OCOE 2125 - Communication with Purpose: Navigating Sustainability and Responsible Leadership

As environmental crises intensify, inequalities deepen, and planetary boundaries are being transgressed, organizations face increasing pressure to redefine their role, their voice, and their impact. At the same time, misinformation, fatigue, and backlash around environmental and social issues has made authentic and responsible communication both a challenge and an imperative.

Communication today is a powerful lever — not only to inform or persuade, but to connect with audiences in ways that are meaningful, transparent, and accountable.

This course explores how purpose-driven communication can help align business, society, and the planet. It invites future leaders to reflect on why we communicate, what we aim to achieve, and how our words can foster trust, integrity, and meaningful change.

The objective: to use communication purposefully — for clarity, for leadership, and for change.

Through case studies, debates, and strategic analysis, students will learn to reflect upon positionings and narratives that engage stakeholders, navigate complexity, and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Course taught in English Language: a C1 Level in English is required to register for this course.

12 x 2h00

Each student will be given a global mark based on his/her individual and collaborative work, as well as oral contribution to the class:

• group presentation on a theme – conducted in class 40%
• individual presentation on a theme OR position during a debate 35%
• general oral participation 25%

Preparation of the different requested exercises:

1/ debate,

2/ group work in class