'From License to Operate to License to Lead', the 2013 Hofstadlezing was given by Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever
The yearly 'Hofstadlezing' (royal residence lecture) in the Grote Kerk (big church) in The Hague is organised by Ernst & Young Netherlands. Former lectures have been given by Jacques Rogge, Guy Verhofstad, Feike Sijbesma, Neeli Kroes, Jeroen van der Veer and Jan Peter Balkenende.
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| Ushers of the Protocolbureau preparing the seating |
We are living in what some have termed a VUCA World: Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous.
Governments and international agencies are struggling to keep pace, and their attention has been diverted by the financial and economic crisis, which is driving a more insular approach.
Meanwhile, citizens are demanding change, and the digital revolution is providing them with the tools to take action. What we have seen so far is only the tip of the iceberg. In tomorrow’s totally transparent world, our every action, our every motive will be scrutinised.
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| The lecture is organised by Ernst & Young in the Grote Kerk in The Hague every year |
It cannot be right that around 7 million children die before their fifth birthday, including two million a year from diseases like diarrhea. That’s the equivalent of a jumbo jet of children crashing every hour, every day.
I am pleased to say that things are changing. All over the world, businesses are rising to the challenge of addressing sustainability and poverty. Business now wants to be at the forefront of change in recognition of the need to earn a “license to lead”.
It is about reconnecting with the individuals and communities we serve and fundamentally changing the way we operate – moving if you like from a ‘licence to operate’ to a ‘licence to lead’.
Photo's: the ushers of the Protocolbureau, in charge of welcoming and seating the guests.
