ISC 70 THEME:
"Better Business, Better World"
Businesses are the most impactful and essential part of global economics and the general well-being of all. For ages, livelihood, environment, and economic stability have all depended on businesses; now more than ever, the need for stronger public-private partnerships is felt. During COVID, all businesses, irrespective of size, suffered either financially or physically. A direct impact of this has been on the lives and livelihoods of many individuals globally. Such disruptions must be addressed for more resilient businesses that are also sustainable, ethical, and safe. With their massive impact on the public, businesses have the power and the responsibility to influence society positively.
Businesses don't have to lead the shift to a sustainable global economy. There are two alternatives. They can do more of the same, so today's slow shuffle toward sustainability continues, two steps forward, one or more steps back. Or they can delay the shift because of apparent advantages to them in the status quo.17 Global Goals and their 169 component targets have been designed from the bottom up to build the kind of future that most people want, where there is no poverty, the planet is protected, and all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The goals fall into two main areas – social and environmental. Some of the social goals aim to meet basic needs. They include ending extreme poverty and hunger and ensuring universal access to healthcare, clean water, and sanitation. Others advance other human rights, empowering people through quality education, gender equality, employment and decent work, reduced inequalities, and innovations in industry and infrastructure so people prosper and feel valued.
Together, the 17 goals form an integrated package. The environmental goals can only be delivered with the social goals and vice versa. Efforts to eradicate poverty without protecting "natural capital" are doomed to failure partly because the lives of so many poor people depend on natural resources. Progress towards the two degrees warming limit and the Global Goals will, together in effect, "reboot" the world's economic systems, making regular business activity intrinsically sustainable, socially fair, and environmentally stable.
In response, the 70th International Student Conference (ISC69) invites students from various parts of the world to prepare themselves to become the next generation's pioneers. This year's conference aspires to facilitate the participants' growth and active discovery of potential ways to innovate the world, taking collective and meaningful actions towards common goals. Considering how the international society is approaching "peace and prosperity for people and the planet," the future global society should be sustainable for everyone across diverse communities and the value of respect. More substantial businesses also lead to stronger communities; based on this idea, the vision of resilient societies can be achieved. At ISC 70, the youth would be allowed to interact and learn from businesses and observe the real-life implications of their policy recommendations. This innovative process is not only going to make the youth more aware of how businesses function but also allow businesses to learn how and what the youth think about their role in society.
ISC 70 TABLE TOPICS
T1
Sustainability
Moving Business Toward Greener Horizons
Table Description：
In this age of climate change and environmental challenges, businesses are being called upon to play a transformative role. The integration of sustainability into business practices goes beyond mere compliance; it requires the embracement of a triple bottom line - people, planet, and profit. In the global context, the world is facing numerous, unprecedented environmental issues, including global warming, pollution and rapid resource depletion. As leaders of industry, this raises the question: how can businesses navigate these challenges and emerge as both financially successful entities but responsible stewards of a greener planet? This topic highlights the urge for a pivotal shift in the current era, where companies are not just profit-driven but are also committed to making a positive impact on the environment.
Examples of Issues：
Global warming; plastic pollution; air pollution; deforestation; excessive mining for fossil fuels and minerals; loss of biodiversity due to habitat destruction
Potential Solutions/Outcomes：
Transition towards a circular economy; the use and production of renewable energy; minimisation of carbon footprints; embracement of technology for greener alternatives in traditionally non-green industries
Well-Being at Work
Striking a Balance in the Modern Workplace
T2
Table Description：
In recent years, there has been a shift in how the workplace is perceived: it is no longer just a venue for tasks but a space where individuals spend a significant portion of their lives. As this realisation has dawned in the evolving landscape of work, so too has the recognition of the profound impact working conditions have on the well-being of employees, encompassing both physical and mental health. The spotlight is increasingly turned on how companies prioritise and approach this concept. Creating an environment that addresses both physical and mental health requires a delicate balancing act between the pursuit of business ambitions and providing adequate support for employees. This table aspires to strike this balance, analysing the situation to offer feasible solutions to protect workplace health in the increasingly demanding, competitive market.
Examples of Issues：
Extended periods of time sitting; working overtime; lack of health awareness raised in the company; opening up about health issues as a difficulty in a highly conservative environment/society; excessive pressure and responsibilities placed on employees; challenges of remote work
Potential Solutions/Outcomes :
Advocate mental and physical health through wellness programmes; creation of recreation spaces; easily accessible counselling services; regular health checkups; offer flexible work schedules
T3
Navigating the Turbulence of Capitalism
Table Description:
With capitalism comes the constant challenge for businesses to adapt and tackle rigorous competition. Thriving in this era is not merely about sustaining the status quo - it is essential to embrace innovation and foster entrepreneurial spirit. The dynamic business landscape, with geopolitical shifts, economic fluctuations, rapid technological advancements, and unforeseen global events, urges companies to adjust efficiently and effectively. How best is it to approach such vigorous change? What strategies are available to predict rapidly changing market dynamics, sudden global events, and the accelerating world? What innovative approaches and entrepreneurial strategies are required to continue ensuring long-term success? This topic delves into the demanding nature of capitalism and emphasises the dilemmas to be confronted stepping into the contemporary business world.
Examples of Issues:
High competition; rapidly changing market dynamics and demand; tackling unforeseen global events; increasing factors to consider when conducting business in the modern world; the rising uncertainty of long-term success
Potential Solutions/Outcomes:
Flexible plans to adapt to the challenges that arise; active cultivation of innovative and entrepreneurial spirit; open perspective to new solutions; a large scale understanding of the capitalist business world
The AI Dilemma
Opportunities, Risks, and Responsible Deployment in Business
T4
Table Description:
Consider the increasing reliance on AI for critical business functions. From machine learning algorithms predicting consumer behaviour to AI-driven cybersecurity tools, businesses are cumulatively entrusting masses of sensitive data and operations to these systems. It is undeniable that AI will persist in becoming a powerful force shaping the business landscape. Yet, it is essential to acknowledge the evident dangers - and that with such great power comes great responsibility. In areas such as security, ethics and policy, it is more crucial than ever that businesses are aware of the various risks that accompany this evolving tool. Companies must navigate the situation to maximise the available benefits of AI and technology for business while ensuring both safe and responsible utilisation.
Examples of Issues:
Ethical considerations on privacy; perpetuated biases in AI algorithms; policies and regulations on the use of AI; concerns with security and entrusting confidential information; the transparency of when AI is used
Potential Solutions/Outcomes:
Addressing of privacy concerns and methods as to how such concerns can be taken into consideration; feasible policies to ‘governing’ AI; ethical guidelines to ensure responsible usage; increasing and refining security
T5
Empowering Education
Answering the Call for Businesses’ Contribution and Influence
Table Description:
Amid the evolving demands of the job market along with the substantial educational background sought out for in today's rapidly changing world, we must ask ourselves: who is responsible for cultivating such outstanding individuals? Increasingly, businesses are recognising the value of contributing to the education ecosystem. Beyond simple financial support, the potential impact companies can have on education is multifaceted and influential. They possess the capacity to contribute significantly to the educational landscape through opportunities such as active collaborations with educational institutions, innovations, and strategic initiatives. To bridge the gap between theory and practice in education and work, and to further facilitate practical learning in the educational realm, this is an opportunity to consider how companies are able to contribute to the advancement of practical learning in educational settings.
Examples of Issues:
Lack of awareness of the two-way benefits in educational and company collaboration; barriers to this potentially extremely long-term project; perceived risks; lack of frameworks and prerequisite models; hard to measure returns visibility in undertaking such project; prioritising of competitive market (shortage of resources)
Potential Solutions/Outcomes:
Highlight mutual benefits of undertaking project; facilitate networking opportunities to encourage collaboration; create flexible content to align with current companies’ needs; provide encouragement via government incentives; production of students with skill sets ready to join the workforce upon graduation; allow companies’ direct access to information and insight from the younger generation
Diversity Dynamics
Evolving Workplace Inclusivity
T6
Table Description:
As society evolves, so does the recognition that diverse and inclusive workplaces not only reflect ethical principles but also contribute to enhanced creativity, innovation, and overall success. While significant progress in workplace equality has been made, challenges persist. The largely yet male-dominant corporate ladder, the lack of true inclusivity of cultures despite the increasingly global economy, the lingering prejudice against parental leave - these are just a few examples of the areas that are a work in progress. Navigating the terrain of diversity within a company requires thoughtful consideration, and concerted efforts are needed to tackle the unresolved issues. In a world that calls for cooperation more than ever before, how can equal opportunities be promoted and provided for every individual in the workplace?
Examples of Issues:
Barriers keeping women from climbing the promotion ladder; the difficulty to take parental leave due to lack of policies or visible prejudice; insufficient inclusion of individuals from different cultural backgrounds; lack of support to cultivate cross-cultural communication skills; important decisions yet being made based on unconscious (or conscious) biases
Potential Solutions/Outcomes:
Promotion and providing of equal opportunities for career advancement; mentorship programs to support those who wish to climb the corporate ladder; actively encourage parental (and maternal) leave; provide training for cross-cultural communication; engage in projects and workshops