CSR, ESG, and CSRD Education at the EUBA Faculty of Business Management with Partners from the Business Leaders Forum
Students at the Faculty of Business Management at the University of Economics in Bratislava had the opportunity, during the summer semester of the 2025/2026 academic year, to take a specialized course focused on corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainable business, ESG management, and financing.
The course addressed current legislative and regulatory challenges, particularly the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in the context of the latest amendments resulting from the so-called Omnibus Package.
The course was delivered in close collaboration with the business community, specifically with member companies of the Business Leaders Forum (BLF), of which the University of Economics in Bratislava is an associate member. Other companies operating in Slovakia that implement the principles of ethical and sustainable business based on ESG approaches were also involved.
The course concept is based on an interdisciplinary approach to CSR and sustainability.
The curriculum analyzed key theoretical and practical areas, including:
- the framework of corporate social responsibility and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
- ethical standards, compliance systems, and ethics programs,
- resolving ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest among individual stakeholders.
Special attention was paid this academic year to the topics of ESG management and controlling, including issues such as inclusive diversity, community investment, and corporate social responsibility. Non-financial reporting systems were also a central part of the course, particularly in the context of the following frameworks:
- NFRD (Non-Financial Reporting Directive),
- CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive),
- SFDR (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation).
The course was taught in both Slovak and English and was based on real-world case studies presented by managers responsible for CSR, ESG, and SDGs at specific companies. This approach enabled students to analyze current issues directly in a practical context and to actively participate in moderated discussions with experts.
The long-term use of applied case studies has demonstrated a positive impact on the quality of the knowledge acquired and the ability to apply it in practice. Students demonstrate exceptional preparedness not only in exams and the preparation of their final theses but also in navigating the real-world business environment and engaging in professional discussions. This preparedness is also reflected in their active participation in supplementary educational and outreach activities, such as the Sustainability Festival or the “Our City” initiative.
