The WU Institute for International Business and the WWF-CEE, which coordinates and manages WWF’s environmental conservation activities in 19 countries in the Danube-Carpathian ecoregion, have quite a bit in common: Both deal with countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the internationalization of organizations, responsible management, and sustainable development. Their cooperation is based mainly on the mutual exchange of knowledge. In joint talks and round-table discussions with the institute’s students, ideas for theses and research projects will be developed that deal with the increasing globalization of the world economy and its effects on the work of NGOs, as well as the internationalization of the WWF itself.

Exchanging knowledge to tackle future challenges

For WU Rector Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger, the cooperation with the environmental protection organization WWF is a good example of the university’s sociopolitical commitment. “WU is a responsible university that wants to have a positive influence on society and the economy. It’s important to us to make our contribution to sustainable business activities. This begins with academic research on relevant topics and ends with the education of our students, who are, after all, the decision-makers of tomorrow,” she says.

Andreas Beckmann, head of WWF-CEE, also sees this as a central responsibility. According to him, “Our current and future managers will play a key role in shaping the future of our planet and this region. In addition to policy-makers, companies also play an important role in meeting the challenges of the climate crisis and the decline in biodiversity, both globally and regionally. I am very pleased with our cooperation with WU as the leading institution for the education of future international executives in Central and Eastern Europe.” Professor Jonas Puck, head of the Institute for International Business at WU, is looking forward to the cooperation as well. “In working together, WU and the Institute for International Business will have the opportunity to benefit from WWF’s knowledge in teaching and research. At the same time, we can contribute our expertise in the field of internationalization and globalization. This cooperation brings clear advantages for both sides,” he explains.

More on the Institute for International Business and WWF-CEE.