Last week concluded the “Approaches to the Common Good” course, an Additional Training and Continuing Education programme offered in Spanish by the University of Jaén (UJA), Spain. This academic plan introduces the theory behind the Economy for the Common Good (ECG), its origins and overview, as well as the practical applications of its tools and core values, such as the Common Good Balance Sheet and the Common Good Product (CGP), to companies, communities, municipalities, universities and other educational institutions.

From this perspective, the introductory curriculum also covers relevant issues such as climate change, global change and sustainable development, social clauses as a fundamental part of responsible public procurement and ethical markets. It is open for UJA undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and the general public, through a combination of on-site and virtual training.

The 3-week course follows a specific set of primary goals:

  1. To obtain an overview of the ECG and its application to companies, municipalities, communities, educational centres and universities.
  2. To learn about a different way of measuring the success of organisations/companies/institutions and the country’s economic activities through the Common Good Balance Sheet and the Common Good Product, respectively.
  3. To show the need for the creation of shared value in a broad sense for all stakeholders.
  4. Instruct on the necessary changes in the culture of organisations/companies/institutions for sustainable development.
  5. To provide the basis for management and interrelationships within companies and institutions that are more in line with the ECG.
  6. To understand global change, climate change and the philosophy of the ECG.
  7. To reflect on the creation of an ethical market in the European Union.
  8. To acquire knowledge on responsible public procurement and new models related to the ECG.

During the last virtual meeting, course organisers arranged an open virtual discussion about the Common Good Communities. Latin American ECG volunteers and members interested in and working on these groups joined the conversation as special guests. Apart from usual course participants, there were representatives from Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Galapagos Islands, and Colombia.

Learn more about the programme