PROGRAM

Resilient Futures: The Business Case for Sustainability in a Challenging Global Climate 
In a world marked by economic pressures and increasingly polarizing political debates, the strides we’ve made in equity, diversity, and social sustainability are under threat. In this session, we’ll delve into hard facts, challenge the current narrative, and share important experiences and reflections. Join world leaders, top business executives, and changemakers to explore the relationship between social sustainability and good business
​​​

• Opening of SHE Conference 2025 
  With Astrid Rønning Skaugseth, CEO SHE Conference
  ​

• Rising Above Tensions: Leading with Courage, Inclusion and Sustainable Growth
  Keynote by Erna Solberg, Former Prime Minister of Norway and Leader of the Norwegian Conservative party (Høyre)
   

• Beyond the Bottom Line - Why Social Sustainability Matters Now!
  Panel Conversations: Join prominent leaders in an engaging dialogue drawing on their extensive global policy and leadership experience. They will challenge assumptions, provide fresh perspectives, and inspire action. Discover how political will, corporate responsibility, and social impact intersect—and what it takes to ensure that it remains a key priority when business face economic challenges and when more and more political voices openly attack sustainability and diversity?​
  
  Erna Solberg, Former Prime Minister of Norway and Leader of the Norwegian Conservative party (Høyre )
  Élisabeth Moreno, Head of LEIA Partners, Chair of Ring Capital & Ring Africa, former Minister in charge of Gender Equality, Diversity & Equal Opportunities, France
  Andre Mundal, Best selling author, speaker, consultant and former Diplomat, Officer and BCG Consultant
  ​

• The Power of Sustainable Business 
  Keynote by Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School. Sustainability now seems to have as many detractors as it has advocates, with concerns that it is a distraction from business and at the expense of financial returns. This talk will critically examine the case for sustainable business, using rigorous evidence and real-life examples to show what works – and, importantly, what doesn’t. 
   

• The Power of Authenticity: A Story of Personal and Leadership Transformation for an Inclusive and Sustainable world 
  Keynote by Katherine D. Dudtschak, President and CEO of HomeEquity Bank. What if you had a secret so big that sharing it had the potential to disrupt or even destroy life as you knew it? In this powerful keynote Katherine shares her pathway to living a life of freedom, openness, presence, love, and hope. She  will share her deeply personal journey of self-discovery, from overcoming intergenerational trauma to acknowledging the parts of herself she didn’t know how to face. She reveals the raw, vulnerable moments of grappling with the fear of abandonment and rejection, and the courageous decision she made in 2018 to affirm her gender identity and embrace her essence as a woman, parent, friend, and leader.
   

• SHE Index Award by Stretch

The Human Touch – Leadership for a Resilient Future 
Human capital and genuine engagement have become essential to success, this session explores how businesses can create inclusive, authentic environments that prioritize people over mere metrics. Through panels and keynotes, leaders and experts will showcase into the power of inclusive leadership and the ways companies can move beyond buzzwords to foster true belonging and resilience.   
 

• A Happy Accident
  Keynote by Chris Baréz-Brown, Speaker, Author & Founder of Upping Your Elvis and Talk It Out. Chris is driven by the belief that as humans we’re simply not designed for business. 
  We spend far too much energy trying to fit in with its needs, rather than the other way around. We’re fish out of water – and it’s sucking the life out of us. In his keynote speech, Chris explores the challenges with our human design and how to make sure that every day counts, all whilst giving your well-being a boost. Supported by his simple and fun app Talk It Out, this session is proven to upgrade your focus, learning & mental health. A game changer for work and life! And it was all invented by accident. Through humour, charisma and expertise, Chris brings out the potential in everybody and people leave not just inspired and energized but thinking a little differently about the world and equipped with tangible skills to deploy their newfound energy on the things that matter most to their work and lives.
   

• Human-Centered Leadership: The Ultimate Disruptor
  Panel Conversation: The most radical act a leader can take today is to put people first and prove that doing so drives the most powerful results. In a world obsessed with profits, productivity, and AI-driven efficiency, human-centered leadership is the ultimate game-changer. But as some leaders push for progress, others are dragging us backward.  The rise of rigid, top-down leadership is not just a political issue; it’s infiltrating businesses, boardrooms and decision-making structures, eroding psychological safety, innovation, and long-term stability. This session pulls back the curtain on how bold, people-first leadership fuels unstoppable innovation, resilience, and success. Expect unfiltered insights, game-changing strategies, and real-world stories of leaders who use people focused leadership as a force for progress. This is not just a discussion. It’s a wake-up call. Are you ready to redefine leadership for the future? 
  
  Anne Lindboe, Mayor of Oslo
  Raj Verma, Chief Culture, Diversity, and Experience Officer at Sanofi
  Eirik Bogsnes, Executive VP for Hotel Services at Strawberry
  Dr. Ishita Barua, Medical Doctor, AI Researcher & Tech Founder
   

• A Straight White Man's Guide to Shutting the F#ck Up and Leading Inclusively
  Keynote by Dr. Anthony Giannoumis - Motivational Speaker on Inclusive Leadership and CEO of Inclusive Creation. Associate professor at Kristiania. Dr. Anthony Giannoumis brings humor and storytelling to leadership and inclusion. A programmer turned opera singer, professor, and stand-up comedian, he shares vivid stories about his leadership journey. You will laugh, learn, and discover common pitfalls and best practices. Key takeaways focus on active listening, and diversity as a driver for innovation. With relatable humor and practical insights, participants will leave inspired to lead diverse teams and make inclusive decisions.

Navigating Uncertainty: Value-based Leadership in a New Era 
In a world increasingly marked by polarization and division, the importance of value-based initiatives has never been greater—nor more challenging to navigate. Explore how leaders and politicians can effectively implement sustainable strategies that not only drive positive impact but also resonate across diverse and often conflicting societal viewpoints.
 
 

• Diversity,  Security and Collaboration: Unlocking the future of global preparedness Panel Conversation: As global security challenges grow more complex, the role of diversity in enhancing preparedness and resilience is increasingly debated. While some argue that diverse perspectives improve decision-making, innovation, and crisis response, others question its strategic impact amid growing backlash against DE&I initiatives.  We’ll explore how public-private collaborations—bridging military, intelligence, and civilian sectors—can bolster global preparedness. Finally, we’ll examine why diversity stands as a key strategy in confronting transnational threats and building a safer, more resilient world
  ​
  Moderator, Eirik Løkke
  Eirik Kristoffersen, Chief of Defence of Norway, 
  Beate Gangås, Chief of the Norwegian Police Security Service 
  Anne Gry Ringen, Co-Founder & Partner in Crown Defence
   

• Balancing Norway’s Values in a Changing Global Landscape - A Conversation with Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide
  ​How does Norway balance its core values with the harsh realities of a world marked by geopolitical tensions, war, and great power rivalries? In this exclusive conversation, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide will share insights on how Norway navigates complex international challenges, builds strong diplomatic relationships, and upholds its role as a bridge-builder in global politics. We will explore how Norway manages security policy dilemmas, how values such as democracy, human rights, and international cooperation are weighed against strategic interests, and what key decisions shape Norway’s foreign policy in today’s unpredictable world.
  
  Eirik Løkke, Fellow at Civita, The Norwegian Liberal Think Tank
  Espen Barth Eide, Foreign Minister, Norway

• From Geopolitical Uncertainty to Humanitarian Impact: Leading with Values
  In a world of shifting power dynamics and escalating crises, how do we uphold human dignity and spark hope? Join Bodour Hassan (Amnesty International) and Lindis Hurum (Doctors Without Borders) as they share frontline realities and illuminate the courage it takes to drive and lead meaningful change. Elin Ludvigsen, this conversation reminds us that “Your Courage Today Can Rewrite the Story of Tomorrow.”
  
  Elin Ludvigsen, Journalist & Debate Leader
  Lindis Hurum, General Director of Doctors Without Borders Norway
  Budour Hassan, Amnesty International's Middle East & North Africa researcher, Feminist & Writer

• Startup Pitch
  The winner of this year’s Venture Cup will not only deliver the winning pitch but also receive exciting prizes! Venture Cup is Norway’s largest pitch competition for students, celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship.

Closing of SHE Conference 2025
Afterparty at NOVA Spektrum 🎉