Global insights on governance and the human condition at International Conference

Highlights from Governance Institute’s annual event

It was a thought-provoking and insightful two days in Melbourne as the Governance Institute’s 2024 International Governance Leadership Conference featured broad-ranging conversations on the Human Condition, examining the global governance and risk management implications of socio-economic factors, geopolitics, war, environmental issues, technological transformation and AI.

In one of the first sessions, University of Melbourne’s Prof. Daniel Halliday, discussed the “birth lottery” and its implications for governance and society. He stressed the need for policies in education, healthcare and immigration to address inherent inequality, suggesting that leaders who have benefited from the birth lottery have a duty of reciprocity towards others.

“If you’re a leader, you probably have done quite well out of the birth lottery, and you can view yourself as having this duty of reciprocity towards others.”

Deakin University’s John Stanhope and Former APRA Chair, Helen Rowell, highlighted the evolving role of boards in addressing modern challenges such as hybrid working, AI and societal expectations. They expressed the importance of purpose and ethical decision-making in governance.

Stanhope posed the question, “Why I coming to this organisation? What is its purpose, and do I feel like that’s a good purpose?”

In a fireside chat on sustainability, David Simmonds (CLP Holdings), Danielle Welsh-Rose (Abrdn), and Judy Slatyer (World Wildlife Fund Australia) discussed the politicisation of ESG and the importance of long-term sustainability over short-term trends. They stressed the need for boards to stay focused on critical issues despite external pressures.

As Slatyer said, “The power of thinking broadly, thinking differently, casting curious, crazy questions … helps you think about what the future is.”

The conference also explored the purpose of technology and AI in enhancing human development and societal impact. Michael Helmer (NextDC), Tim Hogarth (CTO, ANZ), and Stela Solar (Director, NAIC) discussed the balance between leveraging AI for growth and managing its risks through effective regulation.

“We need AI in order to be human… there’s such a complexity in the systems that are around us that is beyond what we can understand,” Solar said.

Baroness Susan Greenfield delivered a compelling keynote on how modern technology and digitalisation are reshaping the human brain functions and the way we process information. She warned about the potential negative impacts of excessive device usage on attention span, empathy and interpersonal skills.

“I call this mind change… It’s comparable, arguably, to climate change,” she said.

“It’s unprecedented, it’s global, it’s multifaceted.”

Asia Group’s Asia Pacific Chair, Arthur Sinodinos and Deepa Wadhwa, Former Indian Ambassador to Sweden, Qatar and Japan, discussed the increasing global insecurity and the ideological and economic polarisation of regions.

They explored the importance of diplomacy and the role of the global south in addressing these challenges.

Sinodinos remarked, “It is genuinely quite an uncertain and dangerous time.”

As a notable audience favourite, documentary maker Louis Theroux shared his thoughts about the controversial and complex aspects of the human condition.

He entertained audiences with stories on the importance of understanding and engaging with extreme viewpoints to gain a deeper understanding of society.

“By going to the margins, you don’t just get a measure of humans and the human condition, you get a barometer of the health of wider society.”

Can’t wait for Governance Institute’s 2025 International Conference? You can register your interest now: https://www.governanceinstitute.com.au/international-governance-leadership-conference-2024/