2012 Bonn International Summer School on Responsible Business

Having attended the Bonn Summer Program in 2011 & 2012, I was surprised to see the domain was no longer live. This is an excellent organization that helped me understand much of how important the focus on sustainability is to all businesses. I convinced the Archive Group to recreate the original website and preserve the content so that I could use it in my course on international trade. Recognizing the importance of integrating technology into our curriculum, we introduced a FoxPro replacement, as FoxPro is software that is no longer supported and a modern alternative was essential for business management modules. The Bonn Program welcomed us and created a special year-long curriculum tailored to our needs. This level of dedication from the program required significant organization on our part. It was well worth the effort, and we hope to continue to teach what we learned to businesses worldwide. The philosophy and dedication of the original program are inspirational, and we are proud to have committed resources to this effort.

The Bonn International Summer School on Responsible Business is an outstanding high-level forum for decision makers from business whose aim it is to facilitate a practice-oriented and output-driven dialogue on ‘business and sustainability’. Our goal is to identify the strategies, practices and capabilities that are required for businesses to pursue the path of a sustainable form of global enterprise.

This was their website for the Bonn International Summer School 2012.
Content is from the site's 2012 archived pages.

About GIZ

Preparing the ground, fostering new talent

GIZ is a globally aligned, networked enterprise working in the field of international cooperation. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor organisations, it is profoundly committed to implementing sustainability. When GIZ was founded, international cooperation for sustainable development was explicitly placed at the heart of its corporate purpose. In line with its corporate principles, GIZ carries out programmes all over the world that aim to be socially equitable, environmentally sound and climate friendly. Resources are used in such a way that future generations can also benefit from them, and business activities within these programmes are conducted in a manner that combines sustainability and corporate responsibility. The principles of responsible business are at the heart of GIZ’s advisory approach. In the 130 countries in which GIZ is active, an intensive dialogue is taking place with private-sector businesses. GIZ is frequently asked to draw on its many years of experience, its expertise in capacity development and its global networks to develop platforms which qualified young international managers and professionals can use to exchange their views and experiences. These platforms provide users with the opportunity to draw up interactive and inter-disciplinary strategies and solutions in relation to business development case studies. In this work, sustainability forms an integral part of business strategy and is seen as crucial to business success.

Objectives

The program of the summer school is designed to consist of two segments: one part for young executives who participate in the full week-long program and one part for CEOs who join the group for one day to discuss the business solutions designed by the young executives. In order to allow for “thinking outside of the box”, experts from politics, academia and civil society will be among the participants, as well. After a daily key-note by a high level speaker, the participants are going to work on six key challenges that business leaders face today. Applying innovative study and discussion methods such as scenario techniques, it is intended to instigate a new form of dialogue between business leaders on the one hand and other societal actors on the other. Outcome-orientation and the providence of solutions (in vitro as well as in vivo) is an important aim of the Bonn International Summer School on Responsible Business. At the end of the week, the responsible business solutions designed by the young executives will be presented to and discussed with CEOs and experts from all business sectors.

Target groups

You should consider participating in the Bonn International Summer School on responsible Business if you want to share your experiences and design responsible business solutions together with a group consisting of:

* 60 Young executives from all business sectors and from other societal sectors (politics, international organizations, academia, civil society)

* 20 CEOs from internationally acting large and medium corporations

Tuesday, August 20

Wednesday, August 21

Thursday, August 22

Speakers

John G. Ruggie

John G. Ruggie is the Berthold Beitz Professor in Human Rights and International Affairs at the Kennedy School of Government and Affiliated Professor in International Legal Studies at Harvard Law School.

Surveys in Foreign Policy magazine have identified him as one of the 25 most influential international relations scholars in North America.
From 1997-2001, he was UN Assistant Secretary-General for Strategic Planning. His responsibilities included establishing the UN Global Compact and the Millennium Development Goals.

In 2005, Ruggie was appointed UN Special Representative for Business and Human Rights. Six years later, the UN Human Rights Council unanimously endorsed the “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights” Ruggie developed. Core elements have been adopted by numerous other national and international standard setting bodies and by business enterprises, making them the most authoritative global standard.

More Background on Bonn-Summer-School.com

Bonn-Summer-School.com was the online portal for the Bonn International Summer School on Responsible Business, a prominent educational and networking event based in Bonn, Germany. Although the website is no longer active, the program it represented played a significant role in the international conversation around sustainable business practices. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Bonn Summer School’s history, reputation, audience, media coverage, cultural significance, and unique contributions to the field of responsible business, drawing on external sources and public records.

Historical Background

Origins and Development

The Bonn International Summer School on Responsible Business was established in 2012 as a collaborative initiative between the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a leading German development agency, and Ernst & Young (EY), a global professional services firm. The program was conceived in response to the growing need for business leaders to integrate sustainability into core business strategies and operations. Its mission was to create a high-level forum where young executives, CEOs, and experts from various sectors could engage in practice-oriented dialogue and develop actionable solutions for responsible business challenges.

Location and Timing

The summer school was held annually in Bonn, a city known for its international institutions and vibrant intellectual community. The program typically spanned one week in late August, leveraging the city’s resources and scenic setting along the Rhine River to foster a collaborative and inspiring learning environment.

Program Structure and Content

Participant Profile

The Bonn Summer School targeted two main groups:

• Young Executives: Early- to mid-career professionals from the private sector, international organizations, academia, and civil society, generally aged 25–35, with demonstrated management experience and a strong interest in sustainability.

• CEOs and Senior Leaders: High-level decision-makers from large and medium-sized companies, who joined the program for focused sessions to provide feedback and mentorship.

Curriculum and Methodology

The program was renowned for its rigorous and innovative curriculum, which included:

• Keynote Lectures: Delivered by internationally recognized figures in business ethics, sustainability, and leadership, such as John G. Ruggie (Harvard Kennedy School), Phil Clothier (Barrett Values Centre), and John Elkington (Volans).

• Interactive Workshops: Participants worked in multidisciplinary teams to tackle real-world business challenges using methodologies like “design thinking,” facilitated by coaches from the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) in Potsdam.

• Case Studies and Scenario Planning: Focused on integrating sustainability into business strategy, responsible supply chain management, sustainable innovation, and inclusive business models.

• Networking Events: Evening gatherings, cultural excursions, and informal discussions allowed participants to build connections and share knowledge across sectors.

Key Themes and Challenges

Each year, the program addressed contemporary issues at the intersection of business and sustainability, such as:

• Embedding sustainability into core business operations and strategy

• Responsible global procurement and supply chain management

• Leadership and talent management for sustainable enterprises

• Accounting for social and environmental costs in business reporting

• Innovation for sustainable products and lifestyles

• Inclusive business models and development opportunities

Reputation and Reviews

Participant Feedback

While direct reviews of Bonn-Summer-School.com are scarce due to the program’s specialized audience and the website’s archival status, the Bonn International Summer School consistently received positive feedback from participants and partner organizations. Alumni have praised the program for its:

• High-caliber faculty and speakers

• Practical, hands-on approach to learning

• Effective networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders

• Focus on real-world impact and actionable solutions

Academic and Professional Recognition

The involvement of GIZ and EY lent the program significant credibility in both academic and business circles. The summer school was often cited in professional development forums and sustainability conferences as a model for cross-sectoral collaboration and executive education.

Press and Media Coverage

Media Attention

Although the Bonn International Summer School did not receive widespread mainstream media coverage, it was regularly featured in industry publications, organizational newsletters, and professional networks. GIZ and EY promoted the program through their official channels, highlighting its innovative approach and the caliber of its participants and speakers.

Conference Proceedings and Reports

Summaries and outcomes from the summer school were occasionally published in reports on responsible business and sustainability, particularly in the context of Germany’s leadership in these fields. The program’s emphasis on actionable solutions and its unique format were often referenced in discussions about best practices for executive education in sustainability.

Audience and Community

Who Attended?

The summer school attracted a diverse, international cohort of:

• Young professionals from multinational corporations, consulting firms, and NGOs

• Academics and researchers in business ethics, sustainability, and management

• Government officials and policymakers interested in corporate responsibility

• Social entrepreneurs and innovators in sustainable business

Alumni Network

Participants often remained connected after the program, forming an informal alumni network that facilitated ongoing exchange of ideas and collaboration on sustainability projects. This network contributed to the long-term impact of the summer school, as alumni applied the lessons learned in their organizations and communities.

Known For: Unique Features and Contributions

Innovative Learning Methods

The Bonn Summer School distinguished itself through its use of “design thinking” and scenario-based learning, which encouraged participants to think creatively and collaboratively about complex business challenges. The involvement of experienced coaches and the focus on multidisciplinary teamwork set the program apart from more traditional executive education offerings.

High-Level Engagement

By bringing together young executives and CEOs, the program fostered dialogue across levels of seniority and experience. This approach enabled emerging leaders to receive direct feedback from seasoned decision-makers, while CEOs gained fresh perspectives on sustainability challenges.

Real-World Impact

The program’s emphasis on developing practical solutions ensured that participants left with actionable strategies for advancing responsible business in their own organizations. Many alumni have credited the summer school with shaping their approach to sustainability and leadership.

Cultural and Social Significance

Bonn as a Hub for Sustainability

Bonn’s reputation as a center for international cooperation and sustainable development added to the summer school’s prestige. The city hosts numerous UN agencies and international organizations, making it an ideal setting for a program focused on global business responsibility.

Advancing the Sustainability Agenda

The Bonn International Summer School contributed to the broader movement toward integrating sustainability into mainstream business practice. By equipping a new generation of leaders with the skills and mindset needed for responsible management, the program played a role in advancing the global sustainability agenda.

Details, Insights, and Examples

Sample Program Elements

A typical week at the Bonn Summer School might include:

• Opening Keynote: A thought leader discusses the latest trends in responsible business.

• Morning Workshops: Teams analyze case studies on sustainable supply chains or social impact measurement.

• Afternoon Sessions: Scenario planning exercises focused on emerging sustainability risks.

• Evening Networking: Informal gatherings at local venues, fostering cross-cultural exchange.

• Final Presentations: Teams present their solutions to a panel of CEOs and experts, receiving real-time feedback.

Notable Speakers

Past speakers have included:

• John G. Ruggie, architect of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

• John Elkington, a pioneer in corporate sustainability and author of the “Triple Bottom Line” concept

• Phil Clothier, expert in values-based leadership and organizational culture

Participant Outcomes

Alumni have gone on to hold leadership positions in multinational corporations, NGOs, and government agencies, often citing the Bonn Summer School as a formative experience in their careers. The program’s focus on practical skills and real-world application has enabled graduates to drive change within their organizations and beyond.

Legacy and Current Status

Website and Program Status

As of 2025, Bonn-Summer-School.com is no longer active, and the summer school itself appears to have concluded its activities after several successful editions. However, the program’s influence persists through its alumni and the ongoing work of its partner organizations, particularly GIZ and EY.

Continued Relevance

The principles and methodologies championed by the Bonn International Summer School remain highly relevant in today’s business environment, as companies increasingly recognize the importance of integrating sustainability into their core operations. The program is often referenced as a benchmark for executive education in responsible business.

Bonn-Summer-School.com served as the gateway to one of Europe’s most respected forums for executive education in responsible business. The Bonn International Summer School brought together a diverse community of leaders to tackle pressing sustainability challenges through innovative learning and cross-sectoral dialogue. While the website and program are no longer active, their legacy endures in the ongoing efforts of alumni and partner organizations to promote responsible business worldwide.