Multinational Enterprises, Sustainability and Responsibility in Times of Crisis
10–11 December 2026 – ICN Business School – Berlin Campus
About MESD’26
MESD’26 marks the 20th anniversary of the MESD International Conference, first held in 2006. The 2026 edition will take place on 10–11 December 2026 at the ICN Business School – Berlin Campus, Germany.
For twenty years, MESD has provided a broad international forum for research and discussion on the sustainable development of multinational enterprises (MNEs).
For this anniversary edition, the conference places a particular emphasis on “Multinational Enterprises, Sustainability and Responsibility in Times of Crisis”, while continuing to welcome contributions covering all areas related to the sustainable development of multinational enterprises.
Why this theme matters
The contemporary business environment is shaped by multiple and overlapping crises, including geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, climate change, biodiversity loss, pandemics, energy shocks and increasing social inequalities.
These crises are profoundly reshaping the context in which multinational enterprises operate and are increasing expectations regarding their responsibility, accountability and contribution to sustainable development.
At the same time, periods of crisis can intensify tensions between short-term economic survival and long-term sustainability objectives. Multinational enterprises therefore face complex strategic choices, ethical dilemmas and growing institutional pressures.
MESD’26 will explore how multinational enterprises respond to these challenges, how their sustainability and responsibility commitments evolve under pressure, and whether crises act as barriers to sustainable development or catalysts for transformation.
2026 Special Focus Tracks
Contributions focusing on crisis-related issues may be submitted to one of the following Special Focus Tracks:
SF1 – Multinational Enterprises and Global Crises
SF2 – Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility under Pressure
SF3 – Governance, Regulation and Institutional Pressures
SF4 – Innovation, Resilience and Business Model Transformation
SF5 – Discourses, Practices and Critical Perspectives
General MESD Tracks
MESD’26 also welcomes research addressing the broader field of multinational enterprises and sustainable development, whether or not a crisis context is involved.
The General MESD Tracks cover:
The conference welcomes completed research, research in progress, and practice & policy contributions, including insights from businesses, NGOs and the public sector.
Call for Extended Abstracts
Submissions must be written in English and clearly indicate the intended conference track. Authors whose work falls within the broader conference scope may select G8 – Open and Interdisciplinary MESD Track.
Only an extended abstract of a maximum of 1,500 words is required. A full paper is not required.
The extended abstract should include:
Submissions must be original and must not have been previously published, accepted or presented elsewhere. Research in progress is welcome.
At least one author of each accepted contribution must register for and attend the conference.
Who should participate?
MESD’26 welcomes contributions from:
Contributions may address the 2026 thematic focus, but this is not mandatory.
Key Information
Conference: MESD’26 – 20th Anniversary Edition
Theme: Multinational Enterprises, Sustainability and Responsibility in Times of Crisis
Dates: 10–11 December 2026
Venue: ICN Business School – Berlin Campus, Germany
Submission format: Extended abstract
Maximum length: 1,500 words
Language: English
Review: Peer reviewed
Full paper: Not required
Important Dates
15 August 2026 — Submission opens
15 October 2026 — Submission deadline
30 October 2026 — Final notification
10–11 December 2026 — Conference in Berlin
Venue
ICN Business School – Berlin Campus
Alt-Moabit 96
10559 Berlin, Germany
More information: MESD’26 – 20th Anniversary Edition – Berlin