2025 PRME Global Students Sustainability Award

The SASSE Sustainability Group (SSG) is a student-led initiative based on passion and engagement for environmental issues amongst the diverse student body of the Stockholm School of Economics. SSG strives to empower students to drive sustainable action in their everyday life, as well as in their future careers. The core mission is to raise awareness through collaboration between students – as future leaders – and sectors such as academia, politics and industry. By organizing both engaging and educational events, we aim to spark meaningful conversations and drive lasting change in business and society.

1. The Sustainability Week is the largest sustainability-focused initiative of the Student Association at the Stockholm School of Economics (SASSE). Each year, 11 students from SSE’s Master and Bachelor programs spend an entire semester organizing a week filled with events promoting career opportunities within sustainability. This offers students a unique platform to explore how they can integrate sustainable practices into their lives. The goal is to highlight the many intersections between sustainability and sectors such as finance, politics, and consulting.

In 2024, the Sustainability Week started off with two lunch lectures. The first featured the Sustainable Investing Division of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) – one of Scandinavia’s most prominent banks. Students gained valuable insights into sustainable finance and ESG investment strategies. As no such event had ever been held at SSE, it drew a large traction from different cohorts and programs. The second lecture was held by SSE’s renowned “Happiness Professor” Micael Dahlén. Dahlén explored the behavioral aspects of sustainability and well-being.

Further, the week featured a panel discussion that brought together former Swedish Climate Minister Isabella Lövin, management consultants from Ernst & Young (EY) and Ethos Consulting, SSE President Lars Strannegård, as well as SSE students. The discussion was focused on corporate responsibility, more specifically on how businesses, policymakers, and academicians can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable society. The panel discussion was followed by a Q&A session.

The week culminated in its two flagship events: the Sustainability Career Fair and the Future of Food Banquet. The career fair welcomed over 350 students who had the chance to connect directly with sustainability departments from top consulting firms and banks. The firms in attendance were PwC, SEB, EY, and Ethos Consulting Group, all of whom expressed positive feedback on the engagement and enthusiasm of students. The fair emphasised SSE’s role as a meeting point between future sustainability leaders and current industry players. After the fair, the Future of Food Banquet was held at Källarbyn, a renowned Stockholm restaurant. More than just a dining experience, the menu was crafted from locally and organically sourced ingredients. The banquet sparked discussions on supply chain ethics and responsible consumption practices.

In the last two years, the Sustainability Week has established itself within the university’s ecosystem. By integrating sustainability into career discussions, the initiative has heightened awareness of the topic, and influenced faculty to include sustainability into their guidance. This impact has been evident in the upcoming 2025 edition where the faculty-led and student-supported initiative CIVICA (the European Universities of Social Sciences) has requested to co-organize the panel discussion. Additionally, the surge in applications to join the Sustainability Week’s organizing team underscores its growing influence.

Locally, Sustainability Week has established and nurtured connections between students and Stockholm-based organizations. The Future of Food Banquet, for instance, has not only initiated partnerships with restaurants and food suppliers that prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainable supply chains but has also laid the groundwork for broader initiatives. One notable example is the emergence of a dedicated food fair, highlighting the growing momentum of sustainability-driven gastronomy. This evolution demonstrates that sustainability is more than just a corporate or academic priority—it is a dynamic and expanding movement that influences everyday choices and fosters new sectors of innovation.

By highlighting the strong engagement of SSE students and their growing commitment to sustainable practices in their career choices, the Sustainability Week hopes to inspire companies—in Stockholm, across Sweden, throughout Europe, and globally—to prioritize sustainability in their decision-making. In doing so, SSG seeks to drive impact beyond the local level. As a result, the Sustainability Week aligns with multiple SDGs. These include Quality Education (SDG 4) by giving students knowledge on sustainability-driven career paths, Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) by promoting responsible business practices, and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) by fostering discussions on sustainable business models. Additionally, Climate Action (SDG 13) was addressed through the discussions around climate-related financial risks and sustainable consulting practices. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) was largely reflected in the event’s cross-sector collaboration.

The Sustainability Week advances PRME’s Purpose by preparing students to become responsible professionals and leaders. Through Values, it fosters accountability by encouraging students to adhere to ethical business practices. By encouraging critical conversations on ESG, sustainable investing, and corporate responsibility, students develop a strong foundation for value-driven decision-making. The Sustainability Week bridges academic knowledge with real-world applications under Teach and reinforces Partnership through collaboration with businesses and policymakers. Practice is embedded in its student-led structure, where volunteers gain hands-on experiences in leadership, event execution, and stakeholder engagement. Share is reflected in its scalable model: within the student association, the Sustainability Week is a blueprint for integrating sustainability into education and industry engagement.

In a business school environment where consulting and finance are traditionally viewed through a profit-driven lens, the Sustainability Week serves as a unique forum for students to explore purpose-driven career paths. With multiple opportunities to network with industry leaders, the initiative demonstrates that responsible business practices and financial success can go hand in hand. Sustainability Week extends beyond career exploration by fostering an inclusive environment where students engage with diverse perspectives and critically examine traditional approaches. It has evolved into a community that drives curiosity, personal development, and meaningful connections. More than an initiative, it transforms sustainability from an abstract ideal into actionable progress, proving that lasting impact comes from a shared commitment to change.

2. The Sustainable Fashion Week is the only fashion initiative at the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE). Launched as a digital event in 2021, it has grown into a dynamic platform led by a team of nine students and fifteen models. Through inspiring and engaging events, it brings together students and industry professionals to promote awareness of circular fashion.

The Sustainable Fashion Week of 2024 began with two lunch lectures, the first featuring Ingemar Albertsson (known as @Vintagemannen on social media) who inspired students to invest in high-quality, timeless staples over fast fashion. Emphasizing durability and versatility, he promoted locally sourced materials and regional production, urging consumers to support smaller businesses to reduce their environmental impact. His approach combined elegance, functionality, and ethical consumption, reinforcing the value of conscious purchasing. The second lecture was held by Benjamin Lau. As co-founder and co-CEO of Ninepine, a B2C fashion brand he launched after graduating from the Stockholm School of Economics, Lau shared how he combined his passion for fashion and entrepreneurship to create a brand centred on comfort and sustainability. Reflecting on the challenges of running a business, Lau inspired students to integrate sustainability into their ventures, fostering a more responsible local business ecosystem.

The Sustainable Fashion Week concluded with a fashion show at the Stockholm nightclub Under Bron, followed by a spectacular afterparty. The event brought together over 280 attendees, including students, faculty, and fashion industry professionals, fostering a stronger connection between academia, students and the sustainable fashion industry. The project team played a crucial role in event execution, from recruiting 15 student models to coordinating three hosts who ensured a seamless experience. Hair and makeup were provided by the Makeup Institute of Stockholm, while eight fashion brands collaborated to create an unforgettable showcase of sustainable fashion. Among the partners were Sustain by Oscar Jacobson, working with both recycled materials and second-hand, 118 Läder and Cay Collective (the latter founded by SSE graduates).

At SSE, the events had a profound impact by strengthening industry-academia collaboration, this time through the lens of fashion. The Sustainable Fashion Week succeeded in equipping students involved with practical experience in event management, sustainable business practices, and stakeholder engagement. The week further elevated the visibility of emerging sustainable brands, driving local economic growth and encouraging responsible consumption.

Beyond the university, the show served as a bridge between students and industry professionals, creating valuable networking opportunities, especially at the fashion show where fashion industry representatives were in attendance. Students were inspired to integrate sustainable fashion into their personal and professional lives, demonstrating the event’s influence as more than just a fashion showcase. By emphasizing the message that sustainable fashion is not a passing trend but an urgent transformation, the Sustainable Fashion Week helped shape a more conscious and responsible industry.

As a result, numerous SDGs were central to the event. Supporting Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and Climate Action (SDG 13), the event promoted ethical fashion choices, circular business models, and responsible supply chains. By collaborating with small fashion brands, the initiative also contributed to Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) as well as Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). Moreover, PRME principles were embodied by fostering purpose-driven education through its interactive format, allowing students to explore career and lifestyle opportunities in sustainability. By integrating industry collaborations, such as the lunch lecture with Benjamin Lau, students engaged directly with sustainable fashion advocates and entrepreneurs, reinforcing values of accountability to society and the planet. The event also transformed the learning environment by providing hands-on experience, from organizing the fashion show to securing partnerships.

The Sustainable Fashion Week exemplifies how student-led initiatives can drive real-world impact within the fashion industry. By incorporating educational components, hands-on experiences, and community involvement, the initiative succeeded in promoting ethical fashion practices amongst the student body of SSE.

For Sustainability Week, a key example is the Future of Food Banquet, where sustainability was explored through a sensory experience. Held at Källarbyn, a Swedish restaurant in the heart of Stockholm, the event combined gastronomy with discussions on ethical sourcing, sustainable supply chains, and responsible consumption. This unconventional format transformed sustainability from an abstract concept into an immersive experience, reinforcing the impact of conscious consumer choices.

Similarly, the Sustainable Fashion Week’s fashion show shed light on an industry dominated by fast fashion. By featuring emerging brands that prioritize ethical sourcing, circular production, and sustainable materials, the event challenged conventional fashion norms. Hosted at Under Bron, it created a dynamic and visually engaging platform for students to explore sustainable alternatives while fostering collaborations between academia and the fashion industry.

Beyond these flagship events, the Sustainability Week integrates creativity by making sustainability interactive and career-oriented. Through panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, students engage with sustainability in diverse sectors such as finance, consulting, and policy. By blending experiential learning with industry collaboration, the initiative ensures that sustainability is not just discussed but actively integrated into student careers and lifestyles.

1. In 2024, Sustainability Week saw significant growth in both student participation and corporate engagement. Over 350 students attended the Sustainability Career Fair – a 25% increase from previous years –, while each lecture had more than 70 sign-ups. The event also welcomed a record number of corporate businesses, institutional partners, academics and policymakers, who contributed to making the panel discussion, career fair, and lectures a great success.

The increase in participation underscores the rising demand for sustainability-focused career pathways at SSE, driven in part by the growing prominence of the Sustainability Week and SSG at large. Moreover, the increase in student applications for the 2025 edition of the Sustainability Week, as well as new collaborations with faculty, further illustrate the impact the project has on the university ecosystem.

Beyond SSE, the Sustainability Week has expanded its regional and global influence, strengthening engagement with businesses, banks, policymakers, and academics. By connecting students with impact-driven organizations and sustainable enterprises, the initiative has extended its impact beyond the university. Thus, companies now recognize Sustainability Week as a strategic platform for engaging with students interested in sustainability, leading to a rise in corporate involvement and cooperation with students engaged in their respective fields. Finally, the Future of Food Banquet has reinforced partnerships with local, Stockholm-based restaurants and food suppliers, promoting ethical sourcing and responsible consumption, while policy-focused events with regional decision-makers have positioned students as active contributors to sustainability discussions and governance.

Considering quantitative growth and long-term qualitative impact, the Sustainability Week has significantly elevated the role of sustainability within the academic and professional aspirations of students at SSE. It has deepened the engagement, awareness, and career explorations in the field. As participation and partnerships continue to grow, the Sustainability Week stands as a scalable model for business schools worldwide, proving that student-driven initiatives can redefine career aspirations, enhance university-industry collaboration, and create lasting impact. Looking ahead, the 2025 edition aims to engage more NGOs, nonprofits, and startups at the fair, further broadening horizons and career perspectives.

2. The Sustainable Fashion Week consistently drew strong participation across all events. Lectures at SSE averaged 60 sign-ups, and an impressive 280 people attended the fashion show and afterparty at Under Bron – the latter being a 160% increase in ticket sales from the previous year. The enthusiastic engagement from students demonstrated the growing momentum behind sustainable fashion on campus. Furthermore, student feedback indicated a heightened awareness of sustainable fashion choices, with many committing to more conscious consumption habits. Securing partnerships with eight fashion businesses, and eight more sponsors, was also a clear sign of the industry recognizing the demand for sustainable practices.

The event’s media reach, including social media engagement and post-event discussions, extended its influence beyond the university, positioning the Sustainable Fashion Week as a model for student-driven sustainability initiatives that create lasting change in education, industry, and society. This large-scale participation not only demonstrated the increasing demand for sustainability-focused initiatives, but also strengthened collaborations with key stakeholders, including startups, established businesses, and public organizations, ensuring that the event’s impact extended beyond the student body to the broader fashion and sustainability ecosystem.

1. The Sustainability Week project group is structured to ensure clear role distributions. Each member applies and is interviewed for a specific position aligned with their interests and previous experiences. Roles in the project group include social media marketing, event coordination, company relations, fair set-up, sponsorship agreements, and project leadership.

This structure enables participants not only to pursue their passions and interests, but also to develop essential skills for their future careers. For instance, the marketing lead has the opportunity to gain hands-on expertise in social media management and content creation using university resources such as professional cameras and photo editing programs. The head of company relations develops negotiation and stakeholder management skills by engaging in client meetings and contracts. Meanwhile, the project leader focuses on team coordination and strategic planning.

What makes the Sustainability Week unique amongst the numerous projects of the student association is its enabling of more than just skill development—it provides purpose. The marketing lead wasn’t just curating content; they were shaping narratives that inspired others to care. The head of company relations wasn’t merely negotiating contracts but forging partnerships that aligned with a greater mission. The project leader wasn’t just managing timelines but cultivating a team dynamic that fueled innovation and commitment. Thus, the initiative was rooted in a shared passion for social responsibility and the drive to create meaningful change. In a business university where profit and short-term gains often overshadow ethical and environmental considerations, this team challenged that norm. Each member, regardless of their role, was united by a vision of a future where business is not just about financial success but about long-term impact and ethical leadership.

At its core, this project was a testament to what happens when passion meets structure, when professional growth aligns with values, and when individuals come together to work toward something greater than themselves. Beyond the technical expertise gained, each participant left with a deeper sense of responsibility and a conviction in their ability to lead change.

2. Much like the Sustainability Week project group, the students participating in the Sustainable Fashion Week were able to grow and learn through hand-on experience that directly translates into hard and soft skills crucial for any future career.

The Project Leader and Vice Project Leader developed their leadership skills, mastering the art of group coordination, delegation, and problem-solving. By ensuring smooth execution in high-pressure situations, they were able to improve their strategic thinking and communication abilities — both essential for high-responsibility roles in corporate and creative industries alike.

Event coordinators had the opportunity to merge their passion for fashion and sustainability by organizing engaging events showcasing the intersection between creativity and responsibility. They strengthened their planning and logistics skills, as well as their ability to coordinate large-scale projects with multiple moving parts. This provides them with a competitive edge in industries that require high-level organization and execution skills.

The social media team played a pivotal role in the project’s audience engagement. Their ability to craft compelling narratives and analyze engagement makes them strong candidates for careers in digital marketing, social media management, and e-commerce strategy. Additionally, learning to leverage sustainability messaging in online campaigns prepares them for roles in corporate social responsibility and sustainability-focused communications.

Besides student development, the fashion show was also an advantage for its corporate partners. The fashion designers who curated the outfits worn on the catwalk gained exposure before an audience that included industry professionals, potential clients, and recruiters. This event thus served as a platform for them to build their brand and gain visibility – two key stepping stones for small businesses.

Additionally, the presence of fashion designers and industry professionals elevated the experience for all participants, especially students who had the chance to gain insights into an industry that might interest them. Multiple students thus received career advice and established early relationships that could lead to internships and full-time roles in the fashion industry in the future.

Ultimately, the Sustainable Fashion Week empowers student members by allowing them to learn through practice, sharpening their skills in leadership, coordination, and strategic thinking – all through a constant creative lens. Participants left with a richer professional foundation and a deeper understanding of how to integrate sustainability into their respective interests, fostering thought leadership that extends beyond their time in the student organization.

The Sustainability Week at the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) fosters global cooperation by bridging students with international businesses, policymakers, and academic institutions. Collaborations with multinational firms like SEB, PwC, EY, and Ethos Consulting Group expose students to sustainability-driven financial and consulting strategies, reinforcing responsible business practices on a global scale.

The initiative also integrates diverse perspectives through high-profile speakers such as former Swedish Climate Minister Isabella Lövin and international management consultants, facilitating cross-sector dialogues on corporate responsibility and sustainable policy development. This engagement allows students to explore global sustainability challenges and solutions, equipping them for careers with international impact.

Academically, Sustainability Week has strengthened partnerships beyond Sweden, including the 2025 co-organization of a panel discussion with CIVICA, an alliance of European universities. This collaboration demonstrates how student-driven initiatives can expand global networks and influence sustainability education across borders.

By fostering partnerships between students, businesses, and policymakers worldwide, Sustainability Week not only advances sustainable practices in professional fields but also cultivates future leaders with the knowledge and networks to drive sustainability on a global scale.

1. Sustainability Week (flagship initiative)

2. Sustainable Fashion Week (flagship initiative)

3. Sustainable Finance Club

4. Effective Altruism

5. Various collaborations, most notably with SSE’s Mistra Center for Sustainable Markets (Misum), and the collaboration with PRME at SSE.

Student Representative

Magdalena Zaczek

25881@student.hhs.se

+46766331776