Over the past two decades, GBSN has played a crucial role in connecting business schools, educators, and students from diverse backgrounds, promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing. By facilitating partnerships and supporting capacity-building initiatives, GBSN has helped bridge the gap between academia and the business community, enabling the development of impactful leaders and fostering economic growth in various regions.
GBSN launched in 2003 as a program of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) at the World Bank. The impetus: vast amounts of money, resources, and human potential go to waste due to poor management. It was not just money that emerging markets needed also but human capacity to effectively manage resources and productively lead teams; and there was too little attention to expanding and improving management education.
Starting as a program of the International Finance Corporation at the World Bank, where our founder, Guy Pfeffermann was Chief Economist at the time, we began with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. Today, GBSN is an independent 501(c)3 organization with member schools on 6 continents and a global mission.
Since 2003, we have been a leader in promoting management education as a critical component in successful international development.
GBSN has transformed from a project-driven development organization to a purpose-driven network.
Guy Pfeffermann, Founder, Global Business School Network
Through its programs, conferences, and events, GBSN has fostered a global network of educators and institutions, driving positive change and advancements in business education. By emphasizing the importance of diversity, social responsibility, and sustainable practices, GBSN has contributed to shaping the future of management education, equipping students with the skills and mindset needed to tackle complex challenges.
Share Your GBSN Impact Story
Join us in commemorating the 20th anniversary of GBSN’s incredible impact!
We’re excited to celebrate two decades of enabling business schools to profoundly impact sustainable development worldwide—through education, research, and community engagement. To mark this milestone, we’re calling on our network to showcase stories and experiences of individuals who have been impacted by our organization.
Whether you’re a beneficiary, volunteer, employee, or supporter, we want to hear from you! Share your personal journey, inspiring anecdotes, and the ways in which our organization has made a lasting impact on your life or the lives of others. Your stories will help us reflect on the incredible achievements of the past 20 years.
Here’s how you can participate:
- Craft your story: Take a moment to reflect on how GBSN’s work has influenced you. Did it provide you with opportunities, support, or resources that made a difference? Did you witness firsthand the positive changes it has brought to a community or a cause you care about? Think about the moments that stand out and how they’ve shaped your perspective.
- Get creative: You can share your story in various ways! Write a heartfelt testimonial or create a short video. Let your creativity shine as you illustrate the impact of our organization.
- Spread the word: Once we’ve published your story, share it with your network using the hashtag #GBSNImpactStory and tag our organization’s official account. Encourage others to do the same by tagging colleagues across the GBSN network. Let’s create a wave of gratitude and inspiration for the future!
- Engage and connect: As the stories start pouring in, take the time to engage with other participants, sharing encouragement, and celebrating their impact stories.
- Amplify the impact: With your permission, we may reach out to select participants to feature their stories in our upcoming anniversary publication or promotional materials. Your story could inspire countless others and further demonstrate the importance of GBSN’s work and mission.
As GBSN enters its third decade, we are confident that it will continue to be a leading force in transforming business education. By embracing emerging technologies, fostering innovation, and addressing the evolving needs of the business world, GBSN will play a vital role in preparing future generations of business leaders for success in an ever-changing global landscape.
GBSN Beyond: The Transformative Power of Talent & Technology
In our 20th year at GBSN, our hybrid model of GBSN Beyond will convene academia, students and leaders to provide a variety of engaging learning experiences, knowledge exchanges, and opportunities to network and connect with colleagues from across the globe. This will include an in-person component designed for academic leaders and administrators as well as industry professionals paralleling a virtual conference that is accessible to a wider audience.
This year’s GBSN theme is about opportunities and challenges at the intersection of talent and technology.
Join your fellow students, faculty members, and administrators together, in person or online, at GBSN Beyond 2023.