Global Sustainability Frontiers Roundtable
A small, private peer gathering of CSOs and Executives advancing the next frontier of sustainability
8 October 2026 | 14:00 - 16:30pm | Followed by drinks and dinner
Pulitzer Amsterdam | Keizersgracht | Amsterdam
What makes it distinct
Despite significant effort and ambition, many sustainability leaders experience increasing overwhelm and are grappling with how to achieve greater impact and business value with tighter resources and rising expectations.
This in-depth peer conversation will explore strategic, systemic approaches beyond compliance, and opportunities for innovation and collaboration to advance impact across the broader spectrum, and strengthen 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 a small number of leaders at the forefront of sustainability across industries, carefully curated to ensure a high-quality peer exchange and mutual value.
In-depth, outcomes-focused dialogue
Less 'panel-style', more in-depth peer exchange 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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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.
Her journey from tech leadership to empowering women in a Nairobi slum, and research into global best practices, has reinforced her belief that we can overcome many of the biggest issues we face in our world, by scaling effective, systemic solutions, and collaborating on what matters most.
This Roundtable is an invitation to unite in amplifying impact, business value, and a purpose culture, to help drive a truly brighter future.