KEDGE Business School has strengthened its sustainability efforts by becoming an ambassador of the UN Global Compact – France Network for 2025-2026. Among 28 organizations selected in France, KEDGE is the only higher education institution to receive this honor.

KEDGE Business School’s Commitment to Sustainability and CSR

The UN Global Compact, launched in 2000 by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, is the world’s largest initiative for sustainable development and corporate social responsibility (CSR). It has 24,000 members globally, including 2,100 in France. The initiative helps businesses transform their operations based on the ten principles of the Global Compact and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As an ambassador, KEDGE Business School will promote CSR initiatives and sustainable business practices across Nouvelle-Aquitaine. This effort aligns with the school’s KEDGE IMPAKT strategy, which prioritizes ecological and social transition through education, research, and corporate engagement.

Sustainability Initiatives and Innovation

KEDGE’s selection reflects its long-standing commitment to sustainability. A UN Global Compact member since 2005, the school has pioneered several initiatives that contributed to this recognition. Notably, these initiatives have had a significant impact:

• Sulitest & TASK: KEDGE Business School developed the Sustainability Literacy Test (Sulitest), a UN-recognized tool that measures students’ understanding of sustainable development. Since 2016, all KEDGE students must pass this test to graduate. Similarly, the TASK (The Assessment of Sustainability Knowledge) certification ensures at least 75% of graduates gain a solid grasp of sustainability challenges. As a result, KEDGE continues to lead in sustainability education.
• PocFIN Network & Ecological Macroeconomics: The school leads the Sustainable Finance commission of SDSN France and runs the international scientific network PoCfiN. Professor Thomas Lagoarde-Segot spearheads this initiative, which reforms academic finance to address 21st-century environmental and economic challenges. Furthermore, KEDGE’s Ecological Money and Finance manual, winner of the Financial Times’ “Responsible Business Education Award 2024”, serves as a key text for courses, including Ecological Macroeconomics.
• SimONU at KEDGE Business School: KEDGE students engage in United Nations negotiation simulations, playing diplomatic roles in discussions on global issues. Organized by the SimONU association, these simulations enhance negotiation, diplomacy, and public speaking skills while deepening their understanding of international governance. Consequently, students gain real-world experience in international relations.
• Sustainability-Focused Admissions Process: In 2024, KEDGE introduced “The Revealer”, a structured interview framework based on the SDGs. This ensures students in the Grande École Program align with the school’s sustainability values. As a result, KEDGE fosters a new generation of business leaders committed to sustainability.

Expanding KEDGE Business School’s Impact

Looking ahead, KEDGE Business School aims to increase student and faculty participation in Global Compact initiatives. Specifically, it will focus on youth engagement programs, intergenerational collaborations, and sector-specific sustainability research in finance, supply chains, and corporate procurement.

As an ambassador, KEDGE Business School will join a March 11 working group hosted by international logistics firm Sterne. The discussion will explore equal opportunities in an intergenerational society. Additionally, previous discussions addressed responsible purchasing in Bordeaux and inclusiveness in Marseille.

Recognition and Leadership in Sustainable Education

KEDGE Business School’s selection by the UN Global Compact – France Network highlights its leadership in sustainable business education. According to Anne-France Piteau, Director of Transition and Impact at KEDGE, “Being selected as an ambassador for the French network of the United Nations Global Compact is a strong recognition of KEDGE Business School’s commitment to a concrete ecological and social transition. We are convinced that schools have an essential role to play in uniting companies and organizations around the challenges of sustainable development. With this mission, we are continuing our desire to support the transformations necessary for a fairer and more inclusive future.”

About KEDGE Business School

KEDGE Business School is a globally recognized management institution with campuses in France (Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille, Toulon), China (Shanghai, Suzhou), and Africa (Dakar, Abidjan). It also has four associated campuses. Currently, KEDGE serves 16,000 students, 218 faculty members, and 90,000 alumni worldwide. The school offers 38 management and design programs and provides corporate training at national and international levels.

Due to its strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social impact, KEDGE Business School has earned prestigious rankings. Notably, the Financial Times 2024 placed it 34th in Europe and 28th globally for its Executive MBA. Moreover, as an AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA-accredited institution, KEDGE continues to drive positive change through education and research.

KEDGE Business School’s Role in a Sustainable Future

By taking on this ambassadorial role, KEDGE Business School sets an example for educational institutions leading sustainability efforts. Through collaboration with businesses, students, and policymakers, the school is shaping a more sustainable and equitable world. Furthermore, its ongoing initiatives ensure that future business leaders are equipped with the knowledge and skills to drive meaningful change.