Modern Chinese managers` vocational training in the context of sustainable development goals

Abstract

Over the past two decades, China has experienced rapid economic growth, structural transformation, and integration into the global economy, which has fundamentally reshaped the competencies required of managers across industrial, service, and public sectors. Modern Chinese managers are expected to demonstrate high levels of efficiency and productivity while aligning their decisions with broader social and environmental responsibilities. This paper examines how vocational training programs for managers in China are increasingly being reframed through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which promote a holistic view of development balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection. The author highlights China's shift from a traditionally output-focused managerial training system to one that addresses complex challenges such as competition, technological innovation, digital transformation, and ecological pressures. National strategies, including the "Ecological Civilisation" concept and the "Dual Carbon" goals (peak carbon emissions by 2030, carbon neutrality by 2060), have made sustainable development a cornerstone of China's national policy. The overarching aim of vocational training for Chinese managers is defined as preparing competent, adaptive, and socially responsible leaders who can contribute to long-term, balanced development. This aim closely mirrors specific SDGs, particularly SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals). Key training components include corporate social responsibility, digital transformation, environmental management systems, inclusive leadership, cross-cultural competence, and sustainability metrics integration. The author identifies specific tasks of vocational training programs: developing strategic planning competence, improving decision-making under uncertainty, strengthening communication and stakeholder engagement, enhancing ethical standards, and embedding a lifelong learning culture. Despite challenges such as persistent emphasis on short-term financial performance and gaps in trainer expertise, the government's strong policy direction toward green development creates powerful incentives for curriculum modernization. The paper concludes that vocational training for Chinese managers is undergoing a paradigm shift from teaching technical and administrative skills to cultivating responsible leadership aligned with the SDGs. By integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions into training programs, China is developing a new generation of managers capable of driving both business success and sustainable societal progress. The success of this approach depends on harmonizing global sustainability standards with China's specific cultural, economic, and regulatory context.