This article is part of a series of posts we are launching to get to know our 4 new Board Members.
To get started, we sat down with Wim Allegaert to talk to him about his motivation and hopes for Chapter Zero Brussels.
What motivated you to join the board of Chapter Zero Brussels and get involved in Climate Governance?
Wim: Sustainability has always been a very important element of my professional and private environment. From experience, it is a topic which is high on anyone’s priority list but easily comes under pressure when the circumstances get more difficult. That is why CZB has such an important role: it continuously puts the topic in the spotlight and supports boards in their focused attention for sustainability.
What will be your unique contribution, building on your strengths and interests?
Wim: Being involved in sustainable initiatives for a long time, I have had the privilege to learn a lot about the importance as well as the challenges to prioritize sustainability. Creating sustainable investment funds, explaining the corporate social responsibility strategy of listed companies and supporting local communities on ESG, helped me to understand the relevance and need. The work goes on.
What do you see as a major challenge for getting board members engaged and interested in climate change and other environmental issues?
Wim: The challenge is to make this a top-of-mind item for boards and this by finding the right angle to create value from within, aligned with the strategy. All too often, it is a tick-the-box exercise which leaves too much opportunity at the table.
What do you think Chapter Zero Brussels can do, or is already doing, to help overcome these challenges?
Wim: The sustainable director certification is a great achievement. It gives board members not only insight but also tools to work with the topic. If CZB is the center of know-how on climate change, it is great to be easily accessible.
What inspires you, outside of your working life?
Wim: The resilience of people and nature is amazing. So we need to have a positive attitude and a can-do spirit to tackle the challenges. We see inspiring people standing up and putting things in motion. That can be so inspirational.