Twitter Chat Recap: #WhyPurpose with Pearson & Partners

Pearson, SAP, ASU WSSI, UN PRME, and TriplePundit came together at #WhyPurpose today to discuss why young people want to work for businesses with a social purpose, how they’re preparing to join the workforce, and what this means for businesses.

Did you know that 47 percent of Millennials expect their CEOs to take a stance on important political issues, as compared to just 28 percent of Americans in the workforce in general? And, Millennials "are twice as likely as the overall pool to invest in companies or funds that target social or environmental outcomes."

As the world’s learning company, Pearson is engaging with learners, teachers, researchers and thought-leaders to understand the issues they care about -- for example expanding access to education, promoting education for sustainable development, preparing learners for good jobs or having a positive impact on the environment. Addressing these topics is part of their 2020 Sustainability Plan - a five-year vision to integrate environmental and social issues into every aspect of the company to drive long-term growth and help implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the Twitter Chat, Pearson and guest panelists from SAP, ASU’s Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives, and the UN Principles for Responsible Management Education group shared examples of how companies, educational institutions, and governmental organizations are linking sustainability to their core business models and employee engagement - particularly focused on young people!

During #WhyPurpose, discussed the following and much more:

- Where and how are young people being taught about sustainable development? How can universities work with businesses to teach young people about sustainable development issues?

- How do companies align with expectations from Millennials, employees and other potential employees - and should businesses take a stand on important issues?

- How can companies ensure they’re recruiting effectively, engaging, and listening to their younger employees, while working together to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

 

FEATURED GUESTS:

• Amanda Gardiner (@Amanda_Gardiner & @Pearson) - VP - Sustainability and Social Innovation at Pearson


• Glenda Whetten (@WSSIatASU) - Walton Initiatives’ Director of Higher Education Programs


• Lourdes Rosales (@RosalesLuly & @LifeatSAP) - Global Strategic Partnerships at SAP SE


• Jonas Haertle (@JonasPRME & @PRMEsecretariat) - Head, Principles for Responsible Management Education, UN Global Compact

MODERATORS:

• The TriplePundit Team

 

 

About Pearson

We’re the world’s learning company, with expertise in educational courseware and assessment, and a range of teaching and learning services powered by technology. Our products and services are used by millions of teachers and learners around the world every day. Our mission to help people make progress in their lives through learning — because we believe that learning opens up opportunities, creating fulfilling careers and better lives.

For us, sustainability means using our core strengths as a learning company to help spread the benefits of quality education far and wide, while strengthening our business and upholding the highest standards of responsible business conduct.

Launched in 2016, our 2020 Sustainability Plan is a five-year vision to integrate environmental and social issues into every aspect of our company to drive long-term growth and help implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our Sustainability Plan is closely aligned with our corporate strategy and is driven by a set of issues that are relevant to our business and stakeholders. These issues include access to education, 21st century skills, economic empowerment, data privacy, and learners’ safety and security.

Join this chat to learn more about our 2020 Sustainability Plan, and be sure to read our latest sustainability report on pearson.com/sustainability.