Climate change not only threatens the future of our planet but also exacerbates social inequalities, with women disproportionately represented among the most vulnerable. According to the United Nations’ worst-case climate scenario, up to 158 million women and girls could be thrust into deep poverty by 2050. Organized by ESSCA Budapest on October 5th, 2026, at the French Institute, the Global Five 2026 conference brought participants together to examine the complex challenges faced by female senior executives. The discussions explored how worsening inequalities impact women’s roles and opportunities, and evaluated the extent to which female leaders can successfully integrate the effects of environmental change into their corporate strategies and daily operations.
For ESSCA, an institution 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, sustainable development is by no means a novel concept. The institution was among the first to seamlessly integrate sustainability criteria into its educational portfolio. Reflecting this forward-thinking philosophy, Global Five 2026 explored how to effectively prepare future professionals for an economic and social landscape simultaneously reshaped by climate change, technological evolution, and societal transformation.
The climate crisis also bears a female face
The impacts of the environmental crisis do not affect different social groups equally. United Nations data reveals that women – particularly in developing and rural regions – bear a disproportionately heavy burden from the consequences of climate change. For instance, rural, female-led households suffer an average income loss that is 8 percent greater during heatwaves and an additional 3 percent greater during floods compared to households led by men.
These figures underscore that the climate crisis is not merely an environmental issue. It is a profound economic and social crisis that exacerbates existing inequalities. A sustainable transition cannot be achieved without the active participation of women. Yet, female potential in education, employment, entrepreneurship, and decision-making remains largely untapped today. It is therefore a matter of critical importance to examine the representation of women in pivotal decisions concerning the greening of the economy, environmental protection, and future societal models.
Whose voice resonates on stage matters too
Global Five 2026 delved into the issue of social equality not only through economic and environmental lenses but from a cultural perspective as well.
The conference’s distinguished guest, Bruno Blairet, a French actor and drama professor, emphasized the vital importance of liberating diverse creative voices:
“As a teacher, my responsibility is to reopen the imaginative space for young actresses to rediscover their own power of self-expression, as well as the intrinsic strength of the characters they portray. I also encourage everyone to write, thereby multiplying perspectives. Furthermore, the theatre must serve as a free creative space for women and minorities—an environment where diverse voices, viewpoints, and ideas can unfold in all their complexity, and where society can take the time to cultivate a more harmonious way of thinking,” stated Bruno Blairet.
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The glass ceiling restricts more than just women
The exclusion of women from leadership positions is not merely a matter of social justice, it also constrains the potential of organizations and society as a whole. Indeed, more diverse leadership brings a broader range of perspectives, greater creativity, and more balanced decision-making – qualities that are particularly essential when navigating complex challenges such as the green transition.
„Excluding women from decision-making means losing not only talent but also a vital portion of potential solutions. The planet needs every form of intelligence to effectively tackle the challenges of our time,” emphasized Marcela Schweitzer, Head of the Pedagogical Support Center at ESSCA’s Paris Campus.
16 Years of tourism in a single book – ESSCA’s case study volume renewed in its third edition
In the days leading up to the conference, ESSCA Budapest and the book’s authors presented the completely renewed academic textbook titled Tourism Marketing Case Studies III, edited by Prof. Dr. Zsuzsa Deli-Gray, Director and Professor of ESSCA’s Budapest Campus. The publication tracks the evolution of the domestic tourism sector over the past 16 years through real-world market scenarios, placing the critical question of sustainability at the core of several of its studies.
The first volume of the series was conceived in 2010 with the distinct objective of enabling students to master marketing theory through the authentic decision-making scenarios of real actors in Hungarian tourism, rather than relying on international, fictitious cases. Following the second edition published in 2017, this newly released third volume already reflects and addresses the dramatically altered consumer, technological, and economic landscape.
According to Dr. Jean Charroin, CEO of ESSCA, the book perfectly illustrates the institution’s educational philosophy:
“This volume exemplifies ESSCA’s core conviction that the quality of education is profoundly enriched by the convergence of research, professional experience, and international perspectives. Through our French roots and our presence in Hungary, we bridge diverse experiences and cultures – a value that is of paramount importance in tourism education. This publication fills a critical gap as it presents marketing theory through concrete, real-world Hungarian tourism examples, enhanced by the contributions of international authors. Furthermore, this third edition reflects the professional dedication of Prof. Dr. Zsuzsa Deli-Gray and her contribution to elevating the international visibility of the Hungarian academic community.”
According to Prof. Dr. Zsuzsa Deli-Gray, Director and Professor of ESSCA’s Budapest Campus and editor of the volume, the objective of the third edition extends beyond merely presenting current examples, it aims to foster independent analysis and practical problem-solving skills.
“Across three editions since 2010, we have tracked the evolution of the tourism sector, while the book itself has also continuously evolved. In this third edition, alongside contemporary cases, we have integrated theoretical frameworks and tools for identifying diverse perspectives to inspire students toward independent analysis and practical problem-solving” emphasized Prof. Dr. Zsuzsa Deli-Gray.
One of the volume’s most significant innovations is that it addresses specific challenges within tourism not in isolation, but by collectively examining the viewpoints of various stakeholders – including service providers, travelers, local communities, policymakers, and financial backers. Consequently, students can weigh not only the immediate impacts of individual decisions but also their broader market and societal ramifications.
According to Dr. Tamara Rátz, Director of the International Center and Head of the Tourism Department at Kodolányi János University, the volume’s greatest value lies precisely in its diversity of authorship and themes:
“While approximately half of the contributors have returned for this new volume, we are delighted to welcome numerous new researchers and industry practitioners who have joined the authorship of the book. This diversity of voices and fresh themes accurately reflects the shifts that have occurred in the world of tourism marketing in recent years. These case studies do not merely impart professional knowledge, they actively foster analytical skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking. A particular strength of this publication is its focus on the defining issues of our time, including the roles of digitalization, artificial intelligence, destination branding, and community collaboration in tourism marketing. I sincerely hope that in a few years, we will be welcoming a fourth edition.”
Education should not only follow change, but actively drive it
For ESSCA, Global Five 2026 and Tourism Marketing Case Studies III. represent two distinct manifestations of the exact same philosophy. It is not enough to merely prepare future professionals for change; they must be empowered to actively shape it.
“ESSCA is a proactive and pioneering environment whose core mission is to channel its knowledge and research insights into innovative solutions that address the challenges of tomorrow. Exceptional examples of this commitment include the publication of Tourism Marketing Case Studies III. – now in its third edition spanning the past 16 years – as well as the Global Five 2026 conference. At this professional event, we examined the profound impacts of environmental and social changes on women, as well as their socio-economic standing. We also explored the pivotal roles women play in sustainability and environmental protection, and identified the solutions that can contribute to a more just and sustainable future. In this collaborative dialogue, the French Institute is an invaluable partner, whose dedication is perfectly exemplified by their generous support of the Global Five 2026 event” added Prof. Dr. Zsuzsa Deli-Gray.
