CBS Annual Celebration 2025: Challenges of the future call for new leadership

It was a festive yet serious evening, where CBS celebrated the university and our collaborative partners last Friday at the Kiln Hall at Porcelænshaven.

With the theme ‘Responsible Leadership in a Complex World’, the evening invited reflections on how the leaders of tomorrow should respond to the many crises the world is currently facing.

Geopolitical turmoil, climate change and the technological revolution driven by artificial intelligence were just some of the topics on the table.

“Today, and even more so in the years ahead, leaders will face increasing political and public pressure to take on greater social responsibility. They will have to navigate transformation in uncertain times shaped by war and social polarisation. This calls for new leadership skills – and new ways of developing them,” said Peter Møllgaard, President of CBS, in his speech.

He also pointed to the importance of close collaboration between researchers, policymakers and businesses – one of the key conclusions of Risk Report 360.

Read his full speech here.

Chair of the CBS Board, Torben Möger Pedersen, underlined this in his welcome address:

“At CBS, we believe knowledge should not stay behind university walls. It should be put to use to help shape a better world. That is the core of our vision to transform society with business.”

“Responsible leadership is not a choice – it is survival”

Throughout the evening, guests had the chance to network, enjoy a drink at the bar or listen to the jazz band Valdemar Bille Quartet.

And during the dinner – which included guinea fowl and sauce blanquette – the tone shifted again when Ukraine’s Ambassador, Andrii Yanevskyi, took the stage.

“In Ukraine, responsible leadership is not a choice. It is a necessity for survival – and it is how we protect the democratic world. Responsible leadership is about having the courage to act, and Denmark is one of the countries leading by example. Denmark is one of the first countries to support Ukraine, and your F-16 jets were the first in the air to defend our country,” he said.

The audience responded with a standing ovation – not just for the powerful speech, but also for the sense of hope that the ambassador, clearly the most burdened guest of the evening, still managed to share with grace. Because as he concluded:

“Remember, in the end, everything will be fine. And if it is not fine, then it is not the end yet.”

Two honorary doctors and a distinguished alumnus

The evening was also an opportunity to honour individuals who have made exceptional contributions.

This included two honorary doctorates awarded earlier in the day to Lise Vesterlund and Mariana Mazzucato.

Inger Askehave, CBS Deputy President, who served as the evening’s toastmaster, gave them special recognition during the celebration.

Read more about the honorary doctors here.

Then it was time to name this year’s distinguished alumnus – a tradition from previous years that has now returned to the Annual Celebration.

Lars Rebien Sørensen, Chair of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, received the title for his positive impact on Danish and international society, for his ongoing commitment to CBS and for the outstanding achievements throughout his career.

In his speech, he expressed gratitude for having grown up in Denmark and for building a career during the golden age of globalisation. But he also expressed his concern for the future.

“That world has defined my entire career – until now. And that is why I am worried about the future. For Denmark and for a democratic Europe. So, today I ask the students: help build a world that is more equal, more free, and a society that is more sustainable.”

Read Lars Rebien Sørensens speech in full here.

Christina Egelund arrived straight from Kenya

Christina Egelund, Minister for Higher Education and Science, came directly from the airport following a visit to Kenya, and her speech opened with a quote from Karen Blixen:

“God made the world round so we would not be able to see too far down the road,” she said.

“I am not sure God had much to do with it, but it is a wonderfully frustrating fact that we can never truly know what lies around the corner. Still, we cannot allow uncertainty to catch us off guard. Luckily, I always find hope and optimism here at CBS. That is also why I am curious to hear your take on the state of the world. Europe has fallen behind, and now we must develop our own technology to protect our values – and ourselves.”

Harrison Krampe, President of CBS Students, concluded the programme by reminding guests that good intentions and plans, however well-meaning, do not mean much if they are not followed through.

“Part of responsible leadership is also about letting others share the responsibility. I have heard a lot about Nordic Nine at CBS events, but there is a difference between saying something and actually doing it. We are now at the end of March, and we all know from our New Year’s resolutions who actually started eating healthier, sleeping more, using AI less in their research – and I know you lecturers do it too. But justifying dessert around the dinner table is one thing – stepping out into the cold rain to train for your goal is something completely else.”

With those words, the evening ended on what can best be described as a true call to action.