Geopolitical tensions, shifting energy sources, trade disruptions and environmental changes are among the biggest challenges the world faces today. But they also point to the dire need for real leadership, hope, and restored trust.
Time and again we hear and read about how global society has trespassed the planet’s boundaries. And while we’ve made progress towards a healthier planet, efforts have not been bold enough or fast enough. Also now, some voices are questioning whether it’s possible to deliver growth while also taking care of the planet.
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In times of uncertainty or threat, it’s easy to retract, close off and stick to what’s comfortable and known. But now, more than ever, the world needs an outstretched hand, and it needs to move toward our common core. To do that, we need strong leaders and role models—in the public and private sectors—to come together to find solutions and build bridges toward a prosperous future.
Recently, Li Junhua, U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, had a powerful reminder for all of us: “This is not a moment for despair, but for determined action.” I couldn’t agree more, and businesses are uniquely positioned to lead and drive action.
Economic growth is critical for all societies, but it needs to be sustainable economic growth and not at any cost. Too often growth is short-term, unequal and weighed toward solutions of the past. That doesn’t mean growth itself is the issue, instead the opposite. There is no future without prosperity. Business and companies continue to prove every day that economic growth and planet stewardship can successfully coexist.
While trust in global institutions has declined, according to Edelman’s annual Trust Barometer, business remains the most trusted among them. The survey also shows there is a clear demand for stronger leadership. Among respondents with high grievances, 76% believe CEOs are justified in addressing societal challenges, like climate, if they can make an impact.
Businesses are already driving this change. The solutions and innovation to get us there already exist. Solutions for clean, dependable energy, decarbonization, transforming food systems, balance through biology and circular systems. At Novonesis, we believe that leadership starts with responsibility and accountability, not just for our own footprint, but for the positive impact we enable in the world. For example, the World Economic Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders represents $4 trillion in revenues and 12 million employees in 130+ companies. Between 2019 and 2023, its members reduced aggregate emissions by 12% while delivering revenue growth of 20% in the same period.
The global bioeconomy is set to grow sevenfold by 2050. That growth will lead to job creation, build resilience, and drive economic growth. According to Amsterdam Data Collective consultants, the biosolutions industry could create over 5 million new jobs and generate €877 billion in economic value globally by 2035.
Many companies and industries are leading the way. But to scale this transformation and realize its potential, we need to remove unnecessary roadblocks. And for that, we need partnerships. When the public and private sectors work together, change happens faster, and trust grows stronger. This is demonstrated in partnerships like the First Movers Coalition and the Global Biofuels Alliance, launched in India under G20. Partnerships like this can lead to more jobs, home-grown solutions and less dependence on imported raw materials, and they are good for the planet. We must look outside our normal circles, across industry lines, and discover where collective, concerted effort can have the greatest impact. We need to work with governments to modernize policy frameworks and align national strategies with the solutions of the future.
We have the opportunity to show the world that reimagined prosperity—rooted in responsibility and strong leadership and driven by innovation—is possible. We can succeed in leaving a hopeful, healthy planet for ourselves and for the generations to come.
The time for leadership is now.