Cork is ideally positioned to be a global leader for the provision of sustainable business education, according to the strategic vision for Cork University Business School (CUBS) which was launched today, Thursday 24 June.

With over 4,000 students, CUBS is Ireland’s largest business school, and a key objective of its ambitious five year strategy – Shaping Leaders for a Sustainable Future - is to become a global voice in the transformation of business and society, that nurtures responsible business leaders to look beyond profit.

“Business education is being transformed globally as the demand for a curriculum that integrates sustainability for future business leaders ever increases. University College Cork (UCC) is Ireland’s leading university in the field of sustainability, and as we develop a world-class business school in the heart of Cork, we are determined to create Ireland’s leading hub for sustainable business education.”

CUBS, within UCC, is home to Ireland’s first Chair of Sustainable Business, which is supported by a donation of €1.25 million from AIB. Through this Chair, a hub of excellence in research and education will be created in a new Business School building, which has secured significant investment and will be located in the centre of Cork City, fronting on to Union Quay.

When complete, it is hoped that the building will receive international certification based on its environmental, social and economic impact.

The new building will bring 4,500 students into the city centre, strengthening the Business School’s connection with the community by nurturing an ecosystem in which the barriers between researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs are broken down.

“This is an exciting period for CUBS as it embarks on a journey that will have significant benefits for our economy and, importantly, our society,” stated Interim President, Professor John O’Halloran.

Speaking at the launch of the Business School’s strategic vision, Jim Clarken, Executive Director of Oxfam International and a Commissioner at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, praised CUBS’ ambition to put sustainability at the heart of enterprise by aiming to nurture a generation of conscientious business leaders that will strive to prioritise individual, societal and environmental wellbeing:

“I am delighted to see UCC building on its long-term commitment to sustainability in business, and positioning itself as a global lead in the area. Future business leaders need to be able to balance the imperatives of delivering profit, ensuring business plays its part in building a fairer and more equitable society whilst managing within planetary boundaries.”