Welcome & introduction by Sandra Gobert, Executive Director GUBERNA

Keynote speeches - The sustainability paradigm is a complex issue. Our two experts set the tone.

• Prof. Koen Geens, Federal Deputy and former Minister of Justice and Vice-Prime Minister. Prof. Geens will share his insights from a regulatory point of view. Belgian hard and soft law has integrated recent sustainability issues, but what should still be done to accelerate the trend? Should the French ‘Loi PACTE’ introducing the concept of ‘Entreprise à mission’ become mainstream and be adopted by all European countries? How will the board director’s duty of care evolve in a regulatory framework where the European Commission is strengthening the rules?
• Prof. Colin Mayer, professor at Saïd Business School (Oxford University) and expert in the fields of corporate finance, governance, regulation, taxation and the role of the corporation in contemporary society. Co-author of ‘Putting Purpose into Practice’, available on www.purposeintopractice.org. Fully imbed purpose into the strategy needs ownership by everyone throughout the company: how could purpose and adjusted profit measurement be better aligned?  Do boards truly engage by taking credible commitments to corporate purpose?

Prof. Koen Geens and Prof. Colin Mayer join our 4 panellists for an inspiring debate.

• Philippe Lambrecht, Secretary General and Board Member of FEB.
  Sustainable companies not only maximise their positive impact but also care about minimising their negative footprints on society. How could boards ensure a relevant, reliable and comparable non-financial reporting to avoid ‘ESG’ washing and reputational risks ?

• Ann Vandenhende, CSR Manager, Spadel
  Since 2010, sustainability is structurally imbedded in Spadel’s long-term strategy. The ‘Source of Change’ strategy 2025 has defined ambitious goals: why was governance a main driver in this journey? Which are the main challenges and opportunities for the future?

• Benoît van den Hove, Head of Listing, Euronext.
  Finance has been a major driver for sustainable corporate governance as investors expect both return and impact. How could ESG investments and indices facilitate a faster transition to a more sustainable world? Why should boards care about activist shareholders?

• Antoine Lebrun, CEO, WWF Belgium.
  Collaboration with non-governmental organisations can support companies in better assessing their impact on natural and human capital. Should their presence in stakeholder committees be increased? How can constructive partnerships be fostered?

Q&A

Walking dinner

End