Countdown 2023

Adélaïde Charlier is a 22-year-old activist committed to climate and social justice. After co-founding Youth For Climate Belgium, she has contributed to various mobilizations in recent years, advised the Vice-President of the European Commission and sailed across the Atlantic to pursue her activism. Today, activism occupies a central place in her life. At the same time, she is studying political and social sciences at the College of Europe.

Strategic Director of Brand Culture at Hoet&Hoet, Alain Mayné is nicknamed the philosopher of marketing. Passionate about societal change, he acts to bring about beneficial change for citizens and make a positive impact. He promotes the transformative power of responsible marketing. A board member of the Belgian Management and Marketing Association (BMMA) and the Belgian Marketing Association (BAM), he is a member of two Think Tanks (Sustainability and Health and Wellbeing) and initiator of the Meaningful Marketing Framework.

COLT is Belgium's newest musical sensation. Formerly known as Coline & Toitoine, their story is rooted in friendship. A harmonious fusion where Coline's voice and raw emotion blend with Toitoine's singular, almost lunar universe. Aged just 23, and following the success of their single "Insomnies", which has already reached millions of listens, COLT unveiled "Mille Vies", a second EP in September 2023. This first EP, written in French, marks a turning point for this phenomenal duo.

Ihsane Haouach is a societal entrepreneur and author, dedicated to promoting a fair and sustainable transition. Convinced that the future of our society lies in integrating energy with social challenges, she is committed to both. She focuses on education for women and young people, and co-initiated the "L'Épicerie" center in Molenbeek. She also sits on the board of the Brussels Energy Regulatory Agency. In her book "Open Up Your Organization", she describes a model of inclusive leadership.

Dr Rawaa Ammar is Director of Sustainability and Impact at Resortecs. As an expert in climate risk mitigation, decarbonization and life cycle assessment with 15 years' experience, she leads the sustainability strategy. She connects different stakeholders to accelerate the circular transition in the fashion sector. Passionate about nature, science and social equity, she holds a PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from ULB in Brussels and was a visiting professor at the Lebanese University of Beirut.

Serge de Gheldere doesn't just talk about a greener future, he builds it. As CEO of Futureproofed, he provides cities and businesses with tools to reduce their carbon footprint. But he doesn't stop in the boardroom. As president of Klimaatzaak, he led a legal crusade against the Belgian government, even filing a lawsuit for concrete CO₂ reduction targets. Trained by Al Gore in 2006, Serge sees the carbon gap not as a challenge, but as a potential source of profit and societal gain.