During the World Economic Forum in Davos, CEOs of Dutch multinational corporations, united in the Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition (DSGC), called on the corporate sector, the private sector, and NGOs to collaborate in pursuit of a sustainable future. Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever and co-founder of the DSGC, argued that the year 2015, with its negotiations on both a new climate agreement and a new development agreement, presented ‘a unique opportunity to achieve a breakthrough together with the corporate sector. This is a great opportunity to put an end to poverty around the world within fifteen years in a sustainable manner.’ 

Frans van Houten, CEO of Philips, said that he was convinced that the transition to a circular economy will create value for mankind, the environment and the economy. Jean-François van Boxmeer, CEO of Heineken, referred to the circular economy as ‘sustainability 2.0’. ‘It is the only way to ensure sustainable operations in the long term.’

System change
Feike Sijbesma, CEO of DSM, argued that the efforts of companies in the field of sustainability are as yet insufficiently reflected in the valuation of commercial organizations. ‘We need a breakthrough in our system. The valuation of companies should be based not only on profitability, but also on value creation.’