50+20 | PIR

50+20 is an initiative launched at the RIO+20 Conference in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012

with the aim to share a lighthouse vision for business and management education.

50+20 was a collaborative effort of three organizations – WBSCSB, PRME and GRLI –

all active in trying to figure out how to change management education for the better.

More than 360 stakeholders from around the world contributed in a 9-month process

to this vision which was summarized as follows:

"Management Education FOR the world.

From being the best in the world to becoming the best for the world."

A 50+20 school provides education and research that is relevant & applied, holistic & integrative, responsible & sustainable, inter-disciplinary & multi-level, and, of course, learning-oriented.

This page is the global depository of all 50+20 related materials, including the orginal agenda, the film, the books, the videos and documentaries.

50+20 has inspired many initiatives and educational efforts in business & management education since its launch. Among these, the Positive Impact Rating has built its assessment model on the 50+20 vision.

THE 50+20 VISION IN ONE VISUAL:

The three key roles of Mangement Education:

Educating and developing globally responsible leaders:
- Transformative learning
- Issue-centered learning
- Reflective practice and Fieldwork
Enabling business organizations to serve the common good:
- Research in service of society
- Supporting companies towards stewardship
- Accompanying leaders in their transformation
Engaging in the transformation of business and the economy:
- Open access between academia and practice
- Faculty as public intellectuals
- Institutions as role models

WHAT 50+20 IS REMEMBERED FOR:

The 50+20 vision is encapsulated in the 'Management Education for the World' book and a compelling short film. These resources provide an in-depth look at our mission and the global impact of the 50+20 Agenda. The book, available globally, is a treasure trove of insights and strategies for educators and students alike. The short film, featuring voices from around the world, serves as a powerful tool in communicating our vision and sparking inspiration among viewers.

The 50+20 Film

This award-winning short-film brings together global voices and showcases the collaborative spirit of the 50+20 vision. It showcases the spirit and vision of the project and was directed by internationally renowned filmmakers Ilka Franzmann and Claudius Bensch.

See online

The 50+20 Book (EN+CH)

A frequently cited and highly appreciated book providing a detailed outline of the future of management education. Ideal for managers, business students, and the general public. Available in English and in Chinese.

Buy now

The 50+20 Agenda

An executive summary that encapsulates our vision, challenges, and emerging solutions. Presented at the RIO+20 United Nations Conference and written by a science-fiction writer. A captivating read.

Download

The RIO+20 Experience

Experience our journey at the RIO+20 Summit through documentary segments and interviews, capturing unique encounters and discussions. Join the core 50+20 team as they launch the famous Collaboratory in the midst of the People Park.

See online

How 50+20 was created and launched

In January 2011, WBSCSB, PRME, and GRLI, signed a joined agreement of collaboration and born from a union of ideas and collaborative spirit, our initiative sets a new agenda in management education, one that focuses on responsible leadership, organizational stewardship, and societal transformation for a sustainable future.

50+20 represents a coalition of thought leaders and institutions committed to redesigning management education.

In June 2012, the 50+20 Initiative was proudly unveiled at the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. This landmark event marked a significant step in redefining management education globally. Our presence at Rio+20 symbolized the commitment to integrating sustainable development into business school curricula worldwide. The launch showcased our vision to educators, leaders, and policymakers, sparking a dialogue on transformative learning.

Watch the launch here:

Testimonials

"50+20 not only raises the sights for those charged with the development of our future leaders, but also provides a clear roadmap for delivering on that ambition. As such, it is an important contribution to a journey of transformation that affects not only the future of business, but the very planet itself."

Paul Polman – Imagine, Former CEO of Unilever

50+20 Steering Committee, Lead and Co-Authors

Lead Authoring Group and 50+20 Steering Committee

(from left to right)

Thomas Dyllick, at the time Delegate for Responsibility & Sustainability, University of St Gallen, Co-founder WBSCSB, currently Director of the Institute for Business Sustainability
Paul Shrivastava, Director, D. O’Brien Center for Sustainable Enterprise, Co-founder WBSCSB
Katrin Muff, at the time Dean Business School Lausanne, Co-founder WBSCSB, currently Director, the Institute for Business Sustainability
Mark Drewell, at the time Chief Executive, GRLI
John North, at the time Projects Director, GRLI, currently CEO of GRLI
Jonas Haertle at the time Head, Principles for Responsible Management Education secretariat (UN PRME) @ UN Global Compact Office, currently Head of Programmes at UNITAR (missing in the picture)

The following institutions generously provided financial assistance and are recognised as official co-authors of the 50+20 agenda:

Business School Lausanne
CENTRUM Católica
Copenhagen Business School
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited
ESADE Law & Business School
ESSEC Business School
ICN Business School Nancy-Metz
John Molson School of Business, Concordia University
Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
Queensland University of Technology
Rajiv Gandhi Indian Institute of Management
Swinburne University of Technology
University of Pretoria: Albert Luthuli Center for Responsible Leadership &
Gordon Institute of Business Science
University of St Gallen
Vienna University of Economics and Business
Zermatt Summit

Participants, reviewers, writing contributors

A large international group of stakeholders, societal roleplayers and thought leaders attended our retreats, offered reviews and submitted writing contributions.