June - September 2010

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Page 2 Corporate NewsNew Leadership, New Members

Page 3 Upcoming Events Cyber Defence in the Context of the New NATO Strategic Concept

Page 4 Past Events Social Inclusion – Matching Needs and Goals. The Case of Employment Policy

Page 5 Past EventsWorking Lunch with Finance Minister Sebastian Vlădescu

Page 6 Young LeadersCourage and Capacity to Change

Page 7 Aspen in the WorldHot Summer in Aspen: Ideas, Environment and Security

Page 8 NewsAspen in the Press, Our Secret Recipes, Our Partners

Inside

Aspen Romania is about to conclude a very busy few months, which have set high standards and framed our strategic orientation until and beyond the end of this year. We are now ready for better and more!

We have looked at gov-ernment budget planning together with Finance Minister Sebastian Vlă-descu and debated the relation between ethics and business after the crisis. We have analysed employment policies and

launched an important initiative in human rights education.We are bringing business, government and interna-tional partners together to make a valuable con-tribution on NaTo Cyber defense. For the autumn we are planning to bring to the attention of deci-sion makers in Brussels and european capitals the perspective on eco-nomic governance of new eU member states. We will also be looking at how falling media rev-enues impact ethics in the

industry and search for viable business solutions to secure its relevance and independence. our Young leaders Programme con-tinues with a new capa-ble and determined gen-eration from countries in the region, as the Fellows Network is at its turn developing ever more ambitious projects.We are also exploring new opportunities of coop-eration with our partner aspen Institutes. We are honoured to respond to a call from Aspen Italia to facilitate an executive

briefing in Rome, June 15, for enel Italy. We are also happy to welcome the presence of Aspen Institute vP of Policy and Public Programmes Mr. Elliot Gerson at the next board meeting on June 3 to discuss joint action. another special guest will be Mr. Juan Pablo García-Berdoy, fmr ambassador of Spain to Romania, cur-rently working on setting up Aspen Spain, an idea born on the occasion of the International Board Meeting in Bucharest last year.

FRoM The BegINNINg of its activity, aspen Institute Romania was founded with the clear objective of linking cre-ative energies and vision in the Romanian society to the idea of the good society.

leading corporations and businesses as well as leaders from the private and public sectors joined in this project. What unites us is the profound desire to change this country and maximize the benefits this society gets from a credible path towards economic and social development. Not only is our work focused on supporting enligh-tened leadership but also we try to keep a moral compass at the heart of our activity. What each and every one of us stands for is a constant personal discovery. The moral compass is some-thing that needs constant reflection. Maybe this is the most important role we play as values based institution: providing a venue for such a pers-pective.

Using our resources as well as the powerful influence of the aspen Institutes Network we aimed to make aspen Institute Romania the foremost space for mean-

ingful, enlightened dia-logue and non-partisan debate in this country. We set an agenda develop-ing crucial policy content and leadership capacity.

Before the summer break we will have a major con-ference bringing a direct input into the emerging new NaTo strategic con-cept. Focusing on Cyber defense we are bridg-ing the world of busi-ness and government. By strengthening the coop-erative approach in this field we can have a prac-tical role in the security debate. By tackling with the right sense of urgen-cy a complex issue at the heart of contemporary efforts designed to main-tain and renew the role the a t l a n t i c al l iance we are in fact link-ing to s i m i l a r work in

the aspen International Network.

The current global, regional and national context is serious. This is why for the second part of the year we have programmed a european economic governance forum. For there days with our guests we will look at the nature of the crisis and its chal-lenges. The objective will be to confirm whether an east to west perspec-tive may be relevant to decision makers in members states and in Brussels alike. We will consider how can Polish, Romanian or hungarian experiences of the post lisbon europe be of com-mon use.

our Young leaders Program should be to all of us a source of pride. This growing group of talented and driven young

men and women is increasingly diverse and more regional.

Their role and capacity

in shaping the society is gaining weight with their numbers. I have joined the latest group in Susai and besides having a live-ly debate it gave me an opportunity to remem-ber the importance of the aspen Seminar.

let me also remind you that the entire aspen Network is in fast gear. From the important intel-lectual efforts of aspen Institute Italia and its con-tributors to help keep the eU on top of the crisis, to the newly announced Partners for a New Begin-ning Initiative that links aspen Institute and the State department to the Muslim world and the peace process in the Mid-dle east our fellow aspen members are bringing a sizable contribution.

This is aspen Institute Romania and this is the network we belong to. It means constant work and engagement. We accomplished together a lot and yet we have lots more to do. It is well worth it! Both for the intellectual company and the sense of moral direc-tion our common work provides constantly.

all the best,

Agenda Highlights

Mircea Geoană, President Aspen Institute Romania

Dear Aspen members, partners and friends,

Aspen Institute Romania Newsletter

CorporateNews 2 June - September 2010

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rMost of the newly elected board of the Foreign Investors’Council are Aspen members.

oN The oCCaSIoN of the FIC annual general assembly, which was held on Tuesday 18th May 2010, the new Board of directors was elected and we are very proud that two thirds of them come from the ranks of aspen mem-bers. We would like to

congratulate Mr. dominic Bruynseels, Ceo BCR, Ms. Mariana gheorghe, Ceo oMv Petrom, Mr. Steven van groningen, President & Ceo Raiffeisen Bank, Mr. Frank hajdinjak, Ceo e.oN Romania, Ms. Claudia Pendred, direc-tor eBRd Romania, Mr. Wilhelm Simons, Part-ner assurance leader Romania and See Price waterhouse Coopers, Mr. Serban Toader, Senior Partner kPMg, Mr. Jean valvis, President &

general Manager valvis holding and Mr. Claudio Zito, President & Country Manager enel. We are

certain that our conju-gated efforts will help advance our common goals in the future.

The Foreign Investors Council brings together around 110 multina-tional companies, cov-ering a wide variety of goods and services such as cooperation with the authorities in overcom-ing difficulties and obsta-cles which may exist in relations with foreign investors and in econom-ic relations with other countries or promoting the interests of the inter-national business com-munity in Romania.

PRoMINeNT NeW pub-lic figures have made us the honour of join-ing the steering body of the aspen Institute Romania. The ga elect-ed a new vice President of the executive Board Ms. Mariana Gheorghe, Ceo of oMv Petrom S.a., replacing esteemed Board Member Patrick gelin who retired from his position in Romania. as Ceo of Romania’s largest private compa-ny, Ms. gheorghe brings to the Institute proven business acumen but also a sense of long term vision.The ga also voted Mr. Steven van groningen, President of Raiffeisen Bank as a new aspen Romania executive Board Member. Mr. groningen is certainly one of the senior for-eign business presenc-es in Romania that for the past decade has put

an important mark not only on the evolution of the Romanian business environment, but also its civic ethos.The new aspen executive board has Mircea geoană, President of the Roma-nian Senate, return at the head of the board for a new two years man-date, as well as vP Florin Pogonaru, (Romanian Businessmen’s asso-ciation) and vP Roberto Musneci, (Șerban & Musneci).Returning members are Nic voiculescu, (link Re source), Răsvan Radu, (UniCredit Țiriac Bank), Teddy dumi-trescu, (Publicis group), alexandra gătej, Roma-nian Presidency adviser (on leave of absence), as well as vasile Iuga, Country Managing Part-ner, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, also confirmed as treasurer of the aspen Institute Romania.

Mr. Dragoș Bucurenci, 28, is leader of Maimult verde environmental Ngo and an award-winning freelance journalist. Mr. Bogdan Chiriţoiu (Competition Council President), 39, is an internatio-nal eco nomy specialist who worked succes-sively for UNdP, the european Commission delegation to Romania, the Minister of Justice

and the Presidential administration. Ms. Sorana Baciu (oMv Petrom S.a., Corporate development direc-tor), 39, worked for Porsche group and founded Porsche Bank before joining Petrom in 2007, as well as for INg. Mr. Shimon Laber , President of eurotire Manufacturing, 30, owns a tyre facility

in Ukraine and a rub-ber trees plantation in vietnam. he ma naged to make a profitable business out of the bankrupt SC Rotras Sa Turnu Severin, producer of giant tyres. “Rescue opera-tions” have been led by general director Ms Gabriela Dobrotă, who previously returned other com-panies to profitability.

The growing but extremely select group of aspen Institute Romania corporate supporters has been joined by Intensa Sanpaolo Bank, a leading Italian-based commercial bank with a strong inter-national presence primarily in Central-eastern europe

and Mediterranean basin, Philip Morris Trading, a business employing cca. 900 people around the country, but also a significant contribu-tor to charitable and cultural programmes in Romania, Ducati Energia Romania, established in 2002 for the manufacture

of capacitors and elec-trical equipment and financial/business/management consul-tancy Corilius Adviser SRL. We look forward to working with their leadership teams to make their member-ship bring value added to Romania’s business and social develop-ment.

Aspen Success in FIC Board of Directors

Aspen Board New Members of the Aspen Family of Values

Corporate additions

The last General Assembly has approved the composition of the Executive Board until 2012.

From leading environmentalists to multinational financial and business institutions, a number of new members both corporate and personal joined the Institute.

Ms. Mariana Gheorghe Mr. Steven van Groningen

Mr. Dragos Bucurenci Mr. Bogdan Chirițoiu Ms. Sorana Baciu Ms. Gabriela Dobrotă

România

Source: www.fic.ro.

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rCyber Defence in the Context of the New NATO Strategic Concept

Aspen debate makes valuable contribution to defining Romania’s position within the new Alliance framework.

Autumn PreviewCrisis in the MediaThe Aspen Institute Romania announces the Regional Policy Seminar and Public Conference: “Media Sector: Can Ethics Survive the Market?”.

The MedIa SeCToR in Romania, the region and worldwide is going through difficult times, questioning and review-ing its business models, ethical and practical rel-evance. digital content, social networks, google, blogs, the increasing im pact of video, the rise in consumer-gene-rated content mark a shift away from estab-lished forms of commu-nication, pose significant challen ges but also offer unprecedented oppor-tunity, generate moral concerns and require creative responses. The most exposed to nega-tive consequences are societies where freedom

of expression has a rath-er recent tradition.Regional perspec-tives on shared challengesFollowing the ‘good help gone Wrong’ region-al seminar, this second seminar in the fall aims at bringing together par-ticipants from Romania and the Central/eastern european region to dis-cuss the new shared challenges in the media. editors, media manag-ers and owners, media experts, journalists and marketers, public regula-tors and politicians will

be focusing on a perspec-tive on the public inter-est and the state of ethics in journalism.a public conference to follow in the autumn, focused on business mod-els to overcome the cur-rent difficulties, aims at completing the debate and gaining a better understanding of the state of the profession, while generating constructive ideas to make the best of this turning point in the evolution of the industry.

More details and condi-tions for registration you can find heRe.

16 September“EU-NATO Shared Responsibilities in Contiguous and Frontier Areas” Roundtable addressing some of the most press-ing concerns of NaTo members and Romania as a border state – the challenges of border management in a region-al and international context of globalization, increasing migration, terrorism threats, trans-national organized crime and trafficking networks (all aggravated by a context of economic crisis).

4-5 OctoberA Transatlantic Perspective on the Eastern Partnershipexpert group discussion in partnership with the RaNd Institute and the Romanian MFa.

7-9 October (tbc)“An East to West Perspective on European Economic Governance”International Forum on the views and place of the new eU member states in a post crisis european social and economic model.

10 November (tbc)“Romanian Industri-a lists Round Table”Involving Romanian indus-try in a reflexive, but also policy-recommendations generating debate on the state and perspectives of a largely neglected sector of the national economy.

26-28 November (tbc)“Media in Crisis” The second part of a debate to be launched by the Regional Seminar, looking at sustainable business models the press through difficult times.

aSPeN INSTITUTe Roma nia, in partnership with the NaTo Public diplomacy division, is pleased to announce the organisation of a major international conference as part of its Foreign Policy and Strategy series: “Cyber defence in the Context of the New NaTo Strategic Concept” organised on June 2, 2010 in Bucharest. The event comes only days after a high level experts group led by aspen Institute trustee hon. Madeleine albright pub-lished a report on the New Strategic Concept.

Yearlong project with NATO supportas NaTo is undergoing a comprehensive process of self-redefinition and adjustment to new reali-ties, Romania is identify-ing areas where it can be a key contributor to the alliance. In this respect aspen Institute Romania is proposing a series of activities in the field of foreign policy, designed around two core areas - national interest and inte-grated security, to which end it has concluded a year-long partnership with the NaTo Public diplomacy division.

Mobilising all stakeholdersThe permanently increa-sing dependence of modern society on IT system makes it possi-ble for an attack on one network to have a dan-gerous multiplier effect, at a relatively low cost for the perpetrator and to threaten directly the everyday life of regu-lar citizens. Romanian authorities, think-tanks and academia as well as competent private cor-porations have already made an important con-tribution to the overall debate on NaTo cyber

defence policy. This is however an ongoing pro-cess, where dialogue is the key prerequisite for making headway. In line with the aspen Institute mission, we are proud to note that this strategic debate has been met with huge interest and for the first time has managed to assemble all relevant actors around the same table, cca 200 partici-pants from state authori-ties, to the business envi-ronment and interna-tional partners from all cooperation structures.The discussions will be centered on inter-

ventions by key fig-ures from the respec-tive sectors - george Maior, director of The Romanian Intelligence Service; erik Breidlid, NaTo International Staff, defence Capabilities Section, defence Policy and Planning division; Iulian Fota, National Security advisor, Roma- nian Presidency; Paolo Campobasso, Chief Security officer, Unicredit group, Rome, Italy; Col (Res) Shlomo Mofaz, counterterrorism expert, fmr Israel defense Forces Military Intelligence offi-cer and many others.

UpcomingEventsJune - September 2010 Aspen Institute Romania Newsletter3

Aspen Institute Romania Newsletter

PastEvents4 June - September 2010

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rResearch presentation methodsneed improvement to make it more accessible to policy makers.

Debates and colloquia should be followed-up by concrete and readily available documents.

The main worries of the private sector regard the lack of predict-ability in economic policy – this should be tackled by policymakers with urgency.

Competition in labour forcetraining needs to be rein-forced – an issue to be ad dressed by the trade unions and the private sector.

Correlating the education systemand training with the labor market is an impe-rative.

ReportHighlights

Spanish Presidency recommendations

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Social Inclusion - Matching Needs and Goals: The Case

of Employment Policy

USINg existing mod-els of data management and analysis and build-ing on the expertise of other eU member states, the event gathered think tanks, social affairs and statistics experts form government and non-governmental institu-tions and the academia,

national and local politi-cians and representatives of the social partners, together with foreign experts and practition-ers. We were particularly privileged to enjoy the participation and sup-port of the Spanish eU Presidency, represent-ed by h.e. ambassador

estanislao de grandes Pascual.By looking at different case studies of implementation of rel-evant social programs both in Romania and the eU, our Institute hopes to achieve a set of con-crete steps and projects to improve policy formu-lation. The conclusions of the debate are set out in a report which we hope to facilitate communica-tion among interested entities in the public and private sectors as to their

mutual expectations of each other. The debate also explored the budget-ary restrictions on social programs in a context of high levels of unemploy-ment in both the private and public sector and the options for improve-ment. We also focused on exploring available financing sources for bet-ter matching needs and potential partnerships between Romanian and foreign research and aca-demic institutions.

The roundtable discussion, on May 7, focused on how better policy-formulation in the social field can mitigate the effects of the economic crisis.

An ethical look at the financial role of gov-ernments at times of crisis: a trio of case studies - Romania, Greece and Hungary.

The aSPeN INSTITUTe Romania brought togeth-er between 26 and 28 March decision-makers, actors and stakehold-ers in a 3-day “Socratic seminar” to debate these

issues in the larger con-text of perennial classi-cal values and a long-term vision for sustain-able economic develop-ment. having the time old question of “which capitalism” at its heart, the debate focused on texts that included clas-sical authors and new commentators in an attempt to restart the embers of a truly fun-

damental debate. Mode-rated by Mr Florin Ilie, INg Bank director for equity Markets and Mr dan lazea, Fellow, New europe College, the debate enjoyed meaning-ful contributions from, among others, Mr Sergiu oprescu, Ceo alpha Bank Romania, Mr Catalin Pauna, Senior economist World Bank Romania, Mr Florin gaitanaru,

CFo alexandrion group Romania. among issues brought to the forefront of debate, there were such as weak state ver-sus strong state - where is the line between effi-cient regulation/insti-tutions and constrain-ing regulation/institu-tions?; state and busi-ness action - are long-term goals sacrificed for the sake of immediate

recovery? what are the side-effects of busi-ness ethics being mar-ginalised in the wake of the growing struggle for mere survival?; the limits of state respon-sibility towards private business interests in risk - at what scale does intervention become justified? is there a re-nationalisation of eco-nomic policies?

“Good Help Gone Wrong?” Regional Policy Seminar

(left to right) HE Estanislao de Grandes Pascual, Spanish Ambassador, Mr. Gelu Duminica, “Impreuna” Association, Mr. Doru Chiribuca, Dean Sociology Dept, Babes-Bolyai University, Mr. Ashgar Zaidi, European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research, Vienna

l reinforce the systems of social protection and promote active policies in the labor market

l focus national policies on employment creation and jobs quality

l prepare the economi-cally active population for future challenges and opportunities

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Few days after the state budget for 2010 was adopted, Aspen Institute Romania hosted a working lunch on January 28 focusing on policy coordination between the public and the private sector at the beginning of a chal-lenging year.

The eCoNoMIC Strategy Committee of the aspen Institute Romania invited high level representatives of both sectors in a dia-logue searching for ways to tackle the crisis faster and with lesser econom-ic and social costs. Some key speakers at this dis-cussion were the Finance Minister, Mr. Sebastian vladescu, Mr. Bogdan Chiritoiu, President of the Competition Council,

Mr. valentin lazea, Chief economist of the Romanian National Bank and Ms. Claudia Pendred, director of the eBRd, rep-resentatives of Romanian and multinational corpo-rations. The meeting was opened by aspen Institute Romania President, Mr. Mircea geoana and excel-lently moderated by Board Member vasile

Iuga. It aimed at contri-buting to the creation of an increased convergence between sectoral efforts and policies of the gov-ernment and business, from the beginning of the financial planning and budget cycle, in order to maximise economic per-formance and decrease pressure on the labour market and investors.

Speak Truth to Power Human Rights Educational Pilot Programme

ThaNkS To keRRY keNNedY, the daughter of fmr US senator and attorney general Robert F. kennedy, Romanian highschool students will be able to learn philoso-phy and social sciences directly from the dalai lama, desmond Tutu or vaclav havel. The wis-dom will be passed on in their own words, in a book which collects kerry kennedy’s inter-views with all of the above and many other rights activists around the world.aspen Institute Romania, to gether with the Minis try of education, Re search and Innovation and the Robert F. kennedy Foundation europe have signed a joint agreement which aims to imple-ment the “Speak Truth to Power” educational pilot project in the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 academic years. The Speak Truth to Power educational material on human rights, produced by the RFk Foundation europe, has been trans-

lated into Romanian and has been distributed to 15 highschools starting from the 8th of February 2010. The Romanian book also contains dis-cussions with local activ-ists – fighters against domestic violence or for the rights of the Roma. Teachers involved in the “Speak Truth to Power” educational program have been offered a training seminar at the gheorghe lazar National highschool in Bucharest on February 4.The book will be used as extracurricular sup-port material for social studies, philosophy and social sciences courses. The schools can also decide to use the edu-cational material in other courses of the high school curriculum such as: human Rights, Civic education, Mass-Media Competence, and Memory of the holocaust etc. The aspen Institute is making efforts for the textbook to be available in neighbouring Republic of Moldova.

Learning about real life, through real life examples

“The book will not sim-ply be taught by teach-ers to students,” Federico Moro, Secretary-general of RFk Foundation told IPS news agency. “It is meant to be a tool for action. We give students ideas and resources to be involved in the move-

ment for the defence of human rights. “one of the main criti-cisms against the Romanian educational system is that it is too detached from real life”, says oana Popescu, aspen Institute Programmes director. “This textbook is not patronising or nor-mative. It allows the edu-cational process to take place less formally and

in ways which are more connected with real life. We offer material that each teacher can use in the way he or she wants and adapt to issues spe-cific to locality”.The book is based on a larger edition, launched last year in Romania by kerry kennedy herself.

Speak Truth to Power in the press heRe.

Highschool textbook launch in cooperation with the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation.

Working Lunch with the Finance MinisterPolicy Recommendationsl the specific environ-ment of 2010 requires strategic measures, what sort of economic development model? Is it sustainable?l gdP structure of 85% consumption, -10% net exports and +25% investments - is not sus-tainable;l the main focus is on improving the fis-cal policy stance, cor-roborated with: (1) bet-ter control of transfer pricing schemes, (2) designing efficient and compliant state aid pro-grammes, (3) better eU funds absorption;

l the dramatic nar-rowing of the current account deficit due to economic crisis, from -14% to -5%, should be maintained, for the sake of future sustainability;l recommendations from members refered to: (1) improving the tax system, which currently destroys private initia-tive, (2) work on a back-up plan for worst-case scenario (e.g. greece contagion), (3) ensuring that the current budget revenue assumptions are realistic, (4) more transparency in the way fiscal policy is devised.

PastEvents

Aspen Institute Romania NewsletterJune - September 2010 5

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Aspen Institute Romania Newsletter

YoungLeaders6 June - September 2010

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rEurope Day, May 9, 2010, has seen the conclusion of a yearlong project started by Fellows George Jiglău and Emil Mesaros, YL ’09, in partnership with Doru Franțescu, YL ’08 (The European Institute for Participatory Democracy - QVORUM), Mădălina Mocan, YL ’09 (Ratiu Center for Democracy), the Cluj School Inspectorate and ARDOR Transilvania. A two day event called ”European Olympics”, gathering the best 50 students involved in the project, marked the end of a series of trainings throughout this schooly-ear, in 6 high schools in Cluj County.

The sessions have dis-seminated among high school students rel-evant information on the European Union, going beyond historical or tech-nical details. The goal of the initiative, which is part of the Community Service Projects of Aspen Young Leaders, is to raise aware-ness and create a culture of European citizenship within the young genera-tion in Romania.

Delta Force IV“The good SoCIeTY” module in april, in Susai, will be folowed by a “Mo dern leadership” week long training pro-gramme in the danube delta, 7-12 June, encom-passing assessment of leadership qualities and styles; practical training in skills and technique; teambuilding exercises; and presentation of case studies. Relevant read-ings and course materi-als will be provided.The two moderators, Marian Staş (director, CodeCS Foundation for leadership) and andy Szekely (leadership trai-ner) will lead discussions and group activities, while trainer dan luca will conduct individual coaching sessions with participants.

Courage and Capacity to Change

Mircea Geoană participates in the YL seminar in Susai Violeta Naydenova, YL ‘10, in Antigone

The SUCCeSS of the Institute’s flagship pro-gramme in previous years has been making the selection process increasingly competitive year after year – to the point where choice is extremely difficult for an exigent selection board made up of aspen mem-bers, staff, aRYl fellows and hR professionals! The twenty best candi-

dates who have made it to this year’s training mod-ules have been selected from over one hundred exceptional nominations received from members, aRYl fellows and distin-guished friends of the Institute. The emphasis in admitting candidates was, this year more than ever, not only on their commitment to a model of values-based leader-

ship, but also their actual capacity to act and put this model into practice.

Young leaders mean business!The selection resulted in a balanced composition of this fourth generation (age average – 29), with more than half of the nine women and eleven men coming from the business sector (bank-ing/finance, bioagricul-ture and software indus-try development) and the rest from the public/Ngo sector. The regional composition of the pro-gramme has also been enhanced, with a third of participants coming from outside Romania – Ngo leaders from the Republic of Moldova, geor gia, armenia and Bulgaria, and a kosovo diplomat. during the first module, which took place between april 13-18 in Susai, the group displayed a strong pref-erence for debating con-cepts of political and eco-nomic thinking that have shaped modern open societies in the context of present-day society and the challenges posed by the region’s specific social and historical leg-acy. The discussion also

looked at the qualities required for good lead-ership. a rapidly devel-oping group synergy and capacity for joint action became evident during the remarkable team cooperation in the outdoor exercise (photo below) and staging of Sophocles’ antigone, a trademark of the aspen Seminar – where the audience was made up of aRYl fellows who volun-tarily made their way to Susai to get to know their new colleagues. Fellows network

The setting up of the aRYl Fellows Network with the purpose of facilitating interaction among generations and capitalising on the valu-able human resource they represent has in fact already demonstrated its advantages. Fellows are by now meeting regu-larly, either as partici-pants in the Institute’s policy programmes, or even as active contribu-tors to the content of the latter, working together with the aspen team; they have also attended aspen events designed specifically for them and have worked together on community projects.

A new generation of Young Leaders, with increased regional representation, demonstrates not only commitment to values, but also will and capacity to act.

Aspen Network at Work

Aspen Security Forum. 28-30 Juneamerica is safer, we are not yet safe. While the dismal state of the econ-omy understandably dominates the national agenda today, in order to answer critical ques-tions about america’s preparedness for secu-rity threats, the aspen Institute together with

the New York Times will bring together top-level government offi-cials, industry leaders and leading thinkers for two days of in-depth dis-cussions at the aspen Meadows campus.

Aspen Ideas Festival. 5-11 Julyentering its sixth year, the aspen Ideas Festival

is a conversation-packed exploration of some of the most impor-tant ideas and pressing issues we face. Presented by the aspen Institute and The atlantic maga-zine, the Festival strives to highlight the ideas of experts at the fore-front of their fields and of leaders whose actions are changing the world.

Critical topics under debate range from arts and culture to women and education, from liv-ing digitally to “the cen-tury of biology”, the next economy, innovation as catalyst, or global health.

Aspen Environment Forum. 25-28 JulyThe 2010 aspen environ-ment Forum, present-

ed by the Institute and National geographic, will debate climate change, renewable energy policy, innovation and technol-ogy, efficiency, conserva-tion and more, with the goals of raising aware-ness, stimulating new thinking, building under-standing and consensus and inspiring commit-ment to action.

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rAspenInTheWorld7 Aspen Institute Romania Newsletter

June - September 2010

Main recent eventsEurope in the G-20 world. Aspen Italia Conference. Berlin, 29 April

at critical times for europe’s most press-ing strategic and eco-nomic challenges, spea-kers among whom aspen Institute Italia President and Minister of economy and Finance giulio Tremonti, german Minister of Finance Wolfgang Schauble and Polish Minister Jacek Rostowski debated the future of the euro, the implications of the greek crisis and the threat of europe losing its rele-vance in the new inter-national balance. aspen Romania was represent-ed by Institute President Mircea geoană, who dis-cussed the need to build a working triangle with the US and Russia.

Aspen European Dialogue. Aspen Italia Conference. Venice, 5 March

Under the title “Back to the Fertile Crescent: the Middle east, europe and the US”, aspen Italia dis-cussed the ways in which europe, by virtue of its his-torical links and expertise in key sectors, has a unique role to play in engaging the most dynamic actors in the region and work-ing constructively toward positive solutions to the most sensitive strategic issues, like the Iranian or the Israeli-Palestinian problems.

‘Partners for a New Beginning’. Aspen US Washington, DC, April 27

The aspen Institute is pleased to announce the launch of new partner-

ship between its Middle east Programs and the U.S. State department. Partners for a New Begin-ning was introduced at an event on april 27th, 2010 hosted by Secretary of State hillary Clinton. This partnership will be chaired by former Se cretary Madeleine al bright and vice-chaired by Walter Isaacson, President and Ceo of the aspen Institute and Muhtar kent, Chairman and Ceo of The Coca-Cola Company. It aims to lay the foundation for President obama’s vision, expressed in Cairo, of “a new begin-ning between the US and Muslims around t he world, one based on mutu-al interest and respect”. PNB will match eminent US persons from the pri-vate sector with similar groups from the Muslim world.

Aspen Institute Campus during Aspen Ideas Festival

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Roxana Voicu-Dorobantu YL ‘08

and Andrei Pogonaru YL ‘09 at

Aspen Ideas Festival.

Coming soon: Hot Summer in Aspen!June and July bring the most world renown and exciting events in Aspen, Colorado.

Full event movie heRe.

Aspen Institute Romania Newsletter8 June - September 2010

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Partners’ Corner

“The Value of the Individual Model Matters”

“Kapitalism – Our Secret Recipe” Conversation with Director Alexandru Solomon

Programmes Director Oana Popescu explains in Dilema Veche the role of the Aspen Institute in bringing together elites to act toward common goals.

l “We TRY to provide two essential tools. one is the moral compass; we are subjected to the daily assault of conflict-ing imperatives, in a

society which is rather confused about itself and have trouble finding our way and our credo. at the aspen Institute, we take it for granted that values are perenni-al. The Socratic seminars we organise always look beyond immediate inter-est, to the larger context. l “The second tool is dialogue. different social groups will not speak to

one another – often to maintain the conditions for discretionary action. our policy programmes aim at bringing together, around the same table, all stakeholders.”l “The aspen Institute is not a closed society, an ivory tower. Its members remain deeply rooted in real life, because this is the only way they can influence it for the better.”

l “The value of the individual model mat-ters, but if such indi-viduals are isolated and cannot find the context to form a network of influence, the mul-tiplier effect at a social level is quasi inexis-tent”.

Full interview heRe.

A continuation of the debate started on December 22, 2009 regarding the fun-daments of societal change in Romania.

IF IN deCeMBeR, 20 years after the fall of communism, we dis-cussedwith prominent ‘89 Revolution figure Radu Filipescu about resistance in front of

injustice and the totali-tarian regime, this time we proposed a critical analysis of Romanian capitalism.Starting with a screen-ing of the already highly awarded movie “kapitalism-our Secret Recipe”, aspen Fellows from all generations discussed with direc-tor alexandru Solomon the basic assumptions of

our societal and politicalmodels.Young leaders were particularly focused on the conditions that set the ground for protago-nists of the film to make illicit fortunes after the Revolution and on their effects over time, which today allow the contin-ued concentration of wealth in the hands of just a few people.

Aspen Institute Romania is a non-profit, non-governmental association dedi-cated to promoting enlightened leadership in Romania and to encouraging open-minded and informed debate among leaders about the challenges facing Romania today. The Aspen Institute Romania mission is to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues. The Aspen Romania is part of the international network of Aspen Institutes in the United States, Italy, Germany, France, India, Japan.

ASpen BoARd MeMBeRSPresident Mr. Mircea Geoană, president of the Romanian SenateVice PresidentMs. Mariana Gheorghe, Ceo, oMV petromVice President Mr. Roberto Musneci, Senior partner, Șerban & MusneciVice President Mr. Florin Pogonaru, president, Romanian Businessmen’s AssociationTreasurerMr. Vasile Iuga, Country Managing partner, pricewaterhouseCoopersMemberMr. Nic Voiculescu, Managing partner, Link ResourceMemberMr. Răsvan Radu, Ceo/executive president, UniCredit Țiriac BankMemberMr. Steven van Groningen, president, Raiffeisen BankMemberMr. Teddy Dumitrescu, president & Ceo, publicis GroupMember (on leave of absence)Mrs. Alexandra Gătej, adviser, Romanian presidency

ASpen STAFFExecutive DirectorAndrei Țărnea andrei.tarnea@aspeninstitute.roMob: +40 748 114082Programmes DirectorOana Popescuoana.popescu@aspeninstitute.roMob: + 40 720 034404Leadership Programmes ManagerCiprian Stănescu ciprian.stanescu@aspeninstitute.roMob: 004 0752 199 149 Policy Programmes ManagerAnamaria Olaru anamaria.olaru@aspeninstitute.roMob: 004 0748 118 784 Administrative ManagerAda Cuciuc ada.cuciuc@aspeninstitute.roMob: 004 0748 114 081

ConTACT:Address: 35, Amman Street, Ap. 10, district 1, 010777 Bucharest, Romania phone: +40 21 316 42 79 Fax: +40 21 317 34 43e-mail:office@aspeninstitute.ro Web site: www.aspeninstitute.ro

Aspen in the Press

l CRPE. The Romanian Center for european Policies, one of our relia-ble partners, founded by aspen member Cristian ghinea and Fellows Ciprian Ciucu and Florin Niță Yl ’08, organised a successful conference on EU-Moldova nego-tiations in Brussels, together with the Foreign Policy association (aPe) of Moldova and Moldo-van Mission to the eU on May 11. The event enjoyed the participa-tion of graham Watson, european Parliament

rapporteur on the eU-Moldova association agreement, members of the negotiation team of the the Republic of Moldova, other mem-bers of the european Parliament, Commission officials and experts from Brussels based eU think-tanks.

l Dinu Patriciu Founda tion. The Edu-cation Forum, which took place on May 12-14, in Bucharest, is the first national event that pro-vides a common space

for debate and interac-tion, to include all the actors involved in the educational system in our country. developed by three organisations involved in relevant educational activities, edUCaTIva group, lSRS (league of Romanian Students abroad) and aspen partner “dinu Patriciu” Foundation, the event aimed at actively contributing with con-crete solutions to the process of reforming the Romanian educational system.

l GEA. The 6th gea Report on Romania and the lisbon agenda, “Romania and the Europe 2020 Strategy” is a comprehensive look at the country’s state of alignment with european strategic goals. The first section discusses the macroeconomic con-text and the structural reforms. The second section presents the structural indicators for Romania, in a benchmark-ing exercise, at the end of the lisbon agenda and at the start of the europe

2020 Strategy, focused on smart growth, sustain-able growth and inclusive growth. The third section deals with competitive-ness and business envi-ronment. The fourth section presents aspects of the labour market in detail. The final section concludes and provides policy recommendations. The gea report served as a valuable pre-reading material for the aspen Institute Conference on “Social Inclusion – Matching Needs and goals”.