Aims

The Max Havelaar lecture has seven aims:

Provide a platform for the presentation of state-of-the-art scientific insights in how sustainable business and development cooperation can be combined.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the involvement of corporations in poverty alleviation in a systematic and non-ideological manner.
Address the complexities of sustainable development rather than engage in simplifications on poverty, in order to come up with realistic – and attainable – approaches to address in particular poverty (Millennium Development Goal 1).
Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of specific approaches such as trademarks, codes of conduct, reporting or governance measures.
Provide an arena in which innovative ideas can be launched.

The Max Havelaar Lectures are organised by:

Max Havelaar Lecture
Background

Consider development as part of international value chains in which a fair distribution of income, power and knowledge is an issue that affects both developed and developing economies.
Start a structured dialogue on shaping the preconditions for effective partnerships between public and private parties (including firms and NGOs) for development (Millenium Development Goal 8).