On May 19th, 2025, Nada Kakabadse, Professor of Governance and Ethics at Henley Business School, addressed the pivotal role of civil society in shaping ethical governance at the Future of Governance International Conference, hosted by Envisia – Boards of Elite in Bucharest, Romania.

Speaking during the conference's economy-focused session, titled ‘What role does civil society play in shaping ethical governance today?’, Professor Kakabadse emphasised the increasing influence of civil society organisations in promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical standards within both public and private sectors.

Building on her global expertise as an elected Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and advisory roles to major organisations across the UK, Brussels, and beyond, Professor Kakabadse offered a compelling vision for the future of governance.

"Civil society acts as a critical conscience for governance structures, ensuring that ethical considerations remain at the forefront of decision-making processes," Professor Kakabadse noted.

Drawing from her international experience, she further emphasised the need for governance frameworks to evolve in ways that more effectively engage, represent, and empower civil society—particularly amid rising public scepticism and institutional complexity.

In her remarks, Professor Kakabadse explored how ethics and transparency are intrinsically linked to public accountability, stressing that trust in institutions hinges on the alignment of policy, practice, and societal values.

She concluded by examining the expanding influence of civic engagement in shaping legitimate governance, advocating for models that embrace participatory democracy as a foundation for ethical leadership.

Professor Kakabadse’s insights resonated with a diverse audience of board directors, academics, and policymakers committed to redefining responsible governance in today’s dynamic global landscape.

The conference, now in its fourth edition, serves as a premier platform in Romania for discourse on governance challenges and innovations. It brings together leaders from government, business, and academia to explore the evolving dynamics of governance in a global context.

Envisia – Boards of Elite, is recognised as Romania's first business school dedicated to board directors, organised the event to foster dialogue on the intersection of governance, ethics, and societal impact.

Professor Kakabadse's participation, and role as a underscores her commitment to advancing ethical governance practices and highlights the essential role of civil society in shaping a more accountable and transparent future.