Responsible leadership in a world facing wicked problems

President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It’s an honor to stand before you today to discuss one of the defining challenges of our time: responsible leadership in a world facing wicked problems.

These problems—like climate change, inequality, geopolitical crises, and the spread of misinformation—are deeply complex, interconnected, and resistant to simple solutions.

They demand leadership that goes beyond short-term goals and considers the long-term impact on society, the planet, and future generations. We must ask ourselves: How can we balance the urgency of today’s needs with the sustainability of tomorrow's future?

At Copenhagen Business School, we believe the key to solving these problems lies in education. Our students are taught to think beyond profits and to lead with purpose. They learn to ask: How can I contribute to a better, more sustainable future? And how can I collaborate across borders to tackle global challenges?

This is where The Nordic Nine comes in—nine essential capabilities we instill in every CBS student to prepare them for the complex world they’ll lead. We teach them to act with compassion—for themselves, for others, and for the planet.

In this spirit of collaboration, I want to highlight the special bond between Denmark and Iceland, two nations that share both history and values. CBS is proud to have many Icelandic students and researchers in our community.

Their contributions enrich our academic environment and foster strong academic and professional ties between our two countries. Through this cooperation, we aim to advance knowledge, innovation, and sustainable solutions that benefit both Denmark and Iceland, and the wider world.

Our collaboration extends beyond education. Denmark and Iceland’s cooperation within NATO is crucial, especially in the Arctic region, where we face emerging geopolitical challenges.

With growing tensions and the threat from Russia, it is more important than ever that our two nations work closely to secure peace, stability, and mutual interests in this strategically vital area.

The challenges we face, whether geopolitical or environmental, require strong, responsible leadership.

And our region’s shared values—equity, sustainability, and innovation—provide a unique framework for addressing these global challenges. By continuing to deepen our partnerships across the Nordic countries, we can collectively face bigger and even more complex issues together.

Technology, especially AI, is another critical tool in addressing wicked problems. It has immense potential, from providing data-driven insights to driving breakthrough innovations. But we must use it responsibly, considering its impact on jobs, privacy, and misinformation. At CBS, we ensure our students understand both the promise of AI and the ethical questions it raises.

Finally, diversity is crucial to effective leadership. Diverse perspectives—whether by gender, culture, or mindset—are key to inclusive innovation. Responsible leaders must ensure their decisions reflect the needs of all, and diversity is necessary in achieving that goal.

I’m really looking forward to hearing President Halla Tómasdóttir discuss these matters with us today. And it is also a personal honor to welcome Halla to our university.

I have for many years worked together with Halla—as a board member in The B Team when Halla was the CEO, and all the way back to when she founded Sister Capital to support female founders. Her visionary leadership offers valuable insights on how we can approach these challenges through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose.

But before we get to that discussion, it is my pleasure to introduce our next speaker, the President of Reykjavik University, Ragnhildur Helgadóttir, who will further explore these important themes.

Thank you.