Date/Time
Date(s) - 17/03/2017
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Location
Northumbria University
Making Globalisation Work for All: The Role of Business
Synopsis
In his lecture, Paul Polman will address the rise of anti-globalisation and populism in today’s world. He will discuss major political developments, including Brexit and the US elections and how business can respond by helping to drive more inclusive forms of growth.
These developments highlight the urgency of accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, a global framework to eliminate poverty, end inequality and tackle climate change by 2030. Paul will argue that huge opportunities exist for businesses willing to embrace the SDGs and develop models that not only meet the needs of consumers, but also address some of the world’s burning issues. As part of this, he will assess the qualities and attributes needed to implement lasting change on a global scale.
About the speaker
Paul Polman has held the position of Chief Executive Officer of Unilever since January 2009. He is Chairman of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, a member of the International Business Council of the World Economic Forum, and sits on the Board of the UN Global Compact and the Consumer Goods Forum, where he co-chairs the Sustainability Committee.
Paul has been closely involved in global discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and action to tackle climate change. In 2016, Paul was asked by the UN Secretary-General to be a member of the SDG Advocacy Group, tasked with promoting action on the 2030 Agenda. He is a member of the newly formed Business and Sustainable Development Commission and served on the International Council of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, under former Mexican President, Felipe Calderon.
In recognition of his contribution to responsible business, Paul has received numerous awards and accolades including the UN Foundation’s Champion for Global Change Award (2014), the Oslo Business for Peace Award (2015) and the UN Environment Programme’s Champion of the Earth Award (2015). In 2016, he received France’s Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, in recognition of his efforts on sustainability and involvement during the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris.
In 2000, Paul Polman was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law by Northumbria University.
To book a space, please email nu.events@northumbria.ac.uk or visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/publiclectures to complete the online booking form