The 9th Annual Sustainability Summit, entitled “Emerging Opportunities: How New Sustainability Rules are Shaping Business and Careers”, took place on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Radisson Blu Park Athens Hotel. The event, organized by the MBA International Program of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) in collaboration with the Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE), brought together key stakeholders from institutional bodies, business executives, students, and graduates, providing a platform for engaging dialogue on the future of sustainability in business and careers.
The Annual Sustainability Summit has become a key event in the academic and business community, serving as a dynamic platform for discussing the current trends, challenges, and opportunities in Sustainable Development and Circular Economy. The summit is known for fostering meaningful exchanges between academia and industry professionals to tackle critical global issues related to sustainability.
The event was officially opened by Professor Vasilios Vasdekis, Rector of the Athens University of Economics and Business, and Professor Eric Soderquist, Director of the MBA International Program (AUEB). They welcomed the participants and emphasized the growing significance of sustainability in shaping both business strategies and career paths, and how AUEB integrates sustainability in its educational programs.
In his address, Nikos Avlonas, President of the Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) and Visiting Professor in Sustainability & ESG at MBA International, highlighted the evolving trends in sustainability and the increasing demand for sustainability and ESG specialists. He discussed the critical role these professionals play in driving business development and how they are reshaping corporate and industry strategies.
The event featured a series of insightful presentations from the keynote speakers and discussions moderated by Mr. Avlonas. Leading industry experts shared their perspectives on sustainability trends, innovation, and the new career opportunities emerging in the sector:
- Leonidas Margetis, Environmental & Sustainability Manager, Tsakos Shipping & Trading S.A., discussed the company’s strategic objectives in relation to sustainable development. He also explored the challenges posed by the new regulatory frameworks for businesses in this sector and the need for hiring or training executives skilled in Sustainable Development strategies and practices.
- Artemios Alifragis, Head of ESG in Atlantic Bulk Carriers Management Ltd., emphasized the role of innovation, technology, and collaboration in meeting sustainability goals. He also touched on the expanding career opportunities within the industry, highlighting the growing demand for ESG professionals.
- Nena Kevorkian Palandjian, CSR Director, Europa Profil Aluminium S.A., underscored the importance of aligning with ESG standards and cultivating a corporate culture that integrates sustainable development principles.
- Sotirios Ptochos, Co-founder and Senior Executive at PEOPLE Technology and MBA International graduate, shared insights on the evolving role of new technologies, adaptability, and the emerging trends within the field of sustainable logistics and transportation solutions.
As part of the 9th Annual Sustainability Summit, five distinguished executives were honored with special awards for their leadership in advancing Sustainable Development and Corporate Responsibility. These executives have implemented significant and innovative initiatives that focus on both environmental and social sustainability:
- Ioannis Spanolios, President of “Oloi Mazi Mporoume” SKAI,
- Dimitrios Vastarouchas, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Danaos Corporation,
- Konstantinos Tzavaras, General Manager, ION S.A.,
- Achilleas Ioakimides, Sustainability Director, Public Power Corporation – PPC/ΔΕΗ,
- Loukas Petrounias, Chief Marketing Officer, Piraeus Bank Group.
These leaders were recognized for their ongoing commitment to sustainability and for making a measurable impact within their respective organizations and industries, and in society.
Moreover, a student award was given to Mr. Angelos Brachos for his outstanding performance in the MBA International course Global Sustainability Strategies and Reporting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFbJlvyyHLg
The event was supported by epixeiro.gr.
