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In December 2019, The European Commission launched The European Green Deal as the EU’s main new growth strategy to transition the EU economy to a sustainable economic model with the ultimate objective of becoming climate neutral continent by 2050. The European Green Deal aims to boost the efficient use of resources by moving to a clean, circular economy and stop climate change, revert biodiversity loss and cut pollution. The deal outlines required investments and financing tools available and further elaborates on how to ensure an inclusive transition to help those that are most affected by the move towards the green economy.

Diederik Samsom is the Head of Cabinet of Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans. Mr. Samsom started his career as Greenpeace campaigner. Afterwards, he switched careers towards politics gradually evolving into a prominent name in the Dutch political landscape. Between 2003 and 2016, he was elected to the House of Representatives. In 2012, he was elected as party leader as well as parliamentary leader of the Labour Party (Partij van de Arbeid). He led the party towards participation in the Cabinet-Rutte III. Since 2019, he is Head of Cabinet of Frans Timmermans and a key player in the establishment of the European Green Deal.

Diederik Samsom will be interviewed by Hans Reus (MBA’90D). Hans chairs the Dutch NAA INSEAD Sustainability Club, and is a Managing Director with executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates, where he co-leads their global activities on sustainable leadership and governance.