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On campus program

Driving Sustainability from the Boardroom

Chart your company’s ESG path to long-term success

On campus program

Driving Sustainability from the Boardroom

Chart your company’s ESG path to long-term success

Location

Lausanne

Length

2 days

Fee

CHF 7,500

Next program starts

27 October 2025

Eligible for

IMD board diplomas

Are you ready to act now on ESG?

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors have become a global imperative, placing companies under increasing scrutiny. This heightened stakeholder focus means boards are confronted with new expectations. Yet few directors are equipped to govern ESG issues.

IMD’s Driving Sustainability from the Boardroom is a highly experiential program that immerses you in the complex and multifaceted realities of ESG. Part of IMD’s collaboration with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), it will enable you to fulfill your role of influencing and steering the integration of sustainability into your company’s strategy.

You can join the program for a standalone learning experience, or as part of one of IMD’s board diploma pathways.

ESG Literacy

Be ready to lead conversations and ask the right questions in and out of the boardroom by acquiring full ESG literacy.

ESG Upsides

Identify and leverage ESG opportunities for your company’s long-term success and reputation.

ESG Stewardship

Understand how ESG expands your fiduciary and accountability duties in your role as steward of your company’s long-term success.

ESG Crisis Management

Gain experience of handling difficult ESG conversations and responding to ESG crises through immersive in-class simulations.

Discover the learning journey

Experience the program

Driving Sustainability from the Boardroom: inside the program

100% “I gained fresh knowledge and insights.”

99% “Using what I learned will improve my performance”

Real learning, real impact.

Here’s what participants said after attending the program (2024 data).

You and your class

You are a current or aspiring board member, chairperson or board secretary. You understand that sustainability and ESG are boardroom imperatives and want to efficiently elevate your stewardship role for your company’s future.

After the program, you will continue your learning journey by joining IMD’s vibrant board community.

2024 class profile (average data)

years of experience

average age

nationalities

Industries

Check your fit for this program

Board masterclass

Join us on 7 October 2025

Ready to step into the boardroom? This exclusive masterclass will uncover the essential stepping stones for a confident transition from executive leadership to the boardroom, live at 12:00 (CEST).

See all events

Experience the program

“There is a disconnect between risk management practice and sustainability ambition.” – Rodney Irwin, guest speaker from the WBCSD.

“I loved the interactive way of doing things.” Rebecca Steinhage, Executive Director Human Resources & Corporate Affairs, Miele Group, Germany

“For me, it was an eye-opening experience.” Alfred Grunwald, Executive Advisor Bird B AG, Member of the Board of Directors of multiple medtech businesses in the US

“It’s such a rich experience.” Emmanuelle Ferrari, Aspiring board member, Former Region Head of Internal Audit APAC, Novartis, Switzerland

A must for both aspiring and seasoned board members

Driving Sustainability from the Boardroom is a must for both aspiring and seasoned board members. Inspiring and thought-provoking, the calibre of professors and participants really raise the bar. The on-campus module also offers a holistic and immersive learning experience. I highly recommend!

Sustainability and ESG is brought to life

With excellent preparation materials and great interactive classes, games and debates, the Program Directors really brought to life the sometimes fuzzy concepts of ‘sustainability’ and ‘ESG’ and how boards can drive opportunities of sustainability as well as the risks in a strategic manner.

Learn how to introduce ESG to boards

The deep knowledge of the faculty and the exchange of ideas with peers in a similar situation was an eye-opening experience. The real-life examples also helped me get a much deeper understanding on how I can introduce ESG to the boards with which I am involved.

A rich and wonderful experience

It was such a rich and wonderful experience. Sustainability challenges were presented as opportunities for organizations to implement positive change. Having a mix of peers from different industries and faculty also opened doors to different thinking and approaches.

A valuable board community

On completion of this program, you will be part of IMD’s board community. This network of board program alumni meets regularly – face-to-face and virtually – to exchange board experiences from different contexts and discuss the latest developments and trends in governance. You will be able to count on this valuable community of peers for advice and support far into the future.

Learn more

Next start & fee

Length: 10-day countdown + 2 days on campus

Dates

27 Oct – 28 Oct 2025

Location

Lausanne

Length

2 days

Price

CHF 7,500

Apply

Dates

26 May – 27 May 2026

Location

Lausanne

Length

2 days

Price

CHF 7,500

Apply

Dates

10 Nov – 11 Nov 2026

Location

Lausanne

Length

2 days

Price

CHF 7,500

Apply

Special fee for WBCSD member organizations: CHF 5,500

See admission information

It is becoming increasingly clear that good governance drives environmental and social responsibility, not the other way round. To be future-fit, boards must understand how their companies can deliver on their ESG commitments through a robust strategy.

Read more

Knut Haanaes Program Co-Director

ESG affects the bottom line of an organization. It is ambitious in scale and scope, yet ambiguously defined. Boards today should understand its complex realities and the options and solutions that can be leveraged for long-term success.

Read more

Salvatore Cantale Program Co-Director

QS Reimagine Education Award - IMD Business School

Program has been shortlisted for QS Reimagine Education Awards

IMD’s Driving Sustainability from the Boardroom has been selected as a finalist for the QS Reimagine Education Awards, in the Sustainability Education category.

In 2023, the Reimagine Education Awards – the ‘Oscars’ of Education – marked its tenth anniversary of recognizing innovative approaches that improve student learning outcomes and career prospects.

IMD’s entry stood out among 1.200+ submissions across 17 awards. This prestigious achievement reflects our passion and dedication to push the boundaries of education and our unwavering commitment to excellence.

IMD board diplomas

Two pathways to board excellence

Make your mark in the boardroom with IMD’s board diplomas, for aspiring or seasoned board members.

Learn more

IMD board diplomas

Two pathways to board excellence

Make your mark in the boardroom with IMD’s board diplomas, for aspiring or seasoned board members.

Learn more

On campus

High Performance Boards

Helping your board be its best

High Performance Boards empowers board members and chairpersons to master governance best practices, build global networks, and turn boards into powerful drivers of success.

On campus

Finance for Boards

Gain the confidence to make smart financial decisions

Gives you the essential finance knowledge you need to make tough decisions for your company in areas such as mergers & acquisitions as well as risk management.

On campus

Strategy Governance for Boards

Confidently guide corporate strategy in turbulent times

Enables you to play a meaningful, advisory role in the governance of your firm’s strategy within the context of an increasingly complex business landscape.