In a region like Latin America, social impact initiatives of higher education institutions play a fundamental role, says Dean of EGADE Business School.

By SOFÍA VALVERDE ZAMORA, JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Within the framework of the AACSB International Latin America Webinar Series, Horacio Arredondo, Dean of EGADE Business School at Tecnológico de Monterrey, delivered the talk "Being and Appearing: Ideas and Practices for Generating Social Impact."

The webinar focused on the crucial role that higher education institutions, particularly business schools, play in promoting sustainable development in Latin America and exploring innovative social impact initiatives.

Presented by María Baltar, Regional Head Americas of AACSB, Arredondo offered a comprehensive vision of how practices and strategies implemented by EGADE Business School align with its purpose: “Rethinking the future of business to impact the sustainable development of Latin America.”

Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of understanding Latin America's specific context to design initiatives that truly address regional needs.

"We face an unprecedented opportunity to transform our institutions, making them more relevant and enhancing their contribution to the future of our countries," emphasized the Dean.

Arrendondo firmly believes in business schools' transformative role, "Beyond teaching and research, they must assume their responsibility as educational institutions to foster social impact."

He noted that this approach is evidenced in EGADE Business School's active participation as a signatory and Champion of PRME. This Global Compact initiative promotes responsible business education in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development context.

Another example he added, highlighting the commitment and leadership of EGADE Business School to drive business transformation towards sustainable impact, is the EGADE Action Week. This innovative forum earned the Best CSR and Sustainability Initiative award at the AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards 2024.

He also highlighted initiatives such as the delivery of a study for a proposed law to the Energy Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, the launch of the VIVA Idea Schmidheiny Chair in Sustainable Futures at EGADE Business School, and the signing of an agreement with the Secretariat of Equality and Inclusion of the Government of Nuevo León.

Additionally, the Dean underscored the need for constant monitoring and adjustment in social impact processes to ensure their effectiveness and relevance. Arredondo concluded his intervention by pointing out businesses' ability to generate trust and foster positive changes in society, considering them fundamental pillars of growth and sustainable development.

This webinar not only provided valuable insights on the contribution of higher education to sustainable development but also reaffirmed the commitment of EGADE Business School to creating significant and lasting social impact. AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) represents a global nonprofit organization that brings together educational institutions, businesses, and other entities committed to advancing business education.

EGADE Business School proudly holds AACSB International accreditation, a recognition that evidences the School's commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement and positions it within the elite of global business schools, being part of the select "triple crown" of accreditations.

This distinction is granted only to those business schools accredited by the three most prestigious international organizations in the sector: AACSB, AMBA (Association of MBAs), and EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System).