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Didier van Overveld: We can't solve global challenges by continuing with business as usual

Through the Creative Sustainability master's program, he has worked with like-minded individuals from diverse disciplines to address pressing global issues.
Photo of a student in the Creative Sustainability master's programme

What is your study/work background? How did you end up studying Creative Sustainability?

After graduating from high school, I went to the University of Clermont Auvergne to do a bachelor's in International Business. I knew that I wanted to do something with languages and business, but the sustainability dimension came later in my studies. In 2019, after 5 months of exchange in Frankfurt (Germany), I left for another 4 months of exchange to Hämeenlinna (Finland). I was curious about the Finnish education system and heard they were ahead with sustainability. There I met a Creative Sustainability alumna who told me about the master's programme in Aalto.

What are the best things in your programme? 

Creative Sustainability is a truly unique programme. Being surrounded by like-minded people who want to make a positive impact is a key success factor, as is the multidisciplinary nature of the programme. I've been lucky enough to work with designers and engineers on projects to solve global problems. The programme gives you theoretical knowledge, but also the opportunity to put it into practice by working on concrete projects. Actually, the Financial Times has recently given international recognition ʵ University's sustainability education, ranking it among the best in the world and citing the Master’s in Creative Sustainability as one example of this.

How does Creative Sustainability combine business and sustainability teaching?

The programme gives you a better understanding of the problems facing humanity and how they will (are already) affect most of us in the years to come. It makes you realize that everything is connected and that we can't solve those global problems by continuing with business as usual. That's why we need to work together and take a systemic approach, which the programme does by bringing together business, design, engineering, and art.

Why are you interested in Sustainability?

I'm passionate about sustainability because I believe it's essential to understand what is happening in the world around us. We are at a critical juncture where our actions today will determine the future of our planet. I would say that sustainability isn't just a choice; it's a necessity for the survival of our species on this planet. I wanted to better understand the complexity of the environmental and social issues we are facing. I'm driven to inspire and create change because I believe that together, we can make a positive impact and regenerate the ecosystems on which we depend.

What inspires you at the moment?

I’m very inspired by regenerative businesses at the moment. With regenerative, I mean businesses that are bringing more back to nature than doing harm. I am also inspired by new movements that fundamentally question capitalism in its current form and try to offer alternatives that are better for the people and the earth. For example, the Degrowth Movement with economists like Timothée Parrique based on principles such as locality, community ownership, and participation really inspires me. I believe that big changes start small and that everyone can make an impact. This gives me purpose and a bit of hope for the future.

What is best about the Aalto University’s Otaniemi and/ or  Aalto’s student community? 

What I love about Aalto University's campus and the student community is the amount of opportunities you have to get involved. Whether it's through the , the Test Site, or the Sustainability Action Booster, there are so many opportunities for students to make a real impact and contribute to a more sustainable campus. Additionally, the student life at Aalto is incredibly vibrant and exciting, offering something for everyone. In my opinion, Aalto has one of the best student cultures in the world.

What do you want to do after you have graduated? Do you have a dream job?  

After graduating, my dream is to start my own company where I can meet and document regenerative businesses across Europe. As a regenerative entrepreneur, I want to build a community and inspire change towards a more sustainable and mindful way of living on this planet.    

Creative Sustainability, Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration)
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