CEMS Club Helsinki promotes sustainable development
The Aalto University School of Business is a member of the Global Alliance in Management Education (CEMS), a community of the world’s leading business schools, large corporations and NGOs. Each of the community’s 32 member universities also has its own CEMS Club.
According to Programme Manager Arja Sahlberg, the objective of the CEMS Clubs is to support networking among CEMS MIM (Master’s in International Management) students and increase awareness of CEMS.
‘The CEMS Clubs help students learn about local culture and working life, and the clubs can also pursue other goals that are consistent with CEMS values such as sustainable development or supporting ethical activities. CEMS Clubs work in close cooperation with the universities’ CEMS offices, and each CEMS Club has its own management team. In the spring of 2019, the President of the CEMS Club Helsinki is Silla Aaltonen’, Arja Sahlberg tells.
‘CEMS Club Helsinki organises events with the aim of bringing together different parties in the network, generating new ideas and life-long friendships, and offering opportunities for personal development. A wide range of events are organised, including visits to companies, alumni activities and different informal social events. CEMS Club Helsinki has long been one of the most active CEMS clubs in the network’, continues Silla Aaltonen.
Distributing food at Hurstin Apu to help those in need
The CEMS programme’s core values of responsibility and sustainable development also guide the activities of the local clubs. In the spring of 2019, CEMS Club Helsinki launched the Good Citizen Card, a concept originating from Rotterdam, to encourage people to make more responsible choices in their daily lives.
‘The card costs three euros and with it all Aalto students receive discounts at vegetarian restaurants which are partners in the scheme around Helsinki. Income from the card is directed to the charity Hurstin Apu (Hursti's Help), where CEMS students habitually volunteer once a semester,’ Silla Aaltonen says.
‘The card takes into account environmental responsibility as well as social responsibility, as it not only encourages people to eat more of a plant-based diet, but also helps those who need everyday support. Both students and restaurants are excited to promote more responsible choices through excellent dining experiences,’ Silla continues.
Learn more about the Good Citizen Card on Facebook:
Students, buy your own card here!
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