Dear guests and delegates,

This is the second time the Graduate Business Conference is hosted in Denmark. Opening the first conference in 2006 I remember being thrilled by the energy and level of ambition amongst the participants. All delegates brought inspirational ideas and knowledge to the table at an intensive three-day programme,  building up to the Student Leadership Award on the final night.

Moving on twelve years, today students from more than 40 of the top business schools and universities are gathered once more.

The world has changed since 2006. The world has endured a global financial crisis, increased climate volatility, a shifting technological landscape, and recently a move towards increased isolationism and protectionism.

But the Nordic countries have taken joint action, setting specific targets and focal points to implement the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in our countries. The answer has been clear: we need to stay competitive and adaptable in a fast-changing world and must encourage partnerships like for example the ones we are witnessing here between universities and businesses.

In 2018, the theme of the conference is “The Nordic Way” – a title reflecting the distinct values and cultural bonds that transcend our national borders.

However, our shared history goes beyond comparable languages and traditions, building on our inclusive growth-oriented economic and social policies, and our distinctive welfare model.

Our system has allowed Nordic countries to rank among the highest on various indices, exhibiting features such as transparency, equality, and happiness.

Every year, the World Economic Forum rates countries on several metrics, namely growth, equity, and sustainability.

And the Nordic countries have set their national performance targets based on these metrics, which has allowed us to prevent systemic problems like vast income inequality, lack of employment opportunities, economic insecurity, and deteriorating quality of life.

In Denmark, ethical beliefs – from corporate social responsibility to sustainable management – are driving our MBA programmes.

Our countries are at the forefront of environmental practices and policies, reflected in numerous industries, like biotechnology, energy, and manufacturing.

Instead of imprecise promises and objectives, Nordic companies understand their vital role in protecting and preserving our ecosystem, having set specific targets to address the impact of their activities throughout the value chain, from the sourcing of materials to the consumption of their products.

I am delighted to be the patron of the Graduate Business Conference and hope that the results of the coming days will strengthen the existing bonds and develop new partnerships.

Thank you.