Business, Finance & Economy
Wed. March 15, 12:30PM
Beyond the burning concerns of Bruno Colmant
Emmanuelle Ghislain and Laurent Hublet in conversation with the author on the themes of his new Book
The author posits that the current environmental, military, energy, and economic issues are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of societal challenges. By 2030, these problems are expected to escalate and lead to environmental and economic disasters.
To tackle these pressing issues, the author believes that we need to create a new, unified, and cooperative society. The panelists will share their opinions on how to achieve this, as they will engage in an open discussion to address the role of the government, the economy, entrepreneurs, and individuals in creating this new society. Additionally, they will delve into the importance of education and how to teach future generations to build a better world.
At TheMerode, we believe in the power of exchanging ideas to grow and improve. Our goal is to not only enhance the conversation, but to inspire actions and change, both as individuals and as a community. If you want to be a part of this important conversation, sign up now.
Have your book signed by the author after the conference.
Books will also be on sale during the event. Feel free to bring your own copy.
Timing:
- 12:00 > Welcome
- 12:30 – 13:30 > Conference and Q&A
- 13:30 – 14:00 > Walking lunch and book signing
To tackle these pressing issues, the author believes that we need to create a new, unified, and cooperative society. The panelists will share their opinions on how to achieve this, as they will engage in an open discussion to address the role of the government, the economy, entrepreneurs, and individuals in creating this new society. Additionally, they will delve into the importance of education and how to teach future generations to build a better world.
At TheMerode, we believe in the power of exchanging ideas to grow and improve. Our goal is to not only enhance the conversation, but to inspire actions and change, both as individuals and as a community. If you want to be a part of this important conversation, sign up now.
Have your book signed by the author after the conference.
Books will also be on sale during the event. Feel free to bring your own copy.
Timing:
- 12:00 > Welcome
- 12:30 – 13:30 > Conference and Q&A
- 13:30 – 14:00 > Walking lunch and book signing
speaker
Emmanuelle Ghislain
Emmanuelle Ghislain leads the PULSE Foundation, a privately funded Belgian organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship and removing barriers for individuals driven to create meaningful change. Her background combines business studies at the Solvay Brussels School, field experience with Doctors Without Borders, fundraising for DUO for a JOB and the launch of several social ventures. Deeply committed to innovation and impact, she brings together pragmatic thinking and fresh perspectives to help shape a more inclusive and entrepreneurial society.
speaker
Bruno Colmant
Bruno Colmant holds a PhD in Applied Economics from the Université Libre de Bruxelles and a Master of Science from Purdue University (USA), as well as two Master’s degrees (one in Applied Economics from Solvay and one in Taxation from ICHEC). He has held senior positions at Roland Berger Consulting, the Fondation contre le Cancer (CEO), ING (CFO), AGEAS (Deputy CEO), Banque Degroof Petercam (CEO), and the Brussels Stock Exchange, where he served as CEO and a member of the Executive Committee of the New York Stock Exchange. He is a member of the Board of Directors of several companies, including Banque Nagelmackers, Unibra, I-Care, and the New Tree and Brederode holding companies, of which he is Chairman. He is also active in charitable organizations (Fondation contre le Cancer, Médecins du Monde, etc.). A member of the Royal Academy of Belgium, he has authored/co-authored over 90 books, mainly on financial economics and monetary policy. He teaches at several universities.
speaker
Laurent Hublet
Laurent Hublet is an economist, philosopher and entrepreneur. After studying at Solvay (ULB), the Université libre de Bruxelles and Columbia University, he began his career at Boston Consulting Group before contributing to Belgium’s Digital Belgium strategy alongside Deputy Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.
He went on to co-found BeCentral, Brussels’ digital campus, which he led for six years. A lecturer at Solvay Brussels School, columnist for L'Echo and author of Bruxelles Mondiale and Changement de quart, he became a partner at Roland Berger in 2025. Since February 2026, he has served as Brussels Minister for the Economy, Employment and the Digital Economy.
