The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are at the heart of “Agenda 2030” – a plan adopted by all 193 UN Member States, for achieving a better future for all — aiming to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect our planet. Business play a crucial part in achieving the ambitious goals.

The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has appointed Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg to co-lead the UN SDG Advocates. This places Norwegian companies in a unique position to take on a leading role in incorporating the SDGs into the corporate world. Yet, if this springboard is to be taken advantage of, sustainability needs to move higher up on the boards’ agendas.

The fundamental question is: Are investors, board directors and top managers prepared and fit to meet new challenges and requirements?

LEADING FOR THE FUTURE - RETHINKING LEADERSHIP

Mr Ole Jacob Sunde, Chair of Schibsted and the Tinius foundation

Ms Trine Eilertsen,  Chief editor and publisher in Aftenposten

Ms  Leyla Boulton, Executive editor and editor of FT special reports

Ms Turid Elisabeth Solvang, Founder & CEO FutureBoards

FROM PROFIT TO VALUE - THE REVOLUTIONARY IMMENSITY OF INTEGRATED THINKING 

Professor Mervyn E. King, Chair of the King Committee on Corporate Governance for South Africa, Chair Emeritus International Integrated Reporting Council

Fire-side chat with Richard Milne, the Financial Times Nordic and Baltic correspondent

OUR PURPOSE - OUR WAY

Mr Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO DNVGL
Ms Nina K. Jensen, CEO REV OCEAN
Mr Torbjørn Wist, Executive Vice President & CFO, SAS

Large institutional investors have been among the first to respond to the call for action. Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, delivered a clear message to boards in his 2018 letter to CEOs when he stressed how “… our clients- who are your company´s owners- are asking you to demonstrate the leadership and clarity that will drive not only their own investment returns, but also the prosperity and security of their fellow citizens.”

Echoing BlackRock is the Business Roundtable’s new Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation signed by 181 CEOs who commit to lead their companies for the benefit of all stakeholders – customers, employees, suppliers, communities and shareholders. 

This is a huge shift that requires a shifting focus of corporate leaders. How can investors ensure that boards and top managers are up to speed? 

HOW INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS, ASSET OWNERS AND MANAGERS INFLUENCE FUTURE LEADERSHIP

Ms Kimberley Lewis, Director of Engagement Hermes Equity Ownership Services (EOS) Limited

Mr Johan H. Andresen, Owner Ferd AS, Chair of the Council of Ethics, Government Pension Fund Global

Ms Amra Balic, Managing Director; EMEA Head of BlackRock Investment Stewardship

On-stage interview/dialogue moderated by Leyla Boulton, Executive editor and editor of FT special reports

PURPOSE AND ACTION - OUR STORY

Ms Karin Greve-Isdahl, EVP Sustainability, Storebrand ASA 

Mr Rolf Barmen, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Fjordkraft ASA

Mr Jens Ulltveit-Moe, Owner UMOE AS

The Nordic corporate governance model is typically regarded as a North Star when it comes to openness, trust and responsibility. Yet, the recent Danske Bank scandal across the Nordics and the Baltics - and more recently Nordea and Swedbank - has painted a different picture. 

We will discuss whether the Nordic Corporate Governance Model - based on openness and trust – is fit for the future. Do our boards and top management teams have the right composition and diversity of thoughts, skills and mindsets required to take on a leading role in creating long term value for all?

THE NORDIC CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MODEL - FUTURE-FIT OR GONE SOUR?

Professor Dr. Juris Beate Sjåfjell, Faculty of Law, University of Oslo 

Ms Sophie Nachemson Ekwall, Affiliated researcher at the Stockholm School of Economics.

Ms Tone Lunde Bakker, CEO Swedbank Norway, Chair Nomination Committee Equinor ASA

Ms Carine Smith Ihenacho, Chief Corporate Governance Officer, Norges Bank Investment Management

On-stage interview/dialogue moderated by Richard Milne, the Financial Times Nordic and Baltic correspondent

CREATING LONG TERM VALUE FOR ALL – A CALL FOR CORPORATE ACTION

Ms Iselin Nybø, Norway´s Minister of trade and industry

What are the global trends in the corporate sector when it comes to leadership? Which skills and mind sets are in demand for the next generation of corporate leaders? We will ask how current leaders are ensuring that the talent pipeline is fit and proper to fill their shoes?  And finally, we will ask young leaders to share their thoughts and reflections. Do they trust today’s leaders are heading in the right direction?

CULTIVATING FUTURE LEADERS

Ms Mary Meaney, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company’s Paris Office and co-Convener, McKinsey’s Organization Practice globally

Ms Kristin Skogen Lund, CEO Schibsted ASA

Ms Tina Moe, CEO Leadership of the Future

Mr Bjørn Kjærand Haugland, Chief Executive Officer of Skift Business Climate Leaders

On-stage interview/dialogue moderated by Leyla Boulton, Chief Editor the Financial Times Special Reports

REFLECTIONS FROM FUTURE LEADERS

Ms Camilla Hagen Sorli, Owner and Board Director, Canica AS

CLOSING REMARKS

Ms Turid Elisabeth Solvang, Founder & CEO FutureBoards AS

Master of Ceremonies; Ms Natalie Becker Aakervik

Dr Henrik Syse, Research Professor, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) / Member of the Norwegian Nobel Committee

Mr Johan H. Andresen

Owner Ferd AS, Chair Of The Council Of Ethics, Government Pension Fund Global

Mr Jens Ulltveit-Moe

Owner, UMOE AS,
Chair Skift FLI

Ms Nina Jensen

CEO Of REV Ocean

Aftenposten
Akersgata 55, 0180 Oslo

FutureBoards AS
Slemdalsveien 70b, 0370 Oslo

Financial Times
Bracken House, London

Partners:

Supporting partners: