As part of the HR Expert Track 2025, the IGR-IAE Rennes was pleased to welcome Anna Zelcer, Sustainability Coordinator and alumna of the school, for a session dedicated to Sustainable Development and Intercultural Challenges, at the invitation of Rebecca Dickason, Director of the M1 IHRM programme.

Open to IHRM students as well as international students from other M1 BA majors, the conference addressed the growing importance of sustainability in a global and multicultural context. The session combined theoretical foundations, historical perspectives, and practical insights to help students better understand the complexity of sustainable development projects across different cultural and organizational environments.

During the session, Anna Zelcer explored key milestones in the evolution of sustainable development, from the Meadows Report to the Brundtland definition, and clarified essential concepts such as CSR, greenwashing, carbon neutrality, and the SDGs. She also highlighted the challenges organizations face when implementing sustainability initiatives across countries and cultures, emphasizing the role of communication, cultural understanding, and local contexts.

Through interactive discussions, case studies, and real-life examples, students were encouraged to reflect on the role of Human Resources in sustainability strategies, the impact of intercultural differences on project outcomes, and the ways individuals can contribute to meaningful and responsible action.

Warm thanks, Anna, for this engaging and insightful session, as well as all participating students for their active involvement. With this conference, the HR Expert Track continues to link academic knowledge with real-world challenges.