Eight students on three professional master’s programs at Fundação Getulio Vargas’ Sao Paulo School of Business Administration (FGV EAESP) took part recently in a global immersion on sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in China. The event, organized by the Council on Business & Society (CoBS) in partnership with Fudan University in Shanghai, provided an intense experience of learning, culture and responsible business practices.

Classes and practical experience

During their immersion in Shanghai, the students took part in a week full of classes and activities. The topics covered included “The Chinese Economy: Prospects for Sustainable Growth,” “Sustainable and Responsible Investment: China and Beyond,” “Consumer Insights and Marketing Practices in Ethical Consumption,” and “E-Commerce in China.” At the end of the week, the students presented group projects related to ESG practices and the Chinese business context.

Yasmin Riveli, a student on the Professional Master’s in Public Management and Policy Program (MPGPP), was part of the winning team in a competition held during the event. “We were challenged to develop strategies to leverage companies with a strong presence in China. My group looked at Tencent’s expansion in the cultural segment, focusing on its partnerships and content production based on diversity and gender equity. Winning first place was an honor and gave me even more confidence to further explore the area of responsible business,” she says.

In addition to the classes, the immersion provided a rich cultural experience for the participants. Anna Curatella, a student on the Professional Master’s in International Management Program (MPGI), highlighted the value of this exchange of knowledge and experience. “Studying at a Chinese university alongside classmates from different parts of the world broadened my view of international cooperation in sustainability. As well as classes, we had the opportunity to experience the local culture, from cuisine to Tai Chi classes and traditional Chinese medicine. It was an unforgettable and enriching experience,” she says.

Alexandre Del Pino, a student on the Professional Master’s in Administration Program (MPA), points out that the experience began even before the trip to China. “We took part in two preparatory stages: a week of online classes and an activity simulator, which included competitions between groups. These phases were essential for maximizing our learning during the immersion. In Shanghai, we visited companies such as Lenovo and Trip, which helped us understand how theory is applied in practice. The hospitality of the Fudan University team was incredible and helped us integrate and make the most of the experience,” he says.

Global impact

The CoBS program and the partnership with Fudan University provided FGV students with a unique insight into responsible business practices in China, as well as a valuable multicultural experience. By integrating theory, practice and cultural immersion, the event reaffirmed FGV’s commitment to training leaders prepared to face global challenges with responsibility and innovation.

This experience in China was not just an academic learning opportunity, but also an important step toward building a global network of professionals committed to sustainability and business ethics. As Yasmin Riveli sums up, “Receiving the Council on Business & Society certificate in my first semester on the MPGPP program was a milestone. This experience has opened new doors for the future, both professionally and personally.”

Global alliance for responsible leadership

The Council on Business & Society, founded in 2011, is an international alliance of leading business schools with the aim of promoting responsible business leadership. With 11 member schools spread across six continents and 15 countries, the CoBS is a platform for developing leaders committed to sustainability. FGV is the only Latin American member of this prestigious alliance.

The intensive program titled “Responsible Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship in China with a Special Focus on ESG” is part of an ongoing effort by FGV to provide state-of-the-art education on corporate sustainability. The last edition, consisting of three phases, ended in July with a week-long immersion at Fudan University.