Leadership, Integrity and Accountability

As director of Milieudefensie, Donald Pols played a prominent role in the landmark climate case against Shell, which brought corporate climate responsibility into the spotlight. In 2026, his decision to join Tata Steel as director of sustainability sparked controversy, and his appointment was terminated after one day following revelations about his past. In this Leadership Dialogue, we will explore the dilemmas of responsible leadership. Where can leaders make the greatest difference? How should they navigate the tensions between personal integrity, public scrutiny and organizational responsibility? What are the limits of transparency, and what standards should we expect of our leaders? After the plenary interview with Donald Pols participants will engage in moderated Dialogue over dinner.

• Donald Pols