next generation eu is a game - changer. it will provide much - needed support and promote new sources of growth especially for those suffering most from the pandemic. in doing so, it will not only benefit each member state but also the european union as a whole. digitalization and climate change this leads me to two developments that are at the top of the eu ’ s agenda, including yours. developments that will be of major relevance to europe and the ecb for the coming years : digitalization and climate change. the pandemic is accelerating the digital transformation in a way that is likely to reshape our economies and societies. technological innovation in finance is a good thing. it will enable cheaper, faster and more secure services, increase competition and financial inclusion, and thereby enhance peoples ’ welfare. but it raises fundamental questions, including about digital sovereignty, the role of big techs, and about the future development of a digital euro. central banks should stay on top of developments, think long - term, and broaden the dialogue, for example with privacy regulators, infrastructure players and the wider public. the covid - 19 crisis also provides an impetus to the transition toward a carbon - neutral economy. the ecb has a responsibility to contribute – within its mandate – to addressing the longer - term challenges our economies are facing, in particular climate change. 2 / 3 bis central bankers'speeches this requires action today. in this regard, i commend this parliament on its work on the eu taxonomy. the taxonomy is an important step in the process of greening the financial sector. it provides a reliable basis for follow - up policy actions, including greater clarity on what are the most harmful activities. when it comes to monetary policy, the ecb should explore how it could design – within its mandate – its instruments to adequately manage climate related risks and to contribute to unlocking investments that support the green transition. in its supervisory role the ecb must make sure that banks adequately manage climate - related risks. diversity and now i would like to say something on diversity, and gender diversity in particular. i know many of you would have preferred to have a hearing with both a female and a male candidate. i know of your concerns regarding gender diversity. i share them. the european union is founded on equal rights and on the very value of diversity, as expressed in its motto : in varietate concordia. diversity is our treasure, and it is time we unleash its full potential

. within the dutch central bank i have actively promoted diversity, including gender diversity. and we have shown that positive change is perfectly possible. the aim is and has to be gender equality. as member of the executive board i would strongly advocate that the ecb, and all national central banks and all national competent authorities, commit to that very aim, and achieve it. beyond bringing our own house in order, we can and should require more from financial institutions to make their boards and staff composition more diverse. not just as a box ticking exercise, but to achieve real change. the capital requirements directive you have colegislated gives us supervisors a sound legal basis to do just that. if confirmed as member of the executive board, i will do my utmost to make this a greater priority. the challenges are many. but we can meet them, working together in mutual trust and in good cooperation. if confirmed, it is in this spirit that i would seek to contribute to the ecb ’ s important work and work with you, the european parliament, for the benefit of the euro area and the prosperity of its citizens. i thank you for your attention and look forward to this hearing. 3 / 3 bis central bankers'speeches