International conference at ESSCA in Budapest about the “greenest” Olympic Games

Paris will host the most important competition series of the year, the 33rd Summer Olympic Games. In the spirit of sustainability, this will be the first venue where 95% of the infrastructure already existed prior to the events. 1,000 km of new bicycle paths, approximately 3,000 bikes will be at the disposal of 15,000 athletes, 45 million volunteers and 15 million visitors. For the occasion, 200,000 new trees will be planted and 700 drinking fountains will be installed in the French capital.

Compliance with the requirements of sustainable development also plays a central role in the coordination of processes at the Hungarian Campus of the French ESSCA School of Management International, a holding a distinguished place on the Financial Times’ list as being among the best management courses worldwide and recognized with the “Triple Crown” designation, the highest qualification of the profession. This time, the university organized a roundtable discussion on May 15th, 2024, in cooperation with the French Institute of Budapest, in relation to the “greenest” Olympic Games.

In addition to sustainability and environmental protection, the importance of the role of sport is also a determining and mutual aspect to the festive games according to the values of the business school. The central topic of the roundtable discussion was also related to this, during which the distinguished panelists of the event elaborated on their point of view on the role of sports in the development of leadership skills. In addition to the foreign and domestic management of ESSCA, the leading directors of Accace Hungary and Morgan Stanley Hungary also shared their experiences at the international conference.

A similar mentality ties us together

According to a 2020 survey, 102 out of 102 leaders interviewed played sports. Young competitors state that exercise provides them with continuous development, a sense of purpose, faith, humility, perseverance and teamwork. These skills often pave the path to management positions later in one’s professional careers.

Teammates-turned-colleagues typically think alike. And regular exercise is an excellent remedy for dealing with professional standstills and stress.

“For me sports help to reduce stress, divert my attention from problems at work, and give me energy for new challenges. We also used sports activity within the company to build teams and accelerate teamwork within departments.” – emphasized István Nemecz, Managing Director of Accace Hungary.

Green Olympics – Sustainable university

An outstanding aspect of the strategy of the ESSCA School of Management, which was founded 115 years ago and has a strong set of values, is the development of management skills in addition to quality education. The university places great emphasis on combining its values, cultural diversity, vibrant student life, professionalism, commitment to sustainability, and sports events in its everyday life. It supports the development of a sports mindset, i.e. a leadership attitude, through movement and the joy of playing together with many of its programs. Its annual sports day focuses on introducing environmentally friendly alternatives as well.

“At ESSCA, we are exploring how sports can be a catalyst for the training of committed and responsible leaders who are aware of their own social impact. We integrate the matter of social responsibility into our management influenced by sports in such a way to inspire change in society.” – said Dr. Jean Charroin, the CEO and Dean of ESSCA School of Management.

“The ESSCA School of Management has always been a trendsetter in analysing, pointing to and sharing professional questions and scientific findings in order to help students and alumni better understand and apply their management skills in their own field. This year for the first time a global series of conferences on Artificial Intelligence has been launched at the Budapest Campus and now in honor of the Olympic Games organised in Paris ESSCA organises, in collaboration with the French Institute in Budapest, an exciting and inspiring roundtable discussion on how sports influence our leadership skills and approaches.” – highlighted Dr. Zsuzsa Deli-Gray, the Campus Director of ESSCA Budapest.