HSE Graduate School of Business Celebrates Student Participation in the International Week on Sustainability in Antwerp
The award ceremony was held in a hybrid format: participating students attended in person, while I-Week Director University of Antwerp Professor Peter Verheezen and the Russian I-Week delegation leader Associate Professor of the Department of Strategic and International Management at HSE GSB Ekaterina Ivanova joined the event online. Deputy Director of HSE GSB Ivan Prostakov also participated in the event.
During the meeting, representatives from HSE GSB and the University of Antwerp discussed the global significance of sustainable development and the ESG agenda. Professor Peter Verheezen emphasized that despite current geopolitical challenges, issues of environmental and social responsibility remain borderless and require collective action from the entire global community. Participants noted the importance of maintaining openness to international dialogue and personal responsibility of everyone for the planet's future.
заместитель директора ВШБ ВШЭ
The participation of HSE GSB students in the I-Week project confirms our business school's engagement with the global agenda of sustainable and responsible management. It is no coincidence that our ceremony takes place literally one day before the annual general meeting of the UN PRME Chapter Eurasia, which will be held in Almaty with the participation of the HSE GSB delegation.
HSE GSB students who participated in the program received certificates confirming their contribution to studying the ESG agenda. The I-Week program allowed them not only to immerse themselves in theoretical aspects of sustainable business, but also to see practical examples: from waste management systems in Belgium to analysis of innovative company strategies.
доцент департамента стратегического и международного менеджмента ВШБ ВШЭ
I am proud of our delegation's contribution to the success of I-Week 2026. This was an invaluable experience of integration into the global academic community. And I look forward to meeting HSE GSB alumni at the Global PRME Forum in Cairo in June, where Professor Peter Verheezen and I will announce the preparation of a book about I-Week.
The success of HSE GSB's participation in the international project was made possible thanks to the coordinated work of the team: the strategic leadership of Ivan Prostakov, administrative support and coordination of the HSE GSB student delegation by Olga Spirodonova and Olga Rodina within the HSE GSB International Exchange Center, as well as the invaluable contribution to the continuation of this project by Ekaterina Ivanova and the amazing organization by colleagues from Antwerp — Peter Verheezen, Heinrich Brunke, Sara Weyns, Julia Dekeukelaire and the entire team of the Faculty of Business and Economics.
The ceremony concluded with a traditional commemorative photo and warm words of gratitude to the organizers for creating a unique multicultural environment conducive to the professional and personal growth of future business leaders.
A detailed overview of key events and the educational program of the International Week on Sustainability itself can be found in a previous publication.
Peter Verheezen
Professor, University of Antwerp
The HSE GSB students, both online and offline have proven to be a very enthusiastic crowd, and consequently have been great active contributors to the international week on sustainability organized by the international faculty of the University of Antwerp and its university partners. Especially taking into account the current geopolitical context, we are very proud of the incredible positive attitude of these young Russian students who have brought a unique flavour of compassion and grace to this one week intense event, combining intellectual interest and willingness to truly collaborate within an international student body of 44 different nations, with a cross-cultural maturity that is remarkable and quite applaudable.
That this international network of mutual respect on the grassroots may inspire those involved and those around, but also that this international body of more than 540 students (and their predecessors alumni) may be an example for many…both in Russia, Belgium and all the participating countries, in the spirit of real sustainability - at all levels of business and personal life
менеджер Центра международных обменов ВШБ ВШЭ
For me, I-Week over the past years has been not just an event, but an occurrence that amazes with its scale and depth of meaning. It is a unique platform where the awareness of a new generation grows and the foundation of care for our planet is being laid. I sincerely admire the incredible level of organization by our colleagues from the University of Antwerp. Their dedication creates an incomparable atmosphere of warmth, genuine friendship and unity for a common important goal. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this global movement and to contribute to the organization of such a significant project!
Vladimir Zhuravlev
online I-Week 2026 participant, 2nd year student, GSB Master’s Program in International Management
For me, the I-Week served as an platform to connect with like minded individuals and validate the values I’ve long held. Working at the intersection of AI and international management, I sometimes feel a tension between rapid technological growth and ethics. Sabine Denis’s session on "moral ambition" was deeply impactful not because it introduced a completely foreign concept, but because it gave me the confidence to trust my internal thoughts on what true responsibility should look like. Her words reinforced that the world doesn’t lack intellect – it lacks "awakened" professionals with the courage to act.
In the tech sector, I look to companies like Anthropic, which treat safety and ethics as fundamental constraints rather than PR afterthoughts. This week empowered me to keep asking uncomfortable questions. Sustainability is no longer just a strategic framework for me – it is the courage to maintain one’s moral integrity. I truly hope to see more professionals embrace this path and participate in this movement, as our collective courage is what will ultimately drive the systemic change we need.
Vadim Alexeev
offline I-Week 2026 participant, 2nd year student, GSB Master’s Program in International Management
It's actually interesting to notice that it's been two months now since I returned from I-Week, and all this time I've been over and over remembering Antwerp. The impact of I-Week has been so profound that I can't help but be constantly reminded of the lovely time I had there. I mean it was truly beneficial, exciting and wonderful experience. One of the main core elements of I-Week is its diversity. It's a perfect combination of educational program, cultural immersion and international network. It goes without saying that I-Week has been a major milestone for my future career in sustainability. I'm truly grateful to I-Week and GSB for an opportunity to participate in such an amazing and beneficial event. Thank you so much!
Adelina Bliznyuk
online I-Week 2026 participant, 1st year student, GSB Master’s Program in International Management
Taking part in the International Week on Sustainability online was a truly enriching experience. The program brought together an impressive lineup of speakers, each offering a unique perspective on sustainability. This week reinforced my belief that sustainability is not an individual journey, but rather a dialogue, an openness, and a willingness to learn from others. I‑Week gave me exactly that, and I will carry these insights with me throughout my studies and future career.