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Transitioning into 2026: Corporate Governance Beyond Borders
By- Institute of Directors | Authored by- Lt. Gen. Surinder Nath, PVSM AVSM (Retd.)
Jan 05, 2026
As we step into 2026, the Institute of Directors (IOD) reflects on a year that has significantly expanded the global contours of governance thought leadership. Much like the beginning of the previous year marked a renewed commitment to evolving boardroom excellence, the closing months of 2025 have reaffirmed IOD's growing role as a bridge between nations, institutions and boardrooms worldwide. Governance today is no longer confined by geography it is shaped by shared values, global standards and collective responsibility.
The year 2025 was truly eventful for IOD, marked by several pioneering initiatives that elevated its international engagement. A defining milestone was the launch of the National Business Convention on Leadership and Business Excellence organised for the first time in India. I considered that business excellence dialogues must be organised in India specially in our GIFT CITY. For nearly three decades, IOD has championed business excellence, and for over a decade the Annual Global Business Excellence Convention in Dubai has served as a prestigious international platform. While these global forums were highly impactful, there was growing demand from our Indian members for a national convention that could extend similar learning, dialogue and recognition closer home. Recognising its relevance, IOD proudly introduced this national platform, making business excellence more accessible and strengthening boardroom leadership across India.
Our international collaborations gained further momentum with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Vietnam Independent Directors Association (VNIDA), Institute of Healthy Urban Living (IHUL) & Caribbean Corporate Governance Institute (CCGI), opening new avenues for governance cooperation, leadership development and cross-border capacity building. These strategic alliance not only strengthens IOD's presence globally but also reflects our commitment to building governance ecosystems in fastgrowing emerging markets.
A landmark global achievement was the successful launch of the Masterclass for Directors (MFD) in Dubai, conducted in partnership with the Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC), Dubai. Held in September 2025 under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and the visionary leadership of Dr. Tayeb Kamali, IOD Global Chairman – UAE & Gulf, the Masterclass brought together distinguished directors and senior executives for an immersive three-day governance journey. Mr. Manoj Raut, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Directors, along with the IOD Training Team, has worked with exceptional dedication to bring harmony and coherence to the subjects that shape and guide corporate governance across the India–UAE–Europe corridor. Through real-world case studies, strategic dialogues and boardroom simulations, the programme created a powerful cadre of board-ready leaders in the UAE. This initiative not only strengthened professional bridges between India and the UAE but also reaffirmed IOD's commitment to exporting governance excellence beyond borders. Encouraged by this success, IOD is actively exploring the possibility of establishing MFD chapters in Vietnam and the Caribbean and assessing promising engagement opportunities in Malaysia each of which represents a strategic gateway to new governance communities and collaborative growth.
Our flagship London Global Convention and Dubai Convention continued to witness rising participation, growing international recognition and a widening influence on boardroom practices worldwide. These conventions have evolved into global platforms where governance leaders engage in meaningful discourse on ESG integration, digital resilience, ethical leadership and future-ready boardroom frameworks further consolidating IOD's role as a catalyst for global governance transformation.
In alignment with emerging technologies and the needs felt in Dubai Global Convention IOD has decided to introduce Golden Peacock Awards for Artificial Intelligence, recognising organisations that demonstrate responsible AI adoption, innovation governance and ethical digital transformation underscoring the evolving governance frontier.
Simultaneously, constructive dialogues with governments on critical regulatory matters, including the Companies Act, 2013 and corporate governance reforms, have strengthened IOD's role as a think tank in shaping progressive policy frameworks that support transparency, compliance and long-term enterprise value.
IOD's Vision for 2026
As we step into the new year, IOD's strategic roadmap is anchored in three guiding pillars-global reach, governance relevance and leadership impact. Our upcoming international conventions, specialised board certifications, ESG leadership initiatives and sectorfocused conclaves will continue to empower directors with future-ready insights and practical tools for navigating disruption.
I assure our global fraternity that IOD will emerge with a far stronger international footprint in 2026, expanding its partnerships, chapters and influence across new geographies. With renewed energy, deeper collaborations and visionary leadership, we will continue to set new benchmarks in corporate governance, ethical leadership and sustainable excellence.
Together, let us embrace 2026 as a year of renewed global purpose leading with integrity, innovating with responsibility and shaping governance for a resilient and inclusive future. Corporate governance beyond borders is no longer a vision it is our collective reality. Together, we will continue to lead with integrity, innovate with purpose and build resilient boardrooms for a globally connected future. I extend my warm wishes for a very Happy New Year to all IOD members and to the global IOD fraternity worldwide.
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Lt. Gen. Surinder Nath, PVSM AVSM (Retd.)
President, Institute of Directors
former Chairman, UPSC
former Vice Chief of Army Staff and
former Independent Director, L&T Ltd.
He took over as the President of Institute of Directors with effect from 02 December, 2022
Owned by: Institute of Directors, India
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles/ stories are the personal opinions of the author. IOD/ Editor is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in those articles. The information, facts or opinions expressed in the articles/ speeches do not reflect the views of IOD/ Editor and IOD/ Editor does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
