societal challenges, ensuring the resilience and relevance of businesses in the future.