Professor Emeritus Jan Peter Balkenende (Erasmus School of Economics and Erasmus School of Law) was awarded an honorary doctorate from Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday 11 September 2024.
Recognition for awareness of the importance of sustainable growth
Sogang University conferred an honorary doctoral degree in economics upon the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, as recognition for his early and profound awareness of the critical importance of sustainable growth. In his speech, President Sim Jong Hyeok of Sogang University stated that during his career as a distinguished politician and professor, Balkenende proposed and implemented various policies to advance the understanding and importance of sustainable growth across Europe. Sim Jong Hyeok highlighted Balkenende’s embracement of the concept of shared value, advocating that businesses should generate both economic and social value, and that his contributions are expected to significantly enhance cooperative initiatives related to Environmental, social, and governance (ESG), between Sogang University and European institutions.
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon present at ceremony
One of the esteemed guests present at the ceremony in Seoul was former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Ban Ki-moon and Jan Peter Balkenende have known each other for a very long time, and both have been strong advocates for sustainable development.
Ban Ki-moon, during his time as UN Secretary-General, pushed for global action on climate change and played a crucial role in the formation of the Paris Agreement in 2015. His advocacy for sustainable development culminated in the establishment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, a global framework for reducing poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all.
Jan Peter Balkenende was similarly focused on corporate social responsibility and sustainable economic policies during his time as Prime Minister. The Netherlands under his leadership was known for its environmental policies and its promotion of sustainability on both national and international stages. Balkenende played an important role in international discussions on sustainability, advocating for green technology, corporate responsibility, and the integration of sustainability into economic policy. Both leaders aligned on the importance of addressing climate change and fostering sustainable development globally. Their shared commitment to these causes likely saw them collaborate or at least intersect in global forums like the United Nations and World Economic Forum.
About Jan Peter Balkenende
Jan Peter Balkenende is best known for his role as Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 2002 to 2010. After his political career he continued as Professor of Governance, Institutions and Internationalisation at Erasmus School of Economics and Erasmus School of Law. He also took on roles in the private sector, including as a partner at EY, where he focused on corporate responsibility and sustainability.
Balkenende currently devotes his time and energy to the topic of sustainability and circular economy on a national and international level. He is Chairman of the Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition, a partnership of eight Dutch multinationals committed to sustainable growth. In addition, he is External Senior Advisor to EY and a member of Club de Madrid, the organisation of former heads of government of democratic nations. In October 2022, Balkenende was appointed by Royal Decree as Minister of State.
Recently Jan Peter Balkenende published “Capitalism Reconnected. Toward a Sustainable, Inclusive and Innovative Market Economy in Europe”. This book (co-authored by Professor of Philosophy, Govert Buijs), brings together the most important insights of this new thinking. Moreover, authors Balkenende and Buijs place the renewal of the economy in the broader context of societal, geopolitical and geo-economic developments. The book starts with a 'Diagnosis' section, followed by sections on Europe's 'Mission', and a 'Geopolitics' section. It concludes with recommendations.
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For more information, please contact Ronald de Groot, Media and Public Relations Officer at Erasmus School of Economics, rdegroot@ese.eur.nl, or +31 6 53 641 846.