The changing role of shareholders in shaping corporate behaviour and addressing societal challenges is at the heart of the Elverding Symposium 2026 at Maastricht University. Academics and practitioners will discuss the power, responsibilities and limitations of shareholders, the future of investor democracy and the viability of the stakeholder model. Confirmed speakers include Anne Lafarre, Mieke Olaerts, Jon Lukomnik and Rob Bauer. The symposium places these issues within the broader debate on responsible business and the evolving regulatory and societal landscape in which companies operate.