The IE Social Responsibility Forum 2009 is the fourth annual event organised by students of IE Business School in Madrid. It aims to promote constructive dialogue among the IE community, businesses and their stakeholders and advocate the case for sustainable business.

Redesigning capitalism, the business case for sustainability
Systems failure? The latest crisis indicates significant evidence of systemic failure rather than just another phase in the economic cycle. A victim of its own success, capitalism – although it has improved the economic wealth and living standards of many societies – is generating climate change, resource scarcity and income inequality. The policy adjustments treating only the symptoms are destined to fail. Furthermore, business behaviour addressing marginal improvements will not provide long lasting solutions. It is time to think beyond the next quarter... to the next quarter century, or quarter millennium! It is time to redefine wealth, to reassess growth, to fit our global economy within our planetary limits. Only with the full commitment of businesses will we succeed in creating a new capitalism and a sustainable future. Let’s commit and begin.

IE boasts students from more than 80 countries on its Master, Doctorate and Executive Education programmes. Recognized as one of the world's top business schools (6th worldwide, FT, 2009), 10th in the world in the Aspen Institute’s sustainability rankings and 2nd worldwide in Corporate Social Responsibility, IE pledges to educate socially responsible business leaders.

The last years, among the many specialists, the forum had the privilege to host Mr. José Mariá Figueres, former President of Costa Rica, and Mr Jeremy Legget, chairman of Solar Aid as keynote speakers. The topics covered have ranged from Corporate Social Responsibility, Renewable Energies and Microfinance. The events enabled more than 400 students each year to interact with peers, professionals and international thought leaders.

The Forum has in previous years received sponsorship and support from companies such as Endesa, Johnson & Johnson, Acciona, Sanitas, NH Hotels and Iberia. This important support has enabled conferences and workshops led by academic and business leaders from around the world who have in depth experience and knowledge in their respective fields.

As with past years, an additional seven top business schools of the Sumaq Alliance in Latin America will also benefit from the conference via webcasts, confirming a truly prestigious and international presence for the Forum.