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”Businesses play a key role in the green transitions, and they need to be included in the conversations” – H.R.H. Prince Jamie de Bourbon de Parme, Climate Envoy of the Netherlands. On December 15, 2023, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce hosted its highly anticipated annual flagship event, the Sustainability & Innovation Summit, themed “Driving the Green Transition Together”. A highlight of the event was the captivating fireside talk featuring H.E. Climate Ambassador of Sweden, Mattias Frumerie, and H.R.H. Prince Jamie de Bourbon de Parme, Climate Envoy of the Netherlands. Together, they shared key takeaways and reflections from COP28, emphasizing its historic significance as the first inclusion of the private sector. Like COP28, the annual Swedish Chamber Sustainability & Innovation Summit uniquely incorporated the business perspective on the green transition, emphasizing the need for a systemic and collaborative approach. The Swedish Chamber is proud to gather such an exceptional group of politicians, business leaders, and academics to facilitate the conversation on the green transition. The moderator of the event was Andrea Orsag, Sustainability Strategy Advisor and Sustainability Expert. Orsag summarizes the following key takeaways from the Summit:

• COP28 UN Climate Change Conference's final decision included a call to transition away from fossil fuels for the first time. Words like “phasing out” were avoided, but it did stipulate the tripling of new investments in renewable energy.
• The energy transition is a materials transition and hence, a circular economy transition: business models need to ensure efficient use of resources, their effective circulation and retention.
• Circularity starts at the design phase. We also need to rethink ownership and move to business models providing access to needed products and services - enabling sharing, renting, leasing and takebacks.
• Without security, there is no sustainability and without sustainability, there is no security: Green transition needs to be just and inclusive, available to all. At this point, it’s not only about mitigation but also about adaptation to a new reality.
• The transition is not about a specific industry or specific company, all market players need to work towards it. Sustainability needs to be an integral part of the Strategy - all jobs need to be climate jobs.
• Here in the West, we need to continue showing that this can be done, share how, and support developing countries in their efforts through collaboration and financing. Only together can we achieve a liveable planet for all.

Find pictures and read more about the Summit . Photo Credits: Hanne Hansen

On December 15, 2023, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce were proud to host its Exclusive Annual Lucia Dinner at Hotel Hilton in Amsterdam, in the presence of H.E. Ambassador of Sweden in the Netherlands, Mr Johannes Oljelund. Guests enjoyed an exciting program featuring a four-course seasonal menu, live entertainment, and captivating music performances by the talented Swedish artist Anne-Lie Persson and the band Stockholm Tivoli. The night also included an exhilarating charity raffle and, of course, the magical Swedish Lucia procession by Svenska Högtidskören. A highlight of the evening was the Swedish Chamber Business Awards Ceremony, where the following awards were handed out by the Jury:

• Swedish Chamber Achievement Awards 2023 – Husqvarna
• Swedish Chamber Tech for Good Awards 2023 – Getinge
• Swedish Chamber Entrepreneurship Awards 2023 – Einride

The event included festive dancing and a celebration of all the achievements and memories created in 2023 within the Swedish Chamber community, as well as an opportunity for networking and forging new connections, making it a memorable night for all in attendance. The Swedish Chamber extend its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined this unforgettable experience and looks forward to welcoming you again in the future. Find more information and photos from the event .