The partnership will allow IMD and the Global Shapers Community Lausanne to collaborate on events and support innovative initiatives with a strong social impact. IMD will contribute by sharing its expertise and facilities and will benefit from a group of highly motivated young professionals who will participate actively in projects, research, or events.
“At IMD we strive to challenge what is and inspire what could be by developing leaders who transform organizations and contribute to society. We believe young people have a strong contribution to make to creating a responsible and inclusive society and we applaud the purpose of the Global Shapers community who strive to drive impact through dialogue and projects,” said Seán Meehan, Dean of Faculty and Martin Hilti Professor of Marketing & Change Management.
“The collaborative and pioneering spirit in this community reflects our own values present at IMD. It is our pleasure to share our support for the Global Shapers Community Lausanne Hub,” added Heather Cairns-Lee, IMD’s contact for the partnership and Adjunct Professor of Leadership.
Founded by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Global Shapers Community (GSC) is an international network of young people under 30 working together to address local, regional and global challenges. With more than 14,000 members and alumni, the GSC spans over 450 city-based hubs in 150 countries.
The Lausanne Hub comprises 28 shapers from 17 nationalities and 19 institutions and is currently focusing on four projects: 3D printed prosthetics; increasing awareness of the heart attack gender gap; creating a platform to raise awareness about cases of drug aggression; and fostering stronger connections between students and the circular economy ecosystem.
“The Global Shapers Lausanne hub are thrilled to be partnering with a prestigious and purpose-driven educational institution with which we share the mission of accelerating tangible impact and leaving a positive mark on society,” said Evangelia Nteventzi, Vice-Curator.
This is the latest in a series of partnerships that enable collaboration across sectors and institutions in French-speaking Switzerland. IMD is a founding institution of The Enterprise for Society Center (E4S), alongside the University of Lausanne through HEC Lausanne and the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). The three partner institutions have introduced the Master of Science in Sustainable Management Technology
