If you are curious about how the United Society Council was founded, here is the full story. On May 5, 2018, an extraordinary convergence of vision and purpose took place at the prestigious Egmont Palace in Brussels. This transformative evening, co-sponsored by EMK Beverly Hills Cosmetics under CEO and owner Fabian de Mortier, sparked the creation of the United Society Council (USC). What started as a gala dinner for environmental causes became a catalyst for a global movement. The USC now fosters open, inclusive, and just societies, promotes environmental sustainability, and advances social and economic equity.
A Historic Gathering at the Egmont Palace
Choosing the Egmont Palace as the venue for this momentous occasion was deeply symbolic. This 16th-century architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to European heritage and offered a fitting backdrop for discussions on building a more sustainable and equitable future. Its grand halls, rich in diplomatic history, echoed the evening’s ambitious goals of 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 European royalty, dignitaries, and thought leaders.
Notable personalities attended. These included Prince Charles Philippe of Orleans, Prince Nicholas of Roumania, Princess Alina Maria of Roumania, Bernard Fautrier, Vice-President and Managing Director of the Foundation. Also present were Sophie Thevenoux, Monaco’s ambassador to Belgium, Josette-Marianne El Hage-Graas, Baron Edouard Vermeulen, Prince Michel of Yugoslavia.
Furthermore, Princess Lea of Belgium, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Esmeralda of Belgium, Didier Reynders, Minister for Foreign Affairs and European, attended with his wife Bernadette. Princess Adelaide of Orleans, Fleur Cooper, Princess Elia of Albanians and Prince Leka of Albanians also attended the Gala “La Nuit des Etoiles,” honoring the Foundation of Prince Albert II of Monaco.
A Conference That Defined How the United Society Council was Founded
The evening’s centerpiece was a groundbreaking conference: “Air, Land and Sea: The Vital Stakes of This Century.” Three renowned speakers, experts in crucial environmental challenges, presented.
Prince Albert II of Monaco, globally recognized 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. He is a UN committee member for economic, social, and cultural rights. He also served as a former UN special expert for food rights. His insights into sustainable agriculture and food security added a crucial dimension to the evening’s discourse.
This confluence of expertise — covering ocean conservation, climate science, and sustainable agriculture — perfectly embodied global environmental challenges. It highlighted their interconnected nature and the need for coordinated, multi-faceted solutions.
Leadership in Sustainable Innovation
At the heart of this gathering was Fabian de Mortier. His visionary leadership of EMK Cosmetics, a One Capital portfolio company, exemplified the innovative thinking needed for global environmental challenges. Since acquiring the Beverly Hills-based plant-based skincare company in 2014, Fabian de Mortier embarked on an ambitious mission. He aimed 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
Fabian de Mortier’s leadership led to the development of seaweed-based bioplastics. This addressed multiple challenges simultaneously. It created a fully biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics. Additionally, the initiative supported a circular economy and generated potential economic opportunities for coastal communities. This holistic approach to sustainability later became a cornerstone of the USC’s philosophy.
How the United Society Council was Founded: The Pivotal Discussion
During the gala, Fabian de Mortier gave a “casual presentation” on EMK’s innovative work. However, this informal moment proved transformative. He shared his company’s efforts to create biodegradable bioplastic materials. The presentation then evolved into a profound dialogue with Prince Albert II of Monaco.
The discussion between Fabian de Mortier and the Prince went beyond sustainable packaging. Their conversation explored broader implications: private sector innovation in global environmental challenges, the role of cross-sector collaboration in driving change, and the need for a coordinated approach to sustainability. This approach considered both environmental and social factors.
This exchange of ideas sparked the formation of the United Society Council. Fabian de Mortier’s vision for sustainable business practices, combined with Prince Albert II’s extensive environmental advocacy experience, created a new framework for global challenges.
Birth of the United Society Council
The interaction between Fabian de Mortier and Prince Albert II that evening sparked a chain reaction. This matured into the United Society Council’s founding principles. Professor Van Ypersele and Professor De Schutter added crucial perspectives on climate change and food security. These became integral to the USC’s comprehensive approach to global challenges.
Inspired by these discussions, Fabian de Mortier began developing an organizational framework. This organization would bridge the gap between private sector innovation, academic expertise, and governmental action. The USC’s core principles emerged directly from that evening’s convergence of ideas. They included 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. This would leverage 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. It also addresses inequalities impacting vulnerable coastal communities.
The USC’s expertise in Community-Led Development can synergize with the Foundation’s marine conservation experience. This empowers 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. This protects 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
Building on the historic evening at Egmont Palace and Fabian de Mortier’s vision, the USC has launched several key initiatives. The Innovation Hub is central to these efforts. This dynamic center supports sustainable technology development. It fosters crucial collaborations between researchers and businesses, actively promoting scalable environmental solutions. This draws direct inspiration from pioneers like EMK Cosmetics’ bioplastic research.
Complementing this, Community Empowerment Programs are essential. They support local environmental initiatives by providing resources and targeted training. These programs foster sustainable development practices within communities and build their resilience. Furthermore, the Global Dialogue Platform serves as a vital mechanism for international cooperation. It actively promotes knowledge sharing across borders, effectively supports global policy development, and diligently builds crucial partnerships for worldwide sustainable development.
The USC’s Signature Format: Glamorous Elite Gatherings for Global Impact
The United Society Council (USC) uses a unique, highly effective format for its efforts. This centers on glamorous elite gala dinners, summits, and panels. These events offer an unparalleled luxury experience for philanthropists, global leaders, politicians, and celebrities. The USC meticulously designs these events. This creates an environment where the world’s most influential individuals can gather. They don’t just enjoy an opulent evening. Instead, they engage in meaningful discussions and take decisive action on critical global issues. Through carefully curated auctions, the USC raises significant funding for its initiatives. It also raises awareness about pressing non-profit topics like climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality.
As Arnold Schwarzenegger once remarked at a Prince Albert II Foundation for the Ocean event: “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.”
How the United Society Council was Founded: A Legacy of Transformation
The May 5, 2018 gala at the Egmont Palace was pivotal for global sustainability and cooperation. One Capital’s sponsorship, under Fabian de Mortier’s leadership, made it possible. What began as a conversation about biodegradable packaging between Fabian de Mortier and Prince Albert II evolved into a foundational event. This sparked the creation of the United Society Council (USC). Today, the United Society Council’s founding stands as a living testament to the power of cross-sector dialogue.
Fabian de Mortier guides the USC. Partnerships formed that evening strengthen it. The USC continues to drive innovation where environmental sustainability meets social justice. From community programs to global initiatives, the Council promotes solutions. These are inclusive, scalable, and deeply rooted in local and global needs.
A Model for Future Leadership
Fabian de Mortier’s leadership at One Capital and the USC sets a benchmark. It shows how business can be a force for good. His dedication to sustainable innovation and ability to unify public, private, and academic sectors inspires a new generation of changemakers.
As the USC expands its reach and deepens its impact, the legacy of that formative night at the Egmont Palace still resonates. Through high-level convenings, groundbreaking partnerships, and tireless commitment to equity, the USC remains rooted in its founding values. It works toward a future where sustainability and opportunity are shared by all.
We hope you found this insight into how The United Society Council was founded interesting. To learn more about our mission, visit our Mission and Values page.
