GBSN Beyond 2021

Business schools are ideally placed to be the nexus between government, business and civil society in shaping a collective response to our most critical challenges.

Existing inequalities have been exposed and exacerbated by COVID–19^[1]. Our world after the global pandemic is likely to see the proliferation of these inequalities unless we focus on the inclusive management of our multiple challenges. From access to healthcare and education to the all-encompassing disruptions of climate change, as leaders of management education we have to forge a response that recognizes and addresses with intent the disparate ways these issues affect various populations^[2]. Researchers warn the longer the delay, the more disorderly, disruptive and abrupt the policy responses to climate change will inevitably be^[3]. Pre-pandemic numbers indicate approximately 250 000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050 are likely to occur as a result of the climate emergency while areas with weak health infrastructure – mostly in developing countries – will be the least able to cope^[4].

At GBSN Beyond, we hope to collectively explore multi-sector collaboration in developing talent needed for society. GBSN’s focal point is on people development. To #buildbackbetter, we must collectively build trust, understand the role of each stakeholder and embrace the notion of adaptability. The goal is to go local, developing talent within the context of local community.