Prof. Pan Suk Kim
Professor Emeritus, Yonsei University, South Korea
Former Minister of Personnel Management and Presidential Secretary for Personnel Policy.
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 nowAbout
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.
Prof. Eko Prasojo
Public-administration scholar; former Vice Minister, Indonesia
Expert in bureaucratic reform, decentralisation and public governance.
Dr Claudelle von Eck
Governance strategist; former Non-Executive Director, Eskom
Specialist in ethical culture, organisational renewal and systems change.
Kadari Lincoln Singo
CEO, UONGOZI Institute, Tanzania
Leadership-development specialist serving senior public- and private-sector managers.
Ferial Haffajee
Associate Editor & Head of the Johannesburg Bureau, Daily Maverick
Award-winning journalist covering politics, governance and democratic accountability.
Prof. Taibat Lawanson
Leverhulme Professor of Planning and Heritage, University of Liverpool
Urban-planning scholar focused on African cities, spatial justice and heritage.
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.
Morning
KeynotesPanel
DiscussionsLunch
Breakout
SessionsClosing
PlenaryNetworking
Reception
Register
Registration is free.
Places are limited and advance registration is essential.
Secure your place today.
Have Questions?
Email Revati Baboolal at revatib@nsi.org.za
Visit nsi.org.za for more information