NSI STATECRAFT 2026

International Congress on Democracy and Public Institutions

Statecraft2026

Democracy is only boring
until it fails.

22–23 September 2026

Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)Johannesburg, South Africa

A two-day congress exploring the systems, institutions and leadership required to build resilient democracies and capable states.

Register now

About

STATECRAFT 2026 brings together leading thinkers, practitioners, policymakers, academics and innovators to explore how capable institutions are built, how cities and governments remain resilient, and what it will take to prepare the next generation of public leaders.

Through keynote presentations, panel discussions and practical case studies, delegates will examine the machinery behind effective governance, from public administration and urban systems to digital government, leadership, democratic resilience and institutional reform.

Whether you work in government, academia, civil society, business or are preparing for a career in public service, STATECRAFT is designed to challenge assumptions and inspire action.

Featured Speakers

Learn from distinguished leaders and experts shaping the future of public institutions and democratic governance.

Professor Pan Suk Kim

Prof. Pan Suk Kim

Professor Emeritus, Yonsei University, South Korea

Former Minister of Personnel Management and Presidential Secretary for Personnel Policy.

Ivor Chipkin

Ivor Chipkin

Co-Founder and Director, New South Institute

Facilitator and host of all congress panel discussions.

Magdalena Rojas

Magdalena Rojas

Former Advisor, Civil Service Commission, Chile

Expert on senior appointments and merit systems.

Horacio Rodríguez Larreta

Horacio Rodríguez Larreta

Former Mayor of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Led one of Latin America’s largest city governments, with a focus on public management and urban innovation.

Sergio Fajardo

Sergio Fajardo

Former Mayor of Medellín, Colombia

Architect of Medellín’s celebrated urban and social transformation; former Governor of Antioquia.

Katarína Staroňová

Katarína Staroňová

Associate Professor of Public Policy and Administration, Comenius University

Expert on civil service systems and policy-making in Central and Eastern Europe.

View all speakers

Why Attend?

Hear

Insights from leading South African and international experts

Explore

Practical solutions for stronger institutions

Engage

With leaders from government, academia and civil society

Learn

Through innovative case studies

Build

Valuable professional networks

Help Shape

The future of democratic governance

Who Should Attend

  • Government & Public Officials

  • Municipal Leaders

  • Researchers & Academics

  • Universities & Students

  • Business & Industry

  • NGOs & Civil Society

  • Development Agencies

  • Media & Communicators

Themes

Public
Administration

Building capable, professional and ethically grounded institutions.

Governance &
Accountability

Strengthening transparency, oversight and the rule of law.

Urban
Governance

Creating well-administered cities that work for everyone.

Digital
Government

Harnessing digital innovation for inclusive and responsive states.

Democratic
Resilience

Protecting institutions and deepening public trust in democracy.

Leadership &
Statecraft

Developing ethical, courageous leaders for today and tomorrow.

Programme Overview

Two days of high-level conversations, expert insights and meaningful connections.

  1. Morning
    Keynotes

  2. Panel
    Discussions

  3. Lunch

  4. Breakout
    Sessions

  5. Closing
    Plenary

  6. Networking
    Reception

Download Full Programme (PDF)

Register

Registration is free.

Places are limited and advance registration is essential.

Register Now

Secure your place today.