The future of governance – themes in the foreground: Romania and the OECD accession process

In a world where governance guides economic and social development, but also the stability of societies, the importance of solid governance structures is fundamental. The international conference organized by Envisia – Board of Elites, with the theme “The Future of Governance” under the umbrella of “Governance Challenges in a Global Ecosystem”, promises to be a dynamic exploration of current governance trends at global, regional and local levels.

The event, now in its third edition, will bring together some of the best-known opinion leaders and governance experts, board professionals and top executives internationally. The conference aims to analyze the nuances and particularities of governance in the current context. It will also address the challenges as well as the various opportunities that characterize contemporary governance, relevant to both the private and public sectors.

A point of interest of the conference will be the discussion about the evolution of the concept and principles of good governance in Romania, with a look at the progress achieved and the directions aimed at in the process of joining the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Recently, the OECD started a detailed analysis of the governance of state-owned enterprises in Romania, a crucial step for alignment with international standards of excellence. Starting with the adoption of fundamental reforms in 2011, Romania has shown a constant commitment to reforming its governance frameworks. The report acknowledges the reforms previously implemented and points out that, although significant progress has been made, certain difficulties remain, such as weak implementation and the need for greater autonomy of boards of directors. The OECD recommendations, which include increasing transparency and strengthening internal control, provide a strategic map that Romania is ready to follow.

Romania’s integration into the OECD is not a diplomatic formality, but a transformative journey that promises to significantly refine governance structures. For any country, in particular Romania, improving governance standards can lead to increased efficiency and, ultimately, to the provision of better services for society. This transition is essential to cultivate a global competitive advantage and improve the investment climate, elements necessary for economic growth and stability. Conference attendees will gain valuable insight into these processes and the broader implications of evolving governance.

The conference, as a whole, offers a unique opportunity to deepen the understanding of the area of ​​governance, whether it is the public or private space, artificial intelligence, PNRR, what the review of corporate strategies in the context of sustainability entails, to learn from the expertise accumulated by the experience speakers and to interact with a professional community that shares a commitment to excellence in governance practices.

As Romania moves forward in the OECD accession process, this conference is indeed becoming a necessary platform for the understanding and contribution that all stakeholders can have to the dialogue on governance, which will provide a clearer picture of the future and of Romania’s positioning in a global ecosystem.

The conference is distinguished by an impressive selection of speakers, each a leader in his field, covering various areas of the economic-socio-political space in order to create an overview with valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of governance in the current global context:

oThe General Secretariat of the Government (SGG), Mircea Abrudean, Secretary General of the Government, with the rank of minister

oNATO, Mircea Geoană, Deputy General Secretary

o Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Sara Sultan, Acting Head of Unit

oIFC – International Finance Corporation, Cristian Nacu, Senior Country Officer for Romania

oEBRD, Justin Robertson, Head of Board Development & Expert Network

oMinistry of Foreign Affairs, Luca Niculescu, Secretary of State/National Coordinator for Romania’s accession to the OECD

oThe General Secretariat of the Government (SGG), Adrian Țuțuianu, Deputy General Secretary of the Government with the rank of Secretary of State

oAgency for the Monitoring and Evaluation of the Performance of Public Enterprises (AMEPIP), Mihai Precup, President

o Chancellery of the Prime Minister, Florin Spătaru, Councilor of State

oKPMG Romania, Adela Ciucioi, Deputy Head of Audit, Member of the Board of Directors

oPwC Romania, Dinu Bumbăcea, Country Managing Partner, Advisory Leader

oEY, Aurelia Costache, Partner, AI & Data Leader

oDeloitte Legal, Andrei Burz-Pînzaru, Partner

oPetrom, Christina Verchere, CEO

oForeign Policy Research Institute & Geopolitical Futures, Antonia Colibășanu, Senior Fellow and Principal Analyst

oHenley Business School and Envisia Business School, Andrew Kakabadse, Professor of Governance and Strategic Leadership | chairman
offutureStation, Diana Stafie, Founder and Foresight Strategist

oMarkets & Money Advisory, Professor Lars Christensen, CEO/Founder

Moderators:

oAdriana Lobdă, MABPD, Founding Member, Member of the Board of Directors ENVISIA-Boards of Elite

oGabriela Hârțescu, PhD, Dean & COO, Member of the Envisia Board of Directors – Boards of Elite, President of the IASE Academic Committee, Visiting Fellow – Henley Business School

oOana Osman, Editor in Chief Profit.ro

oRadu Magdin, PhD, CEO of Smartlink Communication

The perspectives presented by the speakers will ensure a comprehensive understanding of the governance space in Romania, especially in relation to its integration into the OECD, setting the stage for a discussion of relevance to all concerned.

More details about the event agenda and speakers can be found by following the link: https://www.envisia.eu/en/posts/future-of-governance-international-conference-2024