Global Sustainability Frontiers Roundtable
A private, invitation-only gathering of leading CSOs and senior executives
advancing the next frontier of sustainability
8 October 2026 | 14:00 - 16:30pm | Followed by drinks and dinner
Pulitzer Amsterdam | Keizersgracht | Amsterdam
What does the sustainability endgame look like? What emerging approaches contribute most powerfully to a flourishing and more peaceful planet, as well as a strong business case and strategic advantage?
What makes it distinct
This roundtable will provide an opportunity for in-depth, peer-to-peer discussions on forward-looking approaches to advancing impact across the broader spectrum, fostering a purpose-driven culture, leveraging AI to benefit people, and delivering tangible business value.
Mutual value
The session is built around mutual value: a space for in-depth discussion and the development of forward-looking approaches. To ensure depth and quality of dialogue, participation is limited to 12–16 leaders at the forefront of sustainability across industries, carefully curated to ensure a high-quality peer exchange and mutual value.
Designed for powerful dialogue
Less 'panel-style', more in-depth peer to peer exchange in pairs and as a group of what is working and what is not. Guided by our Forbes and University of Cambridge-endorsed framework, designed to cut through growing complexity and surface high-impact, high-value outcomes, the conversation will explore:
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Advancing impact across the broader spectrum including climate, nature, inequality, and wellbeing
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The use of AI to benefit people
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Strengthening purpose-driven culture and translating efforts into stronger business value
Action-focused
Following the roundtable, we will share a concise insights brief capturing key themes, emerging approaches, actionable takeaways, and opportunities for collaboration.
Global Sustainability Frontiers Roundtable
Amsterdam | 8 October 2026
Participation
This inaugural roundtable marks the beginning of a series of dialogues, designed to generate high-quality peer insight, strengthen collaboration, and accelerate impact and business value.
Participants are expected to contribute openly, sharing insights and lessons learned from what has worked well, and less well, in their experience, under the Chatham House Rule.
Host partner
All food and beverages for the roundtable and dinner are generously hosted by the Pulitzer Amsterdam, part of Lore Group, in the heart of Amsterdam.
13:30-14:00 Arrival
14:00-16:30 Facilitated dialogue
Focused dialogue on emerging approaches to advance impact, engagement and business value.
16:30-18:30 Drinks & dinner
Build meaningful connections in a relaxed, historic setting in the heart of Amsterdam.
Post-session insights brief
A high-quality synthesis of key themes, strategic insights, and frontier approaches, designed to support internal reflection and decision-making.
Advisor
Iris Van der Veken
Iris Van der Veken is Executive Director & Secretary General of the Watch and Jewellery Initiative 2030 (co-founded by Kering and Cartier, delegated by Richemont) and Member of 100 Women @Davos' Inclusive Leadership Council. She has a background in law, public affairs and sustainability. Iris has over 25’ years experience on the ground in India, China, Africa, Thailand, Sri Lanka, working on the sustainability agenda as a driver for business resilience. She has worked across the supply chain on many topics including human rights due diligence, decent labour, nature, environmental standards implementation, and traceability. Iris has been an active ambassador on gender and women’s rights for the industry, which have resulted in shaping strong partnerships with UN Women on gender equality and gender responsive procurement. She was the first chairwoman under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of UN Global Compact Belgium. Iris is known as a strong coalition builder and now has been the Executive Director of WJI 2030 since 2022.
Advisor
Becky Gordon
Becky Gordon leads sustainability for EMEA at Interface, a globally recognised leader in sustainability. The documentary Beyond Zero tells the remarkable story of how the flooring company transformed its operations in over 100 countries from high-emitting to beyond zero. In recognition of Interface’s leadership, its Founder Ray Anderson served as Co-Chair on both President Clinton’s and President Obama’s climate committees.
A passionate advocate for Interface’s sustainability ambitions, Becky plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration with customers, the wider industry, and employees on climate change, the circular economy, and regeneration. In 2026, Becky was listed in the Edie 100 list of the UK’s most impactful sustainability leaders.
Convened by
Melanie van de Velde
The Roundtable is convened by Dr Melanie van de Velde, Founder of Big Tree Global, TEDx speaker, and author of Lead Like a Genius, described by Forbes Books as “A Powerhouse for Sustainable Growth". Melanie is recognised for her research into what sets global best-impact strategies apart, awarded the Adam Smith Prize for PhD Excellence, nominated by the Social Innovation Director at Cambridge University.
Drawing on her research and two decades of experience across business leadership and sustainability strategy, Melanie works with global organisations to move beyond compliance and unlock higher-impact, value-creating sustainability initiatives.
Her journey from tech leadership to empowering women in a Nairobi slum, and research into global best practices, has reinforced that many solutions to tackling the biggest issues we face lie in the hands of business. And that impact thrives through collaborating and focusing on what matters most for strong impact returns and business value.
This Roundtable is designed to bring these forces together. It is an invitation to unite in amplifying impact, and help drive a truly brighter future.