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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 conference exploring the systems, institutions and leadership required to build resilient democracies and capable states.
Register nowAbout the Conference
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.
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
Conference 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.
Featured Speakers
Learn from distinguished leaders and experts shaping the future of public institutions and democratic governance.
Prof. Pan Suk Kim
Professor Emeritus, Yonsei University, South Korea
Former Minister of Personnel Management and Presidential Secretary for Personnel Policy.
Ivor Chipkin
Chief Executive Officer, New South Institute
Facilitator and host of all conference panel discussions.
Magdalena Rojas
Former Advisor, Civil Service Commission, Chile
Expert on senior appointments and merit systems.
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
Former Mayor of Medellín, Colombia
Architect of Medellín’s celebrated urban and social transformation; former Governor of Antioquia.
Katarína Staroňová
Associate Professor of Public Policy and Administration, Comenius University
Expert on civil service systems and policy-making in Central and Eastern Europe.
Programme Overview
Two days of high-level conversations, expert insights and meaningful connections.
Register
Registration is free.
Places are limited and advance registration is essential.
Secure your place today.