News

Hear from a leading figure in the international screening industry!

On April 23, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce will host an event exploring the complexities of employment background screening, featuring Harm Voogt, Managing Director of Validata Group.

A recognised leader in the international screening industry, Voogt co-founded Validata Group in 2009 in response to inefficiencies in verifying employee data. Over the past 15 years, alongside Job van der Weijden and Bart Bijkerk, he has led Validata’s development into a European leader in employment screening, addressing challenges related to data privacy and international verification.

At the start of 2024, Validata was acquired by DISA Global Solutions, a US-based leader in employment screening and compliance services. Voogt now oversees the company’s international expansion, leveraging DISA’s global network to enhance screening solutions worldwide.

During the event, Voogt will provide insights into Validata’s journey, its expansion into Sweden, and strategies for operating in an emerging market. He will also discuss key industry trends shaping the future of employment screening across Europe.

Event Details:

  • Date: April 23, 2025

  • Time: 16:00 – 19:00

  • Location: Swedish Chamber of Commerce

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Swe-Cham Welcomes Gabriele Hamm Adler to the D&I Committee
As a result of the 2024 Member Survey, we are pleased to welcome new members to our committees. We are excited to see such strong engagement from our network and appreciate those who expressed interest in contributing to the work of our committees. The Diversity and Inclusion Committee supports the Swedish Chamber in driving our focus area of fostering a more inclusive and equitable business environment. Through strategic initiatives, events, and partnerships, the committee actively works to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion within the corporate landscape.

Meet Gabriele Hamm Adler, Owner, GHA Development - Growth for People & Business

Driven by a deep belief that Diversity & Inclusion and business success go hand in hand, I am passionate about creating inclusive environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Having worked in highly diverse teams across cultures and countries, I have seen firsthand how inclusion fuels innovation, engagement, and growth. I bring to the D&I Committee nearly 30 years of international experience at IKEA, where I held roles such as Global HR Manager and Global Competence Development Manager, with a strong focus on people development, culture, and business development. I have also served as a senior lecturer in Personal Leadership Development at Rotterdam Business School. Currently, I work as a leadership development consultant and executive coach, specialising in corporate culture and value-based leadership. I look forward to contributing with my experience and energy to support and strengthen the Diversity & Inclusion efforts of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and its members.   Yves Nys Global Well-Being, Diversity & Inclusion Manager SKF & Chairperson of the Committee, welcomes Gabriele: I am delighted to welcome Gabriele Hamm Adler to the Swedish Chamber Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Gabriele brings a wealth of expertise in human-centric leadership development, with a profound passion for integrating diversity, equity and inclusion, further enhancing business and society. Gabriele is the founder of GHA Development and co-founder of Bright Competence Network, focusing on leadership training and coaching senior professionals. In addition to Gabriele’s mentorship engagement for the Swedish Chamber Young Professionals, her joining the D&I committee will infuse fresh insights and initiatives around value-based leadership as a key cornerstone for successful business.  
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LinkedIn Alumni Mentorship Program!

As the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands marks its 65th anniversary, we continue to strengthen professional connections and create opportunities for future growth.

This group is designed for former Mentors and Mentees of the Swedish Chamber Alumni Mentorship Program, offering a space to stay connected, exchange insights, and engage in alumni activities. Members will receive exclusive invitations to upcoming Mentorship Program Presentations and other networking events, ensuring continued access to valuable discussions and opportunities.

We look forward to staying in touch and welcoming you to our events throughout the year.

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Welcome New Member: N’KUMI Impact Solutions

We are pleased to welcome N'KUMI Impact Solutions as a new member of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce. As Muheti Nyankumi Mbazima, Co-Founder and CEO, was one of the student essay winners at our Sustainability & Innovation Summit – “AI Driving the Sustainable Transformation” on December 6, N'KUMI Impact Solution, we are delighted to continue this relationship and look forward to a fruitful collaboration.

 
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New Tech & Innovation Committee Member: Alexander Ljungström

We are excited to welcome Alexander Ljungström, CEO of Einar & Partners and Chairperson of the Young Professionals, as a new member of the Tech & Innovation Committee!

Alexander shares:
"I believe the Swedish Chamber creates a uniquely valuable environment, bringing together large enterprises, entrepreneurs, law firms, and policymakers—all united by their shared interest in Sweden and the Netherlands. Succeeding in technology requires cooperation, and the distinctive mix at the Chamber enables that in a rarely seen elsewhere forum. I'm excited to contribute to that mission."

Alexander’s dual leadership role in the tech industry and with the Young Professionals Committee will bring fresh, dynamic perspectives to the Tech & Innovation Committee, further enhancing collaboration and progress within the Swedish-Dutch business community.

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Happy Waffle Day – Recipe!

Swedes have enjoyed these heart-shaped, crispy waffles since the 1870s—so why not give them a try?

Classic Swedish Waffles (Makes 5)

Ingredients:

  • 50 g butter

  • 180 g plain flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 200 ml milk

  • 200 ml cold water

  • ½ tsp salt

Method:

  1. Melt the butter and let it cool.

  2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and water into a smooth batter.

  3. Gradually whisk in the milk and melted butter.

  4. Preheat the waffle iron and grease both sides.

  5. Pour in ¾–1 dl of batter and cook until golden brown and crispy.

  6. Serve immediately with jam, fresh berries, whipped cream, or ice cream. Prefer a savoury twist? Try topping with sour cream, raw onions, and roe.

Tip: For extra crispy waffles, use carbonated water instead of regular water.

Plant-based alternative: Simply swap the dairy ingredients for vegan alternatives.

Enjoy!

Text from Sharing Sweden

Credits: Tina Stafrén/imagebank.sweden.se

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Celebrating Nordic Day

One of the great strengths of Sweden is having such wonderful neighbours.

The Nordic region is built on a legacy of collaboration, shared values, and a commitment to innovation. As the world’s oldest regional partnership, Nordic co-operation unites Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland, strengthening ties in politics, economics, and culture.

With a strong Nordic voice in global forums, this collaboration continues to drive sustainable growth, competitiveness, and societal well-being. It is this shared vision that makes the Nordics a powerhouse of innovation, trust, and forward-thinking solutions.

Happy Nordic Day to our northern neighbours!

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World Water Day 2025: Glacier Preservation and the Future of Water

Today, on World Water Day, we recognise the critical role glaciers play in sustaining the global water cycle. This year’s theme, Glacier Preservation, highlights the reliance of two billion people on glaciers, mountain runoff, and snowmelt for drinking water, agriculture, and energy. With glaciers melting at an accelerating rate, urgent action is needed to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to shifting water resources.

Looking ahead, World Water Week 2025 will focus on Water for Climate Action, underscoring water’s essential role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience for ecosystems and communities. The programme will address the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, with an emphasis on both mitigation and adaptation.

World Water Week will take place from 24 to 28 August 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden. As discussions around glacier preservation take centre stage today, sustainable water management remains key to protecting the planet and ensuring long-term resilience.

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