Qatar University (QU), represented by the College of Business and Economics, launches the MENA Business Schools Alliance for Sustainability (MEBAS) during the second day of the 6th International Conference ‘Entrepreneurship for Sustainability and Impact’ (ESI). The alliance is dedicated to mitigating the impact of climate change, promoting environmental conservation, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations since 2015.

The launch of MEBAS marks a distinguished effort to connect business schools in the MENA region, noting the importance of the alliance and its impact on the future of business in the region. Through collaborative initiatives, the alliance will facilitate the exchange of best practices, innovative ideas, and cutting-edge research, to ensure that member schools remain at the forefront of sustainability education and play a key role in driving sustainable practices in the wider business community.

The College of Business and Economics at QU aims to encourage regional cooperation between universities academically accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in combating the impact of climate change, promoting environmental conservation efforts and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which have been adopted by all United Nations Member States since 2015. Through the alliance, MEBAS, and in partnership with 12 accredited universities across the Middle East and North Africa, the College of Business and Economics takes a pioneering step in combatting these challenges.

This is done by focusing on curriculum development by integrating sustainability topics to ensure that QU students, the future leaders, have the knowledge and skills to balance economic development and environmental impacts. The alliance will also seek to create a strong research alliance that brings together researchers, experts, scientists and decision-makers from the MENA region to facilitate collaboration on various aspects of climate change and environmental research.

Dean of the College of Business and Economics, QU, Professor Rana Sobh said in her speech, “Thank you for gathering here today to witness a visionary initiative – the creation of a Middle East and North Africa Business Schools Alliance for Sustainability. This endeavor represents an unprecedented opportunity to galvanize our region's academic, corporate, and governmental sectors to address the urgent and global challenge of sustainability.”

She adds, “With its rich history and diverse cultures, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has long been a beacon of innovation and economic growth. It is also, however, home to some of the world's most pressing environmental, social, and economic issues. The time has come for our business schools to lead the way in fostering sustainability as an essential and integral part of our educational institutions.”

“The region's challenges and opportunities include water scarcity, energy security, environmental conservation, youth employment, and integrating sustainability principles into business practices. By joining forces of the founding 14 business schools, and in partnership with AACSB international, we can work collaboratively to develop innovative solutions to these challenges, harness the potential of our diverse cultures, and lead the world in sustainable business practices.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, the MENA region is at a crossroads, and the decisions we make today will shape the future of our societies, economies, and environment. It is not enough to pay lip service to sustainability; we must take concrete action. This alliance will provide the structure, support, and momentum necessary to do just that.”

“In conclusion, I would like every one of you to support the creation of the Middle East and North Africa Alliance for Business School Sustainability. Let us embrace this opportunity to lead, inspire, and create a lasting legacy for future generations. Together, we can make the MENA region a global model for sustainable business practices, and in doing so, we can change the course of history.”

Ihsan Zakri, Regional Head, Middle East and Africa at AACSB International said, “Today, I am honored to participate in the launch of the initiative to establish the MENA Business Schools Alliance for Sustainability. This endeavor represents an unprecedented opportunity to galvanize academia, businesses and government in our region to meet the urgent global challenge of sustainability Thanks to its rich history and diverse cultures, the MENA region has long been a beacon of innovation and economic growth. However, it is also home to some of the world's most pressing environmental, social and economic issues. It is time for our business schools to lead the way in promoting sustainability as an integral part of our educational institutions.”

Through collaborative initiatives, the alliance will facilitate the exchange of best practices, innovative ideas, and cutting-edge research, to ensure that member schools remain at the forefront of sustainability education and play a key role in driving sustainable practices in the wider business community.

The ESI conference is held under the theme ‘Tackling Grand Challenges for a Sustainable Future.’ Through this conference, which takes place over the course of three days from 17-19 October 2023, QU aims to enhance research cooperation, exchange experiences on entrepreneurship and innovation practices, and develop policies that address economic, social and environmental challenges.