Young people want business education – Estoril Conferences hear

The Youth Summit discussions revealed that new technologies are democratising access to education, shortening distances and reducing the gap between those with access to higher education, and those who have not. New technologies are the best way to share knowledge. Young people need to understand how education can help them to get what they want from life – and educators need to listen to them.

Under the motto ‘Believing in students’ ideas’, the Youth Summit was a parallel event involving young people, and organised by young people, with the aim of discussing issues that affect and concern them. Developed by an international team of young students, the Summit heard through lively discussion that the topic of education was very close to their hearts. “I need good education to help me really get what I want from life!” was an often-heard remark.

RSM is an academic partner of the Estoril conferences. During the business education forum, RSM Dean Steef van de Velde argued that there are many types of education and all sorts of programmes, catering for a variety of futures.  “The challenges in every area are different,” he said  “as the corporate landscape is different.” He explained that knowledge in itself is at the bottom of pyramid. On top are competencies and capabilities, as well as context, and attitude, so the question is how these various elements are being taught.

He found it his responsibility as a dean to think about these topics and the big developments such as online courses, internationalisation and cross cultural leadership. He also mentioned faculty management as a key element in good education – how to recruit and retain the best faculty for our students. To view this debate, click here.

Director of the Estoril Conference,  Dr Milton Sousa said he will continue to promote a constructive global dialogue in order to boost local actions. “This is one of the goals of the future Estoril Conferences,” he said.