GOOD governance is not just a buzzword; it is essential to every organization that has a vision for a better future and an ambition for change. Good governance creates a collaboration between different institutions in society, ensuring that every person is served in the best possible way. This has been the advocacy of the Insititute of Corporate Directors Philippines or ICD PH. Celebrating its 25 years of initiating action towards corporate governance excellence, the association will hold a global summit that features distinct topics and relevant discussions. "We wanted to do something out of the box. We want the Philippines to be known. We strongly feel the need for the country to be known, for the present administration to be noticed," says ICD Vice Chairman Imelda "Ida" Tiongson. She also states that the summit will hopefully trigger a domino effect of positive market perceptions toward the country, increasing investments and teaching corporations a better way of managing risks. ICD Chairman Pedro Maniego Jr. says the summit is also a way to showcase the Philippines' improving global competitive ranking, and that the Philippines is an emerging economy. Maniego says: "The Philippines has made considerable strides since its inception. However, our country still lags behind its [Southeast Asian] neighbors in the Corporate Governance Scorecard. We cannot and should not remain in a 'business as usual' mode if we are to catch up and eventually surpass our counterparts. We must do much more. Although these are particularly challenging times for the world, the Philippines has performed well and consistently registered significant economic growth rate. However, it is still way behind in [foreign direct investments] versus our [Southeast Asian] neighbors, primarily due to poor perception of its global competitiveness. " "Good governance creates a stable and transparent environment, which is needed to attract investment that drives economic growth. It enhances a country's global reputation, building trust and confidence among international partners and citizens. Let us learn how we can do it together. See you at the Summit," he adds. With the theme "Global Governance Summit: Leading the future, strengthening unity," the summit will delve into the intricacies of incorporating good governance in businesses and public service. The summit will be held at the Manila Ballroom, Marriott Hotel Manila, Pasay City on Sept. 19, 2024. The summit will feature a roster of adept speakers, local and foreign. They are Securities and Exchange commission Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Emilio Aquino on empowering global prosperity: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development sustainability principles; Supreme Court of the Philippines Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on the importance of governance in the government; IESE & Navarra University Professor Gaizka Ormazabal on unveiling strategies to conquer poverty; ICD Chairman Emeritus and Founder Jesus Estanislao on why ICD began 25 years ago and why governance advocacy matters even more today; EY-Parthenon Director and Geopolitical Advisor Kyle Lawless on shifting geopolitics and the role of the board; Singapore Institute of Directors Governing Council and Member Shai Ganu on stewardship as a guiding principle in the board and people agenda; Global Network of Director Institutes Chairman Kirsten Patterson on board chair of the future: Asia Pacific board priorities; ICD Former Chairman Rex Drilon II on shared prosperity and shared responsibility: the power of "we" versus the evils of inequality and exclusion; and Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on beyond budget: importance of transparency and building trust in the government. The summit will cover a wide range of topics such as the future of corporate boards, fostering equality, the changing role of businesses, curbing poverty, the importance of shared prosperity, business survival and the power of doing good. In the evening of the same day, a Golden Arrow awarding ceremony will be held for publicly listed corporations that have scored well in the Corporate Governance Scorecard. The summit is open to anyone who is interested in incorporating good governance in their practices, such as industry leaders, policymakers and students. The importance of the summit stems from ICD's belief that good governance is not only about making corporations possible but also about sustainability and doing things the right way. "Whether you sit in a government agency or the corporate world, it's really doing things the right way. That's why it's exciting to have this global good governance summit," says Maricelle Narciso, ICD Board of Trustees member. The summit, overall, aims to address the three endemic problems of the Philippines — poverty, corruption and lack of civic mindedness. It will feature sessions on why governance matters and how it can improve the Philippine economy by building global trust and enhancing perceptions. Interested participants may register at www.icd.ph. The ICD PH has been at the forefront of promoting good governance practices in the Philippines. Over the past 25 years, ICD has been instrumental in raising the standards of corporate governance, ensuring transparency, accountability and ethical conduct within organizations. Through various programs, training, and advocacy, ICD has played a pivotal role in shaping the governance landscape of the nation. With a membership of over 500 professional directors from publicly listed corporations, insurance companies and government-owned and controlled corporations, ICD has fostered a culture of ethical governance and social responsibility. The summit marks a significant milestone in the history of corporate governance in the Philippines. The event celebrates the achievements and contributions of ICD PH over the past 25 years and sets the stage for the future of corporate governance in the country. As ICD PH embarks on the next 25 years, it remains committed to strengthening corporate governance through innovation, inclusivity and sustainability. The organization aims to lead the adaptation to global governance trends, ensuring that Philippine corporations remain competitive both locally and on the global stage.