Sigurd Tvete, Author at Business for Peace Foundation

Bridges of Enterprise, Honouring Stef Wertheimer and Adnan Kassar

Photo: CC: Mujaddara

In 2025, the Business for Peace Foundation marks the passing of two extraordinary Honourees whose lives stood as testaments to the belief that business can be a force for peace: Stef Wertheimer of Israel and Adnan Kassar of Lebanon.

Separated by borders and backgrounds, they were united by conviction that industry, cooperation, and ethical enterprise could help transform a divided region into one bound by shared prosperity and respect.

The legacies of Wertheimer and Kassar feel more relevant than ever, and serve as a hopeful reminder. Across the Middle East, where conflict and mistrust continue to test the human spirit, their lives remind us that genuine leadership begins not with ideology but with the courage to build.

Merchants of Peace

For Stef Wertheimer, industry was never just about production; it was about coexistence. Wertheimer was born in Germany in 1926 and fled Nazi persecution with his family as a child. In Israel, he founded ISCAR Metalworking, which grew from a backyard workshop into a global leader in industrial tools. Through a network of industrial parks in Tefen, Nazareth, Dalton, and the Negev, he brought Jewish, Arab, and Druze communities together in shared purpose.

He often said, “When people work together, they have no time for conflict.” His unrealised plan for an industrial park in Rafah and Gaza reflected that vision, a belief that the private sector, guided by dignity and inclusion, could be a stabilising force in a region too often shaped by division.

Today, as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to cause deep suffering and despair, Wertheimer’s conviction feels particularly urgent. His vision of shared industry as a bridge between peoples offers a reminder that peace cannot be achieved without hope, and that meaningful work and mutual opportunity remain essential to rebuilding trust.

Likewise

Adnan Kassar, born in Beirut in 1930, devoted his life to a similar ideal. As co-founder and long-time chairman of Fransabank, and as a global business statesman through the International Chamber of Commerce, he was a tireless advocate for Arab economic cooperation. Kassar believed that commerce itself could be a bridge between nations, and that prosperity shared across borders could foster understanding and trust. His quiet diplomacy, integrity, and advocacy for regional integration made him one of the most respected voices in Middle Eastern finance.

Both men embodied what the Business for Peace Foundation calls businessworthy leadership: entrepreneurship anchored in purpose and service to society.

A Regional Tapestry of Purpose

The moral current that ran through their lives can also be seen in other Honourees from the region. In Palestine, Zahi Khouri, founder of the National Beverage Company, has pursued peace through steadfast local enterprise, providing livelihoods and dignity for thousands. In Lebanon, Sarah Beydoun, founder of Sarah’s Bag, transforms lives through creative craftsmanship and women’s empowerment. And in Yemen, Nadia Al-Sakkaf has shown how truth and equality are essential forms of peacebuilding.

Together, these leaders reveal a shared conviction that peace grows from human dignity and from the opportunity to work, create, and participate in society.

What Unites Us Beyond Borders

Their vision reflects a timeless human truth, one eloquently expressed by another German-born refugee from Nazi persecution, Albert Einstein, who wrote that the purpose of life is “to make the life of every living thing nobler and more beautiful.” Like Wertheimer, Einstein turned the trauma of exile into a philosophy of humanism and responsibility. Across this region, home to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam alike, that same ethic transcends religion. It is the moral foundation upon which coexistence can be rebuilt: respect for life, for truth, and for one another’s dignity.

A Call to Leadership

At a time when distrust between peoples feels entrenched, the examples of Stef Wertheimer and Adnan Kassar stand as reminders that the private sector holds not only economic power but moral responsibility. Their factories and financial institutions were not merely places of business, but instruments of connection, proof that commerce, when guided by conscience, can foster peace more effectively than politics alone.

The Business for Peace Foundation honours Stef Wertheimer and Adnan Kassar for their lifelong dedication to prosperity with purpose, and for proving that it is possible to build bridges where others see only boundaries. Together, their legacies form a shared message of hope: that even in divided times, ethical enterprise can light the way toward a more humane and peaceful future.

In Memoriam: Don Roberto Servitje Sendra, Oslo Business for Peace Honouree

In Memoriam – Don Roberto Servitje Sendra (1928–2025)

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Don Roberto Servitje Sendra, esteemed Business for Peace Honouree (2010), and co-founder and former Chairman and CEO of Grupo Bimbo. He passed away in Mexico City on 17 July 2025, at the age of 97.

Born in Mexico City in 1928 to a Catalan immigrant family, Roberto joined Panificación Bimbo in 1945, just one year after its founding, at the young age of 17, making him the company’s first employee. Over a pioneering career spanning nearly seven decades, he served in roles including Sales Supervisor, Cashier, founder of the Vehicle Department, and General Manager in Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City.

In 1969, he undertook executive training at Harvard’s Management Development Programme, paving the way for his appointment as Deputy General Director, CEO in 1978, and Chairman of the Board from 1994 until 2013. Under his stewardship, Grupo Bimbo expanded far beyond its Mexican roots to become one of the largest bakery companies in the world, guided always by values, purpose, and social responsibility.

His commitment to values-based leadership was reflected in both his work and personal life, as Grupo Bimbo’s tribute aptly summarises.

“Don Roberto leaves behind an invaluable legacy. He was a man of strong values and deep convictions, generous in his interactions and unwavering in his purpose. With human warmth and business discipline, he inspired and led thousands of associates in building a company he always envisioned as a great family.”

A devoted family man, lifelong learner, and steadfast advocate of responsible business, Roberto exemplified the ethos of our Foundation’s mission, demonstrating that true leadership unites productivity with humanity. His life and work remain a guiding light for business leaders across the globe who seek to lead with values and vision.

He was conferred the Oslo Business for Peace Award in 2010, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to building not only a successful global enterprise but one rooted in trust, dignity, and shared prosperity, long before such principles became part of the global business lexicon.

We at the Business for Peace Foundation mourn the loss of a visionary leader who showed us what it means to lead with integrity, care, and purpose. Don Roberto’s legacy lives on in the culture he helped shape at Grupo Bimbo and in the countless lives he uplifted.

We extend our deepest condolences to his sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, colleagues, and friends. May his life be celebrated not only for what he built, but for how he built it: with humility, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the good that business can do.

May he rest in peace.

Bridging Business & Human Rights: a Dialogue with Nobel Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege

This January, we have the honour of hosting Nobel Peace Prize laurate Dr. Denis Mukwege’s in Oslo. As part of his visit to Norway, Business for Peace and The Conduit Oslo invite you to a symposium and networking reception at The Conduit Oslo on Friday, January 24th from 11:00-13:00.

This exclusive event will convene leaders from business, policy, and civil society to explore corporate responsibility, ethical sourcing, and gender equality in fragile contexts. With the Democratic Republic of Congo’s vast mineral wealth playing a key role in the green transition, businesses must ensure responsible and fair economic opportunities for local communities.

The programme features a keynote by Dr. Mukwege, a panel discussion on corporate leadership in conflict zones, and insights from Oslo Business for Peace Honouree Tore Laerdal.

Following the discussions, guests can engage in informal networking over light refreshments. Register for the event here.

The Conduit Oslo is located at Kristian Augusts gate 21, 0164 Oslo.

In Memoriam: Ratan Tata, Oslo Business for Peace Honouree

We at the Business for Peace Foundation extend our deepest sympathies to the Tata Group and all those affected by the recent passing of Mr Ratan Tata (1937 – 2024), a visionary leader who was honoured with the Oslo Business for Peace Award in 2010.

Ratan Tata’s contributions to both business and society are a testament to the power of ethical leadership. His unwavering commitment to sustainable development, responsible entrepreneurship, and philanthropy set new standards for business practices globally. The Oslo Business for Peace Award is conferred by a group of Nobel Laurates in Peace and Economics and recognises leaders whose work benefits both people and the planet. Ratan Tata embodied these ideals. His legacy continues to inspire business leaders worldwide to drive positive change.

The Tata Group’s philosophy has long reflected the values Ratan Tata championed. Since its inception, the Tata Group has focused on building businesses that contribute to the common good, a guiding principle that has been key to its global success. Under Sir Ratan Tata’s leadership, Tata expanded its reach while remaining rooted in ethical governance, sustainability, and innovation. His leadership not only transformed the Tata Group into one of the world’s most respected conglomerates but also emphasised the importance of placing people and the planet at the heart of business decisions. Tata companies have consistently sought to balance profit with purpose, leading initiatives that uplift communities, promote education, and protect the environment.

In our own work at the Business for Peace Foundation, we have been fortunate to benefit from Tata Consultancy Services’ (TCS) generous support. TCS has been an invaluable partner, offering their services pro bono to enhance our website and nomination platform. This collaboration has greatly improved our ability to recognise and celebrate business leaders committed to ethical practices, in line with Ratan Tata’s legacy. We remain deeply grateful to the Tata Group and TCS for their continued commitment to advancing responsible business. As we honour the memory of Mr Ratan Tata, we recognise that his legacy will endure in the values he instilled within the Tata Group and the countless lives he touched through his remarkable leadership.

Navigating Business Challenges: BfP's Chair's thought leadership piece in ITC's 2023 Outlook

We are pleased to share that Per Saxegaard, Executive Chair of the Business for Peace Foundation, has contributed a thought leadership piece to the International Trade Centre’s SME Competitiveness Outlook 2023: Small Businesses in Fragility:
From Survival to Growth.

This report, focusing on the impact of conflict and fragility on business performance, introduces a Fragility Exposure Index. It suggests that businesses can reduce the impact of fragility by 25% through reinforcing competitiveness, such as engaging with business support organisations and improving financial management.

Mr. Saxegaard’s thought leadership piece aligns with our Foundation’s ethos, advocating for responsible and ethical business practices. His insights add depth to the report’s findings on enhancing business resilience and sustainability in challenging environments.

This contribution is part of a wider effort by various experts and leaders to illuminate critical issues facing small and medium-sized enterprises globally. The SME Competitiveness Outlook 2023 provides an in-depth analysis and is a key resource for understanding the complex dynamics of the current business world.

The other contributing experts include 2014 Oslo Business for Peace Award Honouree Ouided Bouchamaoui, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the United Nations Global Compact Sanda Ojiambo and Gilles Carbonnier, Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

To read Mr Saxegaard’s thought leadership piece and to access the full report, please visit the International Trade Centre’s website.

In Memoriam: Merrill J. Fernando, Oslo Business for Peace Honouree

It is with profound sorrow that we remember and celebrate the life of Merrill Joseph Fernando (1930-2023), a visionary entrepreneur, and a stalwart advocate for ethical business practices and peace. Mr. Fernando’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the ethos of the Business for Peace Foundation, and his contributions have left an indelible mark on the global business community.

In 1985, Mr. Merrill J. Fernando embarked on a transformative journey to bring the finest Ceylon tea to the world through his visionary venture, Dilmah. His dedication to excellence, authenticity, and sustainability not only elevated the tea industry but also set a precedent for ethical entrepreneurship. Beyond the realm of commerce, Mr. Fernando believed in business as a conduit for positive change. His commitment to fair trade, direct sourcing, and sustainable practices set the stage for the integration of responsible business practices long before they gained widespread recognition.

Mr. Fernando’s legacy extended to matters close to his heart through the establishment of the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation. Through this foundation, he championed education, healthcare, and social empowerment initiatives in Sri Lanka, underscoring his conviction that business success should be intertwined with societal betterment.

Recipient of the 2015 Oslo Business for Peace Award, Mr. Merrill J. Fernando’s alignment with the Foundation’s principles was truly exemplary. His steadfast dedication to ethical conduct and peace in business resonated deeply with our mission. Business for Peace Chair Per L. Saxegaard remembers Mr. Fernando fondly. “When Merrill received the Award in the Oslo City Hall on his 85th birthday, in 2015, the audience of close to 1000 people all rose instinctively and sang the birthday song to honor him. It was a beautiful moment. I believe that Merrill J. Fernando’s success was not just because he developed the correct recipe in business. In contrast to the usual faceless corporations; behind Dilmah, there was Mr. Fernando. His warmth, personality, and passion will remain signatures of the Dilmah culture forever. It could be seen so well reflected in his sons, Dilhan and Malik, to whom we extend our deepest condolences. What a great and inspiring human being he was!“

We confer our deepest gratitude to Mr. Merrill J. Fernando for his invaluable contributions to the cause of ethical business practices and peace. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. As we bid farewell to a luminary whose life exemplified the union of ethical business and societal impact, we carry forward his legacy. Let us continue to honor Mr. Merrill J. Fernando’s memory by emulating his dedication to ethical entrepreneurship, responsible leadership, and the belief that business can be a catalyst for positive change. Through our actions, we pay homage to a life well-lived and a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

For more, visit the heartfelt memoriam section on the Dilmah website.

Introducing the UN Business Arena

15 June 2023

Business for Peace Foundation is proud to introduce the UN Business Arena, a groundbreaking platform launching in 2024 that harnesses the power of collaboration to drive positive change and create a more inclusive and sustainable future. With a steadfast commitment to advancing #businessworthy leadership, the UN Business Arena empowers business leaders to become catalysts for societal transformation.

At the Business for Peace Foundation, we believe that businesses have a crucial role to play in shaping a better world, and that this can be done better than it is currently done today. That’s why we established the UN Business Arena along with our Oslo Business for Peace Award nomination partners UNDP, ICC, UNGC and PRI. The UN Business Arena is an unprecedented initiative designed to bring together public and private actors from around the globe. By fostering a new form of multilateralism, the UN Business Arena leverages collective efforts to drive the Global Agenda and tackle pressing challenges across sectors and regions in low-, middle- and high-income countries.

On June 5th, we convened a high-level meeting of the UN Business Arena in Norway. Esteemed leaders from diverse backgrounds convened in Oslo to ignite collaborative action and define the thematic focus for the forthcoming flagship event in 2024, where the next Oslo Business for Peace Award Ceremony will be one of the key events. This landmark gathering emphasised the indispensable role of the private sector in effecting positive change and underscored the transformative potential of partnerships between businesses, governments, and civil society.

The UN Business Arena is driven by a collective ambition to accelerate the leadership of businesses that embody the values of responsibility and contribute to positive change on a global scale. By providing a unique platform for knowledge-sharing, dialogue, and collaboration, we enable business leaders to forge innovative solutions that address the world’s most pressing challenges. From sustainable energy solutions to responsible investment practices, food system transformation, and fostering peace through dialogue, the UN Business Arena strives to unleash the full potential of responsible business practices worldwide.

We extend our deepest appreciation to our highly appreciated partners who have played a pivotal role in shaping and supporting the UN Business Arena. Our heartfelt thanks go to the International Chamber of Commerce, Principles for Responsible Investment, United Nations Development Programme, and United Nations Global Compact for their unwavering commitment to collaborative action and their shared vision of a more responsible and sustainable future. A huge thanks also goes out to our esteemed Oslo Business for Peace Award Honourees Connie Hasemann, Dr Agbor Ashumanyi Ako, Dr Harley Seyedin, Felicitas “Joji” Pantoja, Dr Vladas Lašas and Tore Lærdal who came to Norway to support.

We invite you to join us in our mission to create a more inclusive and sustainable world through the UN Business Arena. Feel free to get in touch, and stay tuned for updates on UN Business Arena’s LinkedIn page as we continue to chart our transformative journey, catalysing impactful initiatives and driving collective action towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Together, we can harness the power of business to shape a brighter future for generations to come.

A Holiday Message from Business for Peace

23 December 2022

Dear friend,

If you told me a year ago I would be writing these words in the midst of a full-scale territorial war on European soil, I would not have believed you. Yet, here we are at the end of 2022, a year that one could easily be forgiven for labelling an annus horribilis. This rings particularly true when the glaring violations on Ukraine’s sovereignty is coupled with the subsequent soaring prices on basic necessities, rising interest rates, and a lingering COVID-19 situation. We live in unprecedented times.

In addition to this, the climate change threat is more severe than ever, there are deep-seated trust issues, and broken supply chains between the global north and the global south. And the

lead-up to the Football World Cup in Qatar showed us that tens of millions of migrant workers worldwide are stuck in a precarious position, with grave human rights violations being committed.

Yet, all is far from hopeless. On December 19th, the United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Montreal, Canada adopted the Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect 30% of Earth’s lands, oceans, coastal areas, inland waters; Reduce by $500 billion annual harmful government subsidies; Cut food waste by 2030. The need to “foster the full and effective contributions of […] the private and financial sectors” are deemed critical throughout the framework’s four goals and 23 targets.

I am also relieved to see an ever-increasing focus on the global challenges at hand. New technology and a genuine willingness to build back better offer unimaginable opportunities for better lives and green growth. Now, more than ever before, the private sector has to be a fundamental part of global development, global solutions and global wealth distribution.

Private companies are rising to the challenge in record numbers. And, like the global network of Oslo Business for Peace Award Honourees, a growing amount of businessworthy leaders work tirelessly every day, all over the planet, to conduct business that does good, provide innovative solutions to global challenges, and which also inspires other business leaders to act businessworthy.

As 2022 draws to a close, I and everyone at Business for Peace are filled with renewed optimism and motivation to help re-imagine capitalism and make all businesses a force for good. After years of work, 2023 will see an immense opportunity come to fruition, where we together with our partners will lay the groundwork for a new form for multilateralism and transformative partnership as set out by the UN Secretary-General, to help build future systems of collaboration between business and society.

I hope you and your loved ones will have a peaceful holiday season. For all those that are not so fortunate; I promise that we will work tirelessly for a better tomorrow.

Warm wishes,

Marius Døcker

Managing Director

#Future of Talks: The Future of Consumerism

Friday, 22 October 2021 09:27

As holidays such as Black Friday and Christmas mark the peak of over-consumption throughout the year, it is difficult to remain a conscious consumer. Sustainable Consumption and Production (SDG 12) in the 2030 Agenda is about doing more and better with less. It is also about decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, increasing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable lifestyles thereby giving nature the opportunity to regenerate.

To break the cycle of over-consumption within the linear economy, a circular approach is needed. This would entail fixing products, prolonging their life-span, and avoiding waste at all costs, making it the way forward for a healthy planet with healthy humans.

How can companies tackle the negative impacts of consumerism while running a successful business model? How can supply chains become more sustainable and transparent for consumers to trace the products they are acquiring? And what does the future of consumerism look like?

In this panel we will bring together professionals from different fields to explore these and other key questions to understand in what ways we can all become conscious consumers and what businesses are doing to clear the path.

Speakers

Fredrik Nordbø (moderator), Senior Policy Advisor, WWF

Heidi Furustøl, Executive Director, Ethical Trade Norway

Jo Egil Tobiassen, CEO, Northern Playground

Aasa Andersen, Managing Director, A-Packaging

Schedule

17:30 – 18:00 Doors open, come mingle and get settled

18:00 – 19:15 Talk and discussion

19:15 – late Stick around and continue the conversation

Location: Mesh Youngstorget, the newest HUB from Mesh.

Location

This event will be hosted at Mesh Youngstorget, the newest HUB from Mesh. Stick around after the event to explore the new venue and enjoy the Workbar!

The Workbar is the heart of Mesh HUBs, connecting members with each other, the greater community and the public. A place for you to meet, work, connect, be inspired, eat and drink.

Please note that having a ticket does not guarantee a seat at the main seating area. Doors open at 17:30, please arrive on time to secure your seat!

#Future of Talks: The Future of the Nordic Model

Tuesday, 7 September 2021 09:41

The Nordics are leading innovation and spearheading the work towards the 2030 Agenda. It is argued that the Nordic Model offers an environment where value-driven innovation can flourish, meaning innovation that improves society by creating value for all stakeholders in an ethical and responsible way.

If innovation is the future, what does innovation look like “the Nordic Model way”? There are other models of innovation such as the Silicon Valley one, which worldwide entrepreneurs and policymakers alike have aspired to recreate as the perfect ecosystem for innovation. But Silicon Valley is no longer the only global paradigm for innovation. The Nordic Model offers a unique environment for socially responsible innovation that looks beyond narrow financial return.

In this panel we will bring together professionals from different fields to understand the connection between the Nordic Model and innovation, and what its future looks like.

Speakers:

Einar Kleppe Holthe: CEO and founder, Natural State
Marthe Haugland: Senior Innovation Advisor, Nordic Innovation
Malin Frithiofsson: Programme Manager Startup Norway and President, Women in Tech Gothenburg
Karolina Olofsson (moderator): Executive Director, The Oslo Center

Schedule

16:30-17:00 Doors open, come mingle and get settled

17:00-18:00 Talk and discussion

18:00-late Stick around and continue the conversation

Location

This event will be hosted at Mesh Youngstorget, the newest HUB from Mesh. Stick around after the event to explore the new venue and enjoy the Workbar. The Workbar is the heart of Mesh HUBs, connecting members with each other, the greater community and the public. A place for you to meet, work, connect, be inspired, eat and drink.

Having a ticket does not guarantee a seat at the main seating area. Due to covid regulations we might need to restrict the amount of attendees on the day of the event. Doors open at 16:30, please arrive on time to secure your seat.

This event will kick-start our 2021-2022 edition of the #FutureOf talk series presented by Business for Peace and MESH. The event is part of the Oslo Innovation Week 2021 – you can view the complete OIW programme here.