An institution within the University of Cambridge has adopted a bold new focus on sustainability leadership in a move that will build on its pioneering work with some of the world’s most senior business, public sector and civil society leaders on issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and poverty.
An institution within the University of Cambridge has adopted a bold new focus on sustainability leadership in a move that will build on its pioneering work with some of the world’s most senior business, public sector and civil society leaders on issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and poverty.
From today, the Cambridge Programme for Industry (CPI), which has offices in Brussels, Cape Town, Melbourne, New York and Seattle (as well as Cambridge), will be known as “The University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership”. HRH The Prince of Wales has become its Patron.
Over the last twenty years, the institution has become renowned for its ground-breaking international leadership seminars on sustainability and strategy, such as The Prince of Wales’s Business & the Environment Programme (BEP) and the Climate Leadership Programme. There are now over 3000 alumni of the institution’s programmes in over 40 countries, many of whom credit the organisation for providing them with a much deeper understanding of global systems and the principles of sustainability, and inspiring them to take effective action.
In more recent years, the organisation’s activities have expanded to include policy and strategy groups for leaders aspiring to drive system change at national and international levels. For example, the organisation manages sustainability initiatives well known within the business community such as The Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change, The ClimateWise Insurance Initiative and The P8 Pensions Initiative.
In changing its name to The University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership (CPSL), the institution has adopted a clear focus for the next twenty years and beyond. Its Director, Mrs Polly Courtice LVO said:
“Achieving sustainability is the pre-eminent challenge of our time and outstanding leadership will be crucial if we are going to meet this challenge successfully. The Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership draws on the intellectual breadth of the University and on leading thinkers and practitioners from around the world to help leaders in business, government and civil society understand and address pressing issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion and poverty – and then to respond in ways that help themselves and others.
“As we continue to expand our programmes, leadership groups, alumni and international reach, we are delighted that HRH The Prince of Wales has become our Patron. Much of our work has been inspired by his passion and vision.”
The Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership is also re-launching its offering to its highly influential alumni today. The Cambridge Sustainability Network brings together 3000 of the world’s most senior decision makers, thought leaders, policy influencers and executives – a rich and diverse cross section representing business, the public sector and civil society.
Members will also have access to a password protected website that brings together peers and experts in the field, allows them to review the latest presentations from the institution’s programmes, recently published applied research and links to the knowledge base of The University of Cambridge. The benefits of belonging to the Network also include monthly events and newsletters and The Cambridge Sustainability Research Digest, which contain up to date information on the latest sustainability issues and trends.
Mike Peirce, Deputy Director at The University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership said:
“When leaders get involved with us, either through one of our Senior Executives’ Seminars, Customised Programmes, or Leaders Groups, we hope that it will represent the start of a life-long relationship with The University of Cambridge. Through the Cambridge Sustainability Network, our alumni can stay in touch with emerging thinking on sustainability issues, and build a network of contacts that will help them to drive change.”
HRH The Prince of Wales is hosting a reception at Clarence House at lunchtime today to mark the 20th Anniversary of the institute and his becoming Patron. The reception will be attended by Professor Alison Richard, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Cambridge, and other leading academics from the University. Also present will be some of the most senior leaders from the international business community and senior policy makers from Whitehall.
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