We invited all of our participants on Thursday, 28 May 2026, for a day of conversations and inspiration under the theme "Staying the Course: Navigating Responsible Business in Uncertain Times".

Staying the course: looking ahead

The event kicked-off with three pitches from Ishata Rostamkhan (UN Youth), Saskia Lensink (TNO) and David van der Veen (ABN AMRO), each reflecting on what it means to stay committed to sustainability in challenging times. Ishata spoke about the importance of bridging the worlds of people and politics, especially on the issues that are hardest to address. Saskia followed with insights on building responsible tech solutions, including TNO’s own LLM designed to compensate data suppliers and reduce geopolitical dependency. David closed the series with a candid message about driving sustainability in a large institution: “You just have to show up and do the hard work.”

Staying the course: in action

Shirley Schijvens from Schijvens Corporate Fashion then shared an insider story about responsible business, illustrating how sustainability frequently requires navigating tough decisions, such as convincing a client to choose a sustainable yarn over a yarn that matches a brand colour with absolute precision - a small shift in shade, but a meaningful shift in impact.

Staying the course: strategy 2031

After an inspirational opening, Maurice Loosschilder presented our 2025 financial results, setting the stage for a broader reflection on the year. Bianca den Elsen and Merei Wagenaar then took us through a look back at 2025 and a look ahead, unveiling our new local strategy for 2031 - shifting from uniting business to mobilizing business for global impact. The strategy focuses on activating our network and strengthening collaboration around two core themes: Climate & Nature and Fair & Decent Work. It also prioritizes advancing the business case by working with knowledge partners to generate evidence that embeds sustainability at the heart of every business.

Board nominations

A highlight of the day was when our network participants elected Monique Lempers from Fairphone as our new Chair and Dominik Härtl from The Ocean Cleanup as our new Young Board Member. Congratulations to both, and welcome to our board.

Closing words by Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma

"In times like these, we should use the Sustainable Development Goals as our compass. With responsible business as our toolbox."

Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation

The day concluded with an inspiring closing by Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, who reminded us that sustainability is not only the right thing to do but also the smart thing to do and that responsible business gives us the tools to reach for the stars. Also, he announced that the program to help SMEs with responsible business conduct will be expanded.

Last but not least, a warm thank you to every participant who joined us. A special thank you goes out to our host, Michiel Middendorf from World Forum, and to our breakout session leaders Ylona Mak from Royal Friesland Campina, Mieneke Koster from Global Sustainability & Risk Director, Sandra Ballij from CTalents, and Fiona Dragstra from WageIndicator Foundation.