Virtual Exchange for Intercultural Education: A Powerful Combination for Transforming the Food Value Chain
Chapter
Author(s) / editor(s):
Mona Pearl
Year: 2025
Language(s): English
Abstract:
Addressing climate change and promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the food value chain (FVC) is a defining challenge of the twenty-first century, in order to achieve a more interconnected and sustainable world. This necessitates global collaboration and cross-cultural perspectives to generate innovative solutions to global challenges. Collaboration is highlighted as crucial for making systemic changes in society and business to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The World Economic Forum (WEF) and various organizations are prioritizing CSR and engaging in efforts to identify and address interconnected global issues. The virtual exchange (VE) model included interdisciplinary courses in hospitality management from the Netherlands, facilities management from Switzerland, English as a second language from Japan, and Climate Change/Resilience: Impact & Responses for a Sustainable Future from the US. The VE aimed to equip future leaders with the skills to undertake global initiatives by fostering collaborative teamwork among international universities and diverse disciplines. The primary challenges addressed in the FVC include finding solutions that span various industries, countries, regions, and cultures, as well as enhancing collaboration and analytical thinking skills. Sustainability is seen as empowering students to take accountability for their actions and contribute ideas for a sustainable future. However, it is acknowledged that their viewpoints may be shaped by their specific urban or national context. The experience of collaborating on sustainability initiatives is expected to enhance students’ knowledge, skills, understanding of values, and motivation for action.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-76418-9_6
Post created by: interculture.de e.V.