GUBERNA Alumni Forum 2020

Dear Alumnus,

The world is at crossroads now that the Covid19 pandemic has disrupted many aspects of the global economy. As boards have a tremendous influence and impact on how society functions and how the future is shaped, they should seize the moment to engage into a more sustainable path.

How do we operate amid growing uncertainty? How do we ensure sound decision making and emotional containment while focusing on long term value creation? How do we generate profitable solutions to the relevant problems of our planet without harming?

In recent months we’ve seen multiple state-linked interventions to support the economy. One of them, economic nationalism, should be understood as a set of practices to create, bolster and protect national economies in the context of world markets. In a crisis, countries will pursue their narrow self-interests, very likely to the detriment of the world economy at large.

Simultaneously, there is an increased pressure on companies to foster their resilience, engage in an ESG transition and take meaningful actions. We need an economic system that not only looks good but is good.

The above topics raise a lot of questions for the medium- and long-term strategy of all types of companies and industries, and put pressure on the strategic, leadership and monitoring duties of their board of directors:

• What is the impact on the SME segment of political pressures to bring back production and build walls? Is this an opportunity to review supply chains and accelerate more collaborative relationships? Which are the short-term and long-term implications on financial and non-financial metrics?
• Should there be a more transparent link between state aid and sustainable value creation?
• Is the current difficult economic climate an excuse to backslide on ESG commitments? Or do boards avoid to put sustainability fully on their agenda because they lack knowledge, experience and diversity?
• What role should regulation and financial markets play in the acceleration of the ESG transition? How will this translate into additional governance issues?
• Will the boundary between traditional and sustainable investments be blurred in the (near) future? Are boards ready to enter a world where sustainability becomes mainstream?
• Do asset managers need to take a more assertive attitude by being more activist shareholders?
• How will the financial sector absorb the increased regulation, like the taxonomy?

Jan Van Hove, Chief Economist at KBC will share his insights at our 3rd GUBERNA Alumni forum.

In addition, we are pleased to announce our panel, composed of GUBERNA Alumni who are familiar with this topic:

• Magali Anderson, LafargeHolcim Chief Sustainable Officer
• Ann De Jaeger, VP General Council and Head Corporate Affairs, General Secretary, Danone Benelux & Alpro
• Steven Libby, Partner, EMEA Asset and Wealth Management (AWM) Leader, PwC Luxembourg 
• Yves Poullet, Independent Non-Executive Director with Athora, Founder of Shagane Executive Coaching
• Jan Van Hove, Chief Economist, KBC

Join us on this content-rich event and digital get-together before the year-end celebrations in a friendly atmosphere.