Home > News

News

Kim-Lian van der Meij Featured on “Ivo, Even op Zaterdag”

The November 16, 2024, episode of "Ivo, Even op Zaterdag" (Ivo, Just on Saturday) showcased Kim-Lian van der Meij and her family's life in Sweden. The 45-minute segment aired on AVROTROS, offered viewers a glimpse into Kim-Lian's daily routine on the Swedish island of Gotland.

The program highlighted the family's transition to island life, providing an intimate look at their new home and surroundings. Kim-Lian, known for her career in Dutch entertainment, has embraced a different lifestyle since moving to Gotland with her partner, Daniel and their three children.

In addition to featuring her current life, the show mentioned Kim-Lian's upcoming performance at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Annual Lucia Dinner, scheduled for December 6, 2024. This event connects her Swedish residence with her ongoing involvement in cultural activities.

More
Sweden’s COP29 financial package
Article from Ministry of Climate and Enterprise, 
  Sweden is and will remain one of the world’s most generous donors of international climate finance. Swedish climate aid will be expanded and streamlined. With its substantial contribution in 2022, Sweden played a significant role in achieving the goal of USD 100 billion per year in global climate finance. Sweden’s contribution to international climate finance is at the core of its climate policy. International climate finance will contribute to both emissions reductions and climate adaptation. In connection with the COP29 climate change conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Sweden is providing several new types of financial support. The support supplements Sweden’s existing climate finance. The majority of Swedish climate aid is provided via Sida – in 2023, this was SEK 5.2 billion. Sweden’s total climate aid totalled SEK 9.4 billion in 2023, an increase of more than SEK 800 million compared to 2022. Alongside the abovementioned climate funds, Sweden provides approximately SEK 100 million annually to the Nordic Development Fund and is providing around SEK 670 million to the Global Environment Facility in 2024. This joint international climate finance is a commitment under the Paris Agreement. To achieve the goals of the Agreement, international climate finance must increase. The donor base needs to be broadened and more countries need to contribute. Sweden welcomes other countries’ increased contributions and urges countries that have not contributed to do so, so that we can jointly mobilise for a green transition around the world. As part of the Government’s reform agenda, Sweden is working to link climate aid and international climate finance with trade promotion. Swedish businesses and the Swedish resource base have a lot to share and to contribute to other countries’ green transition.   Read the article and see the detailed Support here: .  
More
Annual Member Survey – Young Professional Week Winner!
The Swedish Chamber Member Survey 2024 continues, and we are thrilled to announce another weekly prize winner! Congratulations to Sara Bonds, Adams Multilingual Recruitment, who received her prize last week during the Young Professionals Company Visit at Svalner Atlas Group. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has shared their valuable insights so far. Your participation helps us enhance our services and tailor activities to better meet the needs of our members. Haven’t had a chance to complete the survey yet? Don’t miss out! The survey closes on Friday, November 22, and there are still exciting prizes waiting to be won. Click on the link below to fill out the Annual Member Survey.
More
We are honored to present Dr. Cara Antoine on December 6, 2024
We are honoured to introduce as one of our distinguished speakers at the upcoming Swedish Chamber of Commerce Sustainability & Innovation Summit 2024 on 6 December! Dr Cara Antoine is a globally respected leader, visionary speaker, and bestselling author, deeply committed to championing societal, economic, and environmental advancements. As Executive Vice President and Chief Technology, Innovation & Portfolio Officer for Europe, she guides C-suite leaders across industries on harnessing innovation to accelerate digital and cultural transformation. With over 30 years of experience spanning technology, education, and sustainability, Dr Cara Antoine has held key roles in world-class companies, including , , Compaq, and . Her accolades include the 2023 "Global Leader of the Year" by Women Changing the World and Women in Governance, Risk, and Compliance’s “ESG Officer of the Year.” Recognised as one of Computable’s Top 100 Most Influential Women, she continues to shape the future of technology and equity.   Join us as Dr Cara Antoine shares her insights into sustainable growth, tech-driven transformation, and the importance of diversity in the innovation space. Don’t miss this chance to hear from an exceptional leader at the intersection of technology, humanity, and progress! Register now to secure your spot, click !
More
Ambassador Joost Reintjes Received by King of Sweden
In Sweden, it is customary for newly appointed ambassadors to meet the head of state as part of their official introduction. This practice is rooted in international diplomatic tradition but varies in its execution across different countries. In Sweden, the reception of foreign envoys is marked by a unique and historic ceremony that reflects centuries-old customs. On November 14, 2024, Ambassador Joost Reintjes of the Kingdom of the Netherlands was among the foreign envoys received by King Carl XVI Gustaf during a formal audience at the Royal Palace. This event underscores Sweden's commitment to diplomatic relations and its rich ceremonial heritage.
More
Europe at the Crossroads Event
On 13 November, the International Management Trainees of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce had the privilege of attending the Europe at the Crossroads event, hosted by Stockholms Akademiska Forum, the European Commission's representation in the Netherlands, the Swedish Embassy in the Netherlands, and the Leiden University Europe Hub. The event featured a stimulating discussion on Europe's pressing political and institutional challenges. We were particularly grateful for the opportunity to meet and hear from H.E. Johannes Oljelund, Ambassador of Sweden to the Netherlands, who shared valuable insights during the panel discussion. Our heartfelt thanks go to the organisers for extending the invitation and facilitating such an enriching afternoon of conversation and networking.
More
November 14, Equal Pay Day: From This Day, Women Work for Free!
We are pleased to present an insightful article by Victor Steenbakker, at our Member Company, Montae & Partners, highlighting the Equal Pay Day.   In the Netherlands, there is an ongoing issue of unequal pay between men and women. On average, women still earn less than men for the same work, despite advancements in gender equality. Equal Pay Day on 14 November symbolises the point in the year from which women effectively work for free compared to their male colleagues.

Consequences of the Pay Gap

The pay gap impacts not only women but also society as a whole. Women face reduced financial independence and pension accrual, which jeopardises their long-term economic security. The pay gap also exacerbates broader societal inequalities, such as disparities in living standards and access to resources.

Are You a Good Employer?

The pay gap is a national issue, but employers play a crucial role in addressing it. Being a good employer is fundamental to creating a healthy and productive work environment. This goes beyond fulfilling legal obligations—it involves fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace culture where all employees have equal opportunities. Tackling unequal pay between men and women is an essential component of this responsibility.

Measuring Is Knowing

To understand whether you provide equitable pay, you must analyse employee data. This data is critical for closing the pay gap. By evaluating internal personnel information, employers can gain insights into current pay structures and address inequalities. Focus on the following areas:
  • Pay Differences: Compare the salaries of men and women in similar roles with comparable experience.
  • Job and Pay Structures: Develop a robust framework with a transparent and objective salary structure as its foundation.
  • Promotion Patterns: Analyse promotion histories to identify disparities in career advancement rates between men and women.
  • Negotiations: Examine differences in starting salaries and post-promotion pay between genders.
  • Part-Time vs Full-Time Work: Measure the impact of part-time versus full-time work on pay and career progression. Importantly, avoid using this as an excuse to justify discrepancies!
Treat this as a baseline measurement and design targeted interventions, evaluating their effectiveness annually or quarterly. This approach creates a dynamic and effective model for bridging the pay gap.

Conclusion

Start today by objectively measuring your employee data. This is the only way to initiate the right conversations, implement meaningful measures, and set achievable goals. The ultimate aim is clear: to be an employer who ensures equal pay for all. This article was written by Victor Steenbakker, to find the original article, visit: https://www.montaepartners.nl/articles/14-november-equal-pay-day-vanaf-vandaag-werken-vrouwen-voor-niets/
More
Meet Jurriën Norder, NEXIS I NCC-NL, at the Patron Dinner
We are honoured to present Jurriën Norder, Head of NEXIS I NCC-NL, as our distinguished speaker at this year’s Patron Dinner on November 21, 2024.  This exclusive dinner will be hosted by H.E. Ambassador Johannes Oljelund at the Swedish Residence in The Hague. Jurriën Norder completed his Peace & Conflict Studies degree at Uppsala University, Sweden, in 2010. Since then, he has served as a civil servant with the Dutch government, initially addressing migration issues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Between 2012 and 2015, he was stationed at the Dutch Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan. In 2018, he transitioned to the Ministry of Interior Affairs, where he took on the role of coordinating analyst on national security threats, marking his first engagement with cyber-related issues. By 2020, he joined the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in the Netherlands, where he led the international team. As of 1 September 2024, Jurriën has assumed the role of Head of the NCC-NL, the National Coordination Centre on Cybersecurity Innovation. The NCC-NL is part of the European initiative under the European Cybersecurity Competence Act, designed to coordinate and foster cybersecurity innovation within the EU. The NCCs aim to drive market growth and accelerate the development and adoption of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions across EU member states. The Patron Dinner serves as a platform to address significant trends and challenges while fostering new connections and synergies among attendees. Over the years, this event has featured esteemed keynote speakers within the Swedish-Dutch community. Join us for an evening of insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and the cultivation of meaningful relationships at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Exclusive Patron Dinner.   By invitation only.
More

Patrons