Zhongnan University of Economics and Law wins prestigious Best CSR and Sustainability Initiative – in association with Cesim Business Simulations in the AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards 2025 for Compassionate Futures Nexus (CFN)

The ceremony was attended by more than 200 business school leaders, as well as category finalists, judges and members of the media.

The Best CSR and Sustainability Initiative will honour AMBA & BGA schools that share our commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability and who are passionate about making a difference to communities and societies.

The award will recognise business schools that are taking the initiative in creating a sustainable future and teaching students about social values, as well as those who are making a positive impact in practical and measurable ways.

Under Zhongnan University of Economics and Law’s strategy: pursuing international trends, embracing local practice, promoting the school's advantages, and delivering responsible education, they have unified five initiatives:

1. Starlight Haven: Champions autism support and cultivates philanthropic leaders (SDG 3, 17).

2. MBA Benevolence Network: Mobilises for rural education equality (SDG 4, 10).

3. Hope and Help: Aids the disadvantaged and disaster relief, fighting poverty and promoting sustainable communities (SDG 1, 11).

4. Female Leadership Centre: Empowers women for gender equality and economic growth (SDG 5, 8).

5. Community Connect: Enhances community engagement and sustainable development through practical learning (SDG 4, 11, 17). 

Haitao WU, Dean of School of Business Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law said: “We are deeply honoured to receive the AMBA & BGA Best CSR and Sustainability Initiative Award. Since joining the AMBA network and embarking on our accreditation journey, our school has been profoundly inspired, transforming our approach to academic quality, social impact, and innovation. This achievement would not have been possible without AMBA & BGA’s unwavering support and guidance, for which we are immensely grateful.

This accolade reflects our growing global impact, particularly through initiatives supporting children with special needs, empowering women, and combating poverty. Guided by our strategy of ‘pursuing international trends, embracing local practice, promoting the school’s advantages, and delivering responsible education,’ we collaborate with students, alumni, faculty, employers, and stakeholders to nurture socially responsible business leaders.

Looking ahead, we are committed to strengthening global partnerships, advancing sustainable development, and pushing the boundaries of innovation. This award not only recognises our past efforts but also inspires us to aim higher and make an even greater impact in the years to come.”

Veijo Kyosti, CEO, Cesim Business Simulations, “Cesim Simulations was proud to present the AMBA & BGA CSR and Sustainability Award to Zhongnan University of Economics and Law. This award reflects our dedication to help integrate sustainability into the fabric of management education.

The polarized environment of today underscores the importance of celebrating meaningful efforts to advance sustainability and responsible management in business education.

Zhongnan University’s Compassionate Futures Nexus unites five important responsible management initiatives and covers many UN Sustainable Development Goals. We extend our best wishes for the continued success of Zhongnan University’s efforts to promote responsible management.”

Andrew Main Wilson, Chief Executive of the Association of MBAs and Business Graduates Association (AMBA & BGA) said: “On behalf of the AMBA and BGA team, I would like to congratulate the finalists and winners of this year’s Excellence Awards. 

“This year, the competition was stronger than ever – with the highest number of entries ever. The entries who have made the final shortlist in each category should feel proud of their achievements.

“Additionally, the students and graduates who have been shortlisted as finalists today have all used their qualifications to achieve a spectrum of impressive results, in terms of the positive impact they have made to business, education and society as a whole.

“It was thrilling to be able to celebrate the AMBA & BGA network’s achievements at our Gala Dinner - in particular it’s been amazing to celebrate exceptional innovations and successes in the higher management education industry.

“I also want to take the opportunity to thank our partners, BlueSky Education, GMAC, Accredinator - Business School Accreditation Software, QED and Cesim Business Simulations. Their support for our awards – and the business education sector – is greatly appreciated.”

ENDS

For more information or interviews, please contact:

Ellen Buchan, Insight, Content & PR Manager, AMBA & BGA – E.buchan@amba-bga.com