AMBA's Ambition magazine: Issue 43, May 2021

OPINION

Lights, camera – TAKING IMMEDIATE ACTION

CEO’S COLUMN

Andrew Main Wilson looks forward to the conversations that will take place at this month’s AMBA & BGA Global Conference, during which the key theme will be global digital transformation and the future of business education

t the time of composing this column, I’m also putting the final touches to my presentation for the AMBA & BGA Global Conference, taking place from 10-12 May.

However, in light of the seemingly insurmountable challenges we are facing, not just as a Business School network but also as members of the human race, I hope that the content and focus of the AMBA & BGA Global Conference this year will serve both as an opportunity for reflection and as a call to action for all delegates. Other themes we’re exploring during the event’s three days include: future-proofing for a ‘new normal’ and continuing volatility; disruption in business education and the corporate world; diversity, inclusion, social mobility, and equality; the climate and sustainability agenda and the response of Business Schools; lifelong learning and stackable qualifications; Business Schools’ impact on communities and societies; economic and geopolitical disruption and their effects on Business School strategy; evolving programmes to reflect the future needs of employers; and globalisation and building worldwide partnerships. None of these topics are straightforward. They all require collaboration, careful thought,

discussion, and – conversely, yet most importantly – immediate and decisive action. It’s no coincidence, therefore, that the programme of the event has been designed to build from its first session – which asks how far we, as business educators, are building responsible and strategic leaders – to its final session – which examines the ways Business Schools can measure the impact they’re making in the world. I’ve written many times in this column that the greatest opportunity for Business Schools to address the myriad of issues we’re facing, collectively, is to mould their students into a global force for good. The past 12 months have given Schools an unprecedented chance to innovate, and now is the time to put these innovations into practice, generate traction together and make a difference for the benefit of the world. I’m very much looking forward to having an inspirational conversation with you all later this month. Andrew Main Wilson, CEO, AMBA & BGA

Traditionally, the AMBA & BGA team and I would be flying to a cosmopolitan city to set the stage for keynote presentations and carry out final checks at the event’s stylish dinner venues. But this year, we’re carrying out sound and lighting checks, and designing our green screen set to welcome you to our virtual Global Conference. The key theme of the event is global digital transformation and the future of business education – and it seems fitting and appropriate that AMBA & BGA is embracing the exciting and innovative new technology that’s emerging in order to deliver an immersive and engaging event – namely, AI matchmaking for networking, virtual roundtables for collaboration and discussion, and ultra-high-definition live streaming for all the keynote presentations and plenary sessions.

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