Jan Peter Balkenende, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, partner of corporate responsibility at EY, and chair of the Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition, will set the scene at this year’s GreenPort Congress whilst Denise Pronk, will share her vision on sustainability at the Royal Schiphol Group. Book now to hear these business leaders’ addresses.

During his premiership from 2002 to 2010, Professor Balkenende implemented a range of sustainable development policies, including a 2007 contract between companies and the government to improve energy efficiency, increase the use of sustainable energy and reduce carbon emissions. His government also set up the country’s first national knowledge centre for corporate social responsibility called MVO Nederland (CSR Netherlands) to help Dutch companies integrate sustainability into their business. Balkenende recently stated that “The big issues of today - climate change, energy, human rights, ageing population, competitiveness - require long-term thinking. The longer you wait to take measures, the tougher it will be in the future, so we cannot wait, and we need to do it together.”

Denise Pronk firmly believes sustainability is an integral part of the business and is working around the clock to improve Schiphol’s corporate responsibility. Based in the strategy department, her focus areas are the long-term vision, the integrating of sustainability in the business planning and working together with business partners and stakeholders.

This year’s GreenPort programme is entitled ‘Creating partnerships for sustainable development’ and delegates will hear Balkenede’s inspirational keynote address on the first morning; they will also learn from many examples on the programme, how collaboration can achieve results. Pronk’s address will be given on the afternoon of day two of the GreenPort Congress.

Book your place now to hear these keynote addresses that will undoubtedly bring inspiration and experience from outside the maritime port sector.

View the programme here.

Members of ESPO and Feport qualify for special rates.

For further information contact the Events team on +44 1329 825335 or email congress@greenport.com.

Follow the event on Twitter @GPCongress.