(Summary of article at Finans.dk. Link to full article below)
Why the silence when the world is shouting? As the war in Gaza dominates the headlines, much of Danish business has kept its head down. Sweco Denmark’s CEO, Dariush Rezai, breaks ranks with a reminder that transcends politics: this is about trust in institutions, the rule of law, and corporate responsibility.
Rezai notes that international bodies—from the ICC to the UN and WHO—have issued grave assessments. When they speak, business should pay attention. Stability and the rule of law aren’t lofty ideals; they are market fundamentals. If trust fractures, both democracy and the economy lose their footing.
Leaders must act responsibly
Yes, speaking up in a polarised climate is risky. Yet examples abroad show what responsible leadership can look like: the UK’s Business Leaders for Peace, with 900+ signatories, and decisions such as Norway’s sovereign wealth fund divestment linked to the West Bank. At home, sponsorship debates reveal how values are tested in practice. As Rezai puts it: “Values are values only if you’re prepared to let it cost you something.”
The point isn’t that companies must share a single view. It’s that leaders should address human rights and international law—and communicate how they act on them. That’s what Tania Ellis calls “ethical leadership”: aligning principles and practice so actions match the values you market.
Three pragmatic moves for leaders
- Anchor in standards: Use the UN Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights and OECD guidance as your north star.
- Assess risks: Map impacts, scenarios and consequences across employees, partners and stakeholders.
- Be clear—and consistent: Make criteria, processes and boundaries transparent. Hold partners to the same bar you set internally.
Ethical leadership is not activism for its own sake. It’s strategic responsibility that strengthens legitimacy, talent trust—and ultimately business resilience.
