Rodolfo Ang, who is leading preparations for the 16th World Forum of the International Association of Jesuit Business Schools next week, says schools should aim to get graduates involved in social entrepreneurship.

The annual gathering of deans of Jesuit business schools, to be held at Ateneo de Manila University July 18-21, will focus on the theme, Educating Champions of Sustainable Development, said Ang.

Forum organizers expect Jesuit school officials from Asia, Europe, South America and the United States to attend.

“Sustainable development” involves profitable business ventures that benefit marginalized communities while protecting the environment, explained Ang, the dean of Ateneo’s John Gokongwei School of Management.

Schools, he says, must enable students and encourage graduates to work for the common good.

Ang, in his interview, cited Rags2Riches, an initiative involving Jesuit seminarians, young professionals, a fashion designer and residents of Payatas, a former dumpsite in the city.

The venture involves producing and selling bags and rugs from scrap fabric.

Schools should work toward similar ventures to contribute to sustainable development, said Ang.

His interview is available here.

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