Unilever and the University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership (CPSL) launched the Cambridge–Unilever Sustainability Leadership seminar in Singapore on February 20, 2014.
It is the first time that CPSL has delivered one of its landmark senior executive courses in Asia, and signals Unilever’s continued commitment to the sustainability agenda, as well as to the growing focus on this issue across the region.
Sponsored by Unilever’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Keith Weed, the programme explores how strategic responses to sustainability challenges can drive business growth and competitiveness.
Themed “Reconciling Profitability & Sustainability”, the seminar brought together leaders from major global businesses and NGOs, as well as representatives from relevant government bodies, including the Singapore PUB.
Gail Klintworth, Unilever’s Chief Sustainability Office said: “Singapore sits at the heart of emerging Asia, making it the perfect location to launch this programme. This is where the nexus between growing incomes, consumption and finite natural resources is most evident. Last year alone, for example, Beijing and Singapore experienced record air pollution and haze levels, while 22 out of India’s 32 biggest cities faced water shortages.
“This first-of-its kind course will equip leaders with the insights, perspectives, relationships, and resources to build the new business models that enable responsible and equitable growth. By integrating sustainability into business strategy, organisations will be better able to create shared value.”
Conducted over four days at Unilever’s state-of-the-art training facility at Four Acres Singapore, the course was delivered by Cambridge’s international network of leading academics, corporate practitioners and guest contributors from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Polly Courtice, CPSL Director said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Unilever on this innovative strategic leadership programme for senior executives in the Asia region. To tackle the most significant social and environmental challenges of today, there are few, if any, more significant places to be working than Asia. Our partnership has brought together the world-class research insight and leadership expertise that we need from across the business, policy, not-for-profit and academic communities.”
Gail Klintworth added: “Sustainability sits at the heart of Unilever’s business model and is brought to life through our Sustainable Living Plan. This programme will take our strategy further through this world class collaborative learning event. We are extremely proud and excited to bring this programme to life in Singapore.
“We believe strongly that businesses have a key role to play in driving the sustainability agenda. We must work together, as well as with governments, NGOs, customers and consumers if we are to truly make sustainable living commonplace.”
For further media information contact:
Campbell Hodgetts, Communications Director, Unilever SEAA
Phone: +6582223071
Email: campbell.hodgetts@unilever.com
About Unilever
Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in over 190 countries. We work with 173,000 colleagues around the world and generated annual sales of €49.8 billion in 2013. Over half of our company’s footprint is in the faster growing developing and emerging markets (57% in 2013). Working to create a better future every day, we help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. Our portfolio includes some of the world’s best known brands, 14 of which - Knorr, Persil / Omo, Dove, Sunsilk, Hellmann’s, Surf, Lipton, Rexona / Sure, Wall’s ice cream, Lux, Flora / Becel, Rama / Blue Band, Ponds and Axe / Lynx - now generate a turnover of €1 billion or more.
Our ambition is to double the size of our business, whilst reducing our overall environmental footprint (including sourcing, consumer use and disposal) and increasing our positive social impact. We are committed to helping more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being, sourcing all our agricultural raw materials sustainably by 2020, and decoupling our growth from our environmental impact. Supporting our three big goals, we have defined seven pillars, underpinned by targets encompassing social, environmental and economic areas. See more on the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan at www.unilever.com/sustainable-living/.
Unilever has been recognised in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Indexes for 14 consecutive years. We are included in the FTSE4Good Index Series and attained a top environmental score of 5, leading to inclusion in the FTSE4Good Environmental Leaders Europe 40 Index. Unilever has been named sector leader of the CDP’s Forests programme for three consecutive years, and in 2013 led the list of Global Corporate Sustainability Leaders in the GlobeScan/SustainAbility annual survey - for the third year running. Unilever was named LinkedIn’s third most sought-after employer worldwide in 2013. For more information about Unilever and its brands, please visit www.unilever.com.
About CPSL
For 25 years the University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership (CPSL) has worked with leaders on the critical global challenges faced by business and society.
CPSL contributes to the University of Cambridge’s leadership position in the field of sustainability via a portfolio of executive programmes, business platforms and strategic engagements, informed by world-class thinking and research from the University and other partners. Our leadership network consists of more than 5,000 alumni from leading global organisations and an expert team of Fellows, Senior Associates and staff.
CPSL is an institution within the University’s School of Technology. HRH The Prince of Wales is the patron of CPSL and we are a member of The Prince’s Charities, a group of not-for-profit organisations of which His Royal Highness is President.
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