The BICG’s first Annual General Meeting and Conference, held at the Radisson Blu Lithuania in Vilnius, March 18, was a ground-breaking celebration of the best in corporate governance.
To do their job appropriately, Institute members were armed with agendas, voting procedures, financial statements, annual report, decision backgrounders, and more. “We work for absolute transparency,” said Kristian Kaas Mortensen, President of the BICG.
But what made the AGM and conference truly extraordinary, was a video address by the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who spoke on the invitation of the BICG. “It was a significant video address,” said Mortensen, “and we couldn’t have been more pleased. The Secretary’s appearance was proof positive of the Institute’s escalating prestige”.
In her remarks, the Secretary spoke to the attendees about the importance of institutional reform, good governance, and transparency. More specifically, she said:
“The transformation of the Baltic region over the past two decades is remarkable. You have shown a commitment to democracy and expanding economic opportunities that is transforming your communities and your countries. I share with all of you the belief that transparent corporate governance is essential to stable finance markets and sustainable economic growth. It prevents corruption and helps attract the business and investment required to make economies grow.
“Your work to reform state-owned enterprises sends a strong message across the region about the importance of transparency and accountability. As you continue to grow stronger economies and increase opportunity, know that the United States stands with you.”
“This was the perfect time to have such a distinguished world leader share her views with us,” Mortensen explained. “Coming on the heels of a spectacular year of accomplishments, her appearance made further inspiring evidence that corporate governance will continue to be essential to the conduct of business and government around the globe.”
