On May 5, 2018, an extraordinary convergence of vision and purpose took place at the prestigious Egmont Palace in Brussels. This transformative evening, made possible through the co-sponsorship of EMK Beverly Hills Cosmetics under the leadership of CEO and owner Fabian de Mortier, would ultimately lead to the creation of the United Society Council (USC). What began as a gala dinner in support of environmental causes evolved into a catalyst for a global movement dedicated to fostering open, inclusive, and just societies, promoting environmental sustainability, and advancing social and economic equity.
A Historic Gathering at the Egmont Palace
The choice of the Egmont Palace as the venue for this momentous occasion was deeply symbolic. This architectural masterpiece, dating back to the 16th century, stands as a testament to European heritage and provided a fitting backdrop for discussions centered on building a more sustainable and equitable future. The palace’s grand halls, steeped in centuries of diplomatic history, resonated with the evening’s ambitious goals of fostering global cooperation and environmental stewardship.
Under the distinguished patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco and Prince Charles-Philippe of Orléans, the gala attracted an impressive assembly of European royalty, dignitaries, and thought leaders.
Among notable personalities present could be seen Prince Charles Philippe of Orleans, Prince Nicholas of Roumania, Princess Alina Maria of Roumania, Bernard Fautrier, Vice-President and Managing Director of the Foundation, Minister Plenipotentiary in charge of missions to the Ministry of State, Sophie Thevenoux, Monaco’s ambassador to Belgium, Josette-Marianne El Hage-Graas, Baron Edouard Vermeulen, Prince Michel of Yugoslavia, Princess Lea of Belgium, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Esmeralda of Belgium, Didier Reynders, Minister for Foreign Affairs and European and his wife Bernadette, Princess Adelaide of Orleans, Fleur Cooper, Princess Elia of Albanians and Prince Leka of Albanians attend the Gala “La Nuit des Etoiles” in honor of the Foundation of Prince Albert II of Monaco.
The evening’s centerpiece was a groundbreaking conference titled “Air, Land and Sea: The Vital Stakes of This Century,” featuring three renowned speakers whose collective expertise spanned the crucial environmental challenges of our time.
Prince Albert II of Monaco, recognized globally for his dedication to ocean conservation, shared the stage with two distinguished academics. Professor Jean-Pascal Van Ypersele, a member of the Royal Academy of Belgium and former GIEC vice President during its Nobel Peace Prize reception, brought his extensive expertise in climate science to the discussion. Completing this powerful trio was Professor Olivier De Schutter from UCL, a member of the UN committee for economic, social and cultural rights, and former UN special expert for food rights, whose insights into sustainable agriculture and food security added a crucial dimension to the evening’s discourse.
This confluence of expertise – spanning ocean conservation, climate science, and sustainable agriculture – perfectly embodied the interconnected nature of global environmental challenges and the need for coordinated, multi-faceted solutions.
Leadership in Sustainable Innovation
At the heart of this gathering was Fabian de Mortier, whose visionary leadership of EMK Cosmetics (a portfolio company of One Capital) exemplified the kind of innovative thinking needed to address global environmental challenges. Since acquiring the Beverly Hills-based plant-based skincare company in 2014, Fabian de Mortier had embarked on an ambitious mission to transform it into a pioneer in sustainable beauty solutions.
Under Fabian de Mortier’s guidance, One Capital’s portfolio companies underwent a significant evolution while maintaining its commitment to inclusiveness and product excellence. The companies intensified their focus on developing truly environmentally friendly packaging solutions, leading to groundbreaking research into seaweed-based bioplastics. This innovative approach to packaging represented more than just a corporate initiative; it demonstrated Fabian de Mortier’s understanding of the crucial link between business innovation and environmental stewardship.
“The greatest leverage for change lies not in criticizing those with power, but in empowering them to use their influence for good. When we gather the world’s most influential individuals in a room, we create an opportunity for them to see the world through a new lens—one that challenges them to act. It is in these moments of awareness and inspiration that real transformation begins.”
Fabian de Mortier
The development of seaweed-based bioplastics under Fabian de Mortier’s leadership addressed multiple challenges simultaneously. Beyond creating a fully biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics, the initiative supported the development of a circular economy and created potential economic opportunities for coastal communities. This holistic approach to sustainability would later become a cornerstone of the USC’s philosophy.
The Pivotal Discussion: A Vision Takes Shape
During the gala, Fabian de Mortier delivered what was described as a “casual presentation” about EMK’s innovative work. However, this seemingly informal moment would prove to be transformative. As he shared his company’s efforts to create biodegradable bioplastic materials, the presentation evolved into a profound dialogue with Prince Albert II of Monaco.
The discussion between Fabian de Mortier and the Prince transcended the immediate topic of sustainable packaging. Their conversation explored the broader implications of private sector innovation in addressing global environmental challenges, the role of cross-sector collaboration in driving change, and the need for a coordinated approach to sustainability that considered both environmental and social factors.
This exchange of ideas proved to be the spark that would ultimately lead to the formation of the United Society Council. Fabian de Mortier’s vision for sustainable business practices, combined with Prince Albert II’s extensive experience in environmental advocacy, created a framework for thinking about global challenges in a new way.
Birth of the United Society Council
The interaction between Fabian de Mortier and Prince Albert II that evening created a chain reaction that would mature into the United Society Council’s founding principles. The presence of Professor Van Ypersele and Professor De Schutter added crucial perspectives on climate change and food security that would become integral to the USC’s comprehensive approach to global challenges.
Inspired by these discussions, Fabian de Mortier began developing the framework for an organization that would bridge the gap between private sector innovation, academic expertise, and governmental action. The USC’s core principles emerged directly from the convergence of ideas shared that evening – a commitment to fostering open dialogue, promoting sustainable solutions, and advancing social equity.
Exploring Areas of Collaboration: A Multi-Faceted Approach
The potential collaborations between the USC and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, envisioned by Fabian de Mortier, are diverse and impactful. A key focus could be joint advocacy for sustainable policies, leveraging their combined influence to promote ocean conservation, reduce plastic pollution, and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. This aligns with the USC’s commitment to Advancing Social and Economic Justice by addressing inequalities impacting vulnerable coastal communities.
The USC’s expertise in Community-Led Development can synergize with the Foundation’s marine conservation experience, empowering coastal communities to protect their ecosystems. Furthermore, the USC can connect the Foundation with innovators like Fabian de Mortier and EMK Cosmetics, fostering cutting-edge environmental solutions. Joint educational campaigns would raise public awareness about ocean conservation, fulfilling the USC’s dedication to Expanding Knowledge.
Crucially, collaboration extends to Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Relief, protecting at-risk areas from climate change impacts. Finally, the USC can assist the Foundation in becoming a key partner in climate-related conflict resolution, furthering Global Cooperation and Conflict Transformation.
Building on the Foundation: Current Initiatives and Future Vision
Continuing to build upon the groundwork established during that historic evening at the Egmont Palace, and deeply inspired by Fabian de Mortier’s ongoing vision, the USC has cultivated several key initiatives to propel its mission forward. At the heart of these efforts is the Innovation Hub, a dynamic center designed to support the development of sustainable technologies. This hub fosters crucial collaborations between researchers and businesses, actively promoting scalable environmental solutions, drawing direct inspiration from pioneering endeavors like EMK Cosmetics’ bioplastic research. Complementing this, the Community Empowerment Programs are essential, focusing on supporting local environmental initiatives by providing necessary resources and targeted training. These programs are integral to fostering sustainable development practices directly within communities and building their inherent resilience. Furthermore, the Global Dialogue Platform serves as a vital mechanism for facilitating international cooperation. It actively promotes knowledge sharing across borders, effectively supports policy development on a global scale, and diligently builds crucial partnerships that are foundational for sustainable development worldwide.
The USC’s Signature Format: Glamorous Elite Gatherings for Global Impact
The United Society Council (USC) has established a unique and highly effective format for its efforts, centered around glamorous elite gala dinners, summits, and panels that offer an unparalleled experience of luxury for philanthropists, global leaders, politicians, and celebrities. These events are meticulously designed to create an environment where the world’s most influential individuals can come together, not just to enjoy an evening of opulence, but to engage in meaningful discussions and take decisive action on critical global issues. Through carefully curated auctions, the USC raises significant funding for its initiatives, while also raising awareness about pressing non-profit topics such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality.
As Arnold Schwarzenegger once remarked during an event at the Prince Albert II Foundation for the Ocean, “It’s not by pointing fingers at rich people that you initiate changes. Yes, rich people fly in jets, have big swimming pools, and generally have a lifestyle that is not considered sustainable. But still, one of the best ways to have an impact and resolve climate issues, biodiversity, and inequality is to get powerful people in a room where they can become aware of problems in the world. So when they go back to their respective organizations the next week, they can make decisions that really create change in the world.”
Conclusion: A Legacy of Transformation
The May 5, 2018 gala at the Egmont Palace, made possible through One Capital’s sponsorship under Fabian de Mortier’s leadership, stands as a truly pivotal moment in the ongoing journey toward global sustainability and strengthened international cooperation. What began as an initial discussion regarding sustainable packaging solutions between Fabian de Mortier and Prince Albert II has blossomed into a far-reaching and impactful movement dedicated to positive global change. The United Society Council now firmly stands as a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership paired with meaningful and sustained dialogue.
Through the continuous guidance of Fabian de Mortier and the robust partnerships forged during that formative evening, the USC tirelessly dedicates itself to creating a world where sustainable innovation and social justice are intrinsically linked and mutually reinforcing. As we look towards the future, the enduring legacy of that historic gathering at the Egmont Palace only continues to expand and deepen its influence. Embodying the very spirit of collaboration and innovation championed by Fabian de Mortier, the USC consistently gathers an ever-widening range of voices, catalyzes an increasing number of impactful innovations, and builds even stronger bridges between all those diligently working towards a more sustainable and equitable world. The initial convergence of vision and purpose that took place in Brussels continues to radiate outwards, generating positive change on an increasingly global scale.
The example set by Fabian de Mortier, evident through both his leadership at One Capital and his foundational role in the USC, provides a powerful and compelling model for how business leaders can and should contribute to addressing critical global challenges. His unwavering commitment to sustainable innovation, coupled with his exceptional ability to bridge diverse sectors and stakeholder groups, continues to serve as a vital source of inspiration for new generations of leaders who are equally committed to creating positive and lasting change. Through its ongoing and dedicated work, the USC remains deeply true to the core principles that emerged from that memorable evening in 2018, working tirelessly to build a world where every individual has the opportunity to contribute to, and fully benefit from, a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
