By Eileen Chen, Project Management Lead at the Center for Social Value Creation
Alexandria, VA – The Center for Social Value Creation (CSVC) at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business prepares the next generation of leaders to use business as a force for positive social and environmental impact. Through experiential learning, student consulting, research, and community partnerships, the Center equips students with the skills to address today’s most pressing sustainability challenges while creating long-term value for businesses, communities, and society. By connecting students with industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations, CSVC helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world impact.
Throughout the year, CSVC hosts conferences, workshops, fellowships, consulting projects, and speaker events that bring together students and professionals from across sectors. These programs provide opportunities to engage directly with leaders driving innovation in sustainability, responsible business, climate action, and social impact. The Center’s mission is rooted in collaboration, recognizing that meaningful progress requires partnerships across business, government, academia, and civil society.
Now entering its fifth year, the Sustainability in Business Conference (SIBC) has become one of the University’s premier sustainability events. This year’s conference, “Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals Through Partnerships and Responsible Consumption,” will bring together leaders from organizations including WWF, Patagonia, the United Nations Information Centre, and the Clean Energy Buyers Association, with additional speakers continuing to be announced. Through keynote presentations and panel discussions, attendees will explore how cross-sector collaboration and responsible business practices can accelerate progress toward a more sustainable future.
Open to students, alumni, professionals, faculty, and members of the broader community, SIBC offers a unique opportunity to learn from nationally recognized leaders, build meaningful connections, and engage in conversations that shape the future of business. Whether you’re interested in sustainability, finance, public policy, entrepreneurship, or corporate leadership, the conference provides practical insights and inspiring discussions that demonstrate how business can create lasting social and environmental impact.
