THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 28, 2026

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) hosted the Global Governance Awards 2026 of the Corporate Secretaries International Association in Mumbai on February 27, bringing together governance leaders from across twelve member countries to celebrate excellence in ethical corporate leadership.

Positioned as a flagship international platform, the awards recognised individuals and organisations that are redefining governance in an era shaped by regulatory complexity, ESG accountability and rapid digital transformation. The ceremony highlighted trailblazers who are embedding transparency, responsibility and innovation into boardroom practices across global markets.

The event opened with two high-level panel discussions on ESG and on Ethics, AI and Technology, fostering cross-border dialogue and offering country-specific perspectives on emerging governance challenges. In a significant expansion, three new award categories were introduced this year, underscoring the growing role of corporates in advancing governance excellence worldwide. With five awards in total, the initiative reaffirmed CSIA’s commitment to strengthening professional standards and building a cohesive international governance ecosystem.

Among the global honourees, Elsabé Kirsten of South Africa was named Global Corporate Secretary of the Year, while Kenneth Mutuma of Kenya received the Governance Professional of the Year award. Charmaine Manzini, also from South Africa, was recognised as Rising Corporate Secretary of the Year. In the organisational categories, Nedbank (South Africa) won Excellence in Governance for listed and unlisted companies, and Duopharma (Malaysia) secured the Excellence in Governance – ESG award.

More than 150 international delegates attended the ceremony, which was also streamed live on the ICSI YouTube channel, expanding its global outreach and reinforcing the importance of governance as the foundation of sustainable commerce.

Addressing the gathering, ICSI President CS Pawan G Chandak said, “The two Global Governance Institutions have come together today to celebrate righteousness and appreciate the optimism of creating a better world. It is a testament to our collective resolve to turn integrity into action and transparency into a global standard. Congratulations to all the winners tonight.”

CSIA President Funmi Ekundayo added, “When institutions like CSIA and ICSI synchronize their visions, the Awards become a vivid reflection of a unified stance: that a just society begins with the conscience of its corporate leaders. Congratulations to every winner, the true pioneers of the future we are building together.”