Bucharest Edition, November 2025
The first edition of Future Romania took place in Bucharest, between November 14-16, 2025.
Program
Friday, November 14
- 16:30 - 17:30
Opening of the Future Romania 2025 program
- 17:30 - 19:30
Introduction: what is a leader?
Lecturers: Sebastian Burduja & Steve Jarding
- 19:30 - 21:30
Dinner & networking
Saturday, November 15
GROUP 33+ The Art of Government
- 08:00 - 09:00
Welcome coffe
- 09:00 - 10:15
Vision in Public Space
Lecturer: Andrei Caramitru
- 10:15 - 10:30
Break
- 10:30 - 11:30
The Power of the Public Message
Lecturer: Sandra Stoicescu
- 11:30 - 12:30
Efficiency in Public Space
Lecturer: Valentin Ștefan
- 12:30 - 13:30
Integrity in Public Space
Lecturer: Sandra Stoicescu
- 13:30 - 14:15
Lunch & Networking Break
- 14:15 - 15:15
Public policies and results through the art of governance
Lecturer: Mihai Ghigiu
- 15:15 - 15:30
Break
- 15:30 - 16:30
Crisis Management – Simulation
Lecturer: Andreea Paul
- 16:30 - 16:45
Break
- 16:45 - 17:45
Soft Skills for Hard Impact
Lecturer: Oana Babagianu
- 17:45 - 18:00
Conclusions
Lecturer: Sebastian Burduja
- 18:00 - 20:00
Formal Dinner & Social Evening
GROUP 18-32 The art of communication
- 08:00 - 09:00
Welcome coffe
- 09:00 - 10:15
The Art of Public Speaking
Lecturer: Mircea Gâjâilă
- 10:15 - 10:30
Break
- 10:30 - 11:45
The relationship with the Media
Lecturer: Antonio Momoc
- 11:45 - 12:00
Break
- 12:00 - 13:15
Social Media and Online Campaigns / Digital Communication
Lecturer: Andrei Ciobanu
- 13:15 - 14:00
Lunch & Networking Break
- 14:00 - 15:15
Public Debate Simulation 1
Lecturer: Steve Jarding
- 15:15 - 15:30
Break
- 15:30 - 16:45
Public Debate Simulation 2
Lecturer: Steve Jarding
- 16:45 - 18:00
Conclusions: the art of communication
Lecturer: Sebastian Burduja
- 18:00 - 20:00
Formal Dinner & Social Evening
Duminică, 16 noiembrie
GROUP 33+ The Art of Government
- 08:00 - 09:00
Welcome coffe
- 09:00 - 10:15
The Art of Public Speaking
Lecturer: Mircea Gâjâilă
- 10:15 - 10:30
Break
- 10:30 - 11:45
The relationship with the Media
Lecturer: Antonio Momoc
- 11:45 - 12:00
Break
- 12:00 - 13:15
Social Media and Online Campaigns / Digital Communication
Lecturer: Andrei Ciobanu
- 13:15- 14:00
Lunch & Networking Break
- 14:00 - 15:15
Public Debate Simulation 1
Lecturer: Steve Jarding
- 15:15 - 15:30
Break
- 15:30 - 16:45
Public Debate Simulation 2
Lecturer: Steve Jarding
- 16:45 - 18:00
Conclusions: the art of communication
Lecturer: Sebastian Burduja
- 18:00 - 19:30
Graduation Ceremony & Launch of the Future Romania Fellows Network
GROUP 18-32 The art of communication
- 08:00 - 09:00
Welcome coffe
- 09:00 - 10:15
Vision in Public Space
Lecturer: Andrei Caramitru
- 10:15 - 10:30
Break
- 10:30 - 11:45
Efficiency in Public Space
Lecturer: Valentin Ștefan
- 11:45 - 12:00
Break
- 12:00 - 13:15
Integrity in Public Space
Lecturer: Constantin Saragea
- 13:15 - 14:00
Lunch & Networking Break
- 14:00 - 15:15
Public policies and results through the art of governance
Lecturer: Mihai Ghigiu
- 15:15 - 15:30
Break
- 15:30 - 16:45
Crisis Management – Simulation
Lecturer: Andreea Paul
- 16:45 - 18:00
Soft Skills for Hard Impact
Lecturer: Oana Babagianu
- 18:00 - 19:30
Formal Dinner & Social Evening
Alessandra Stoicescu is one of the most well-known and respected journalists in Romania, with a career spanning over three decades in television. She has established herself through professionalism, balance and consistency, being an emblematic presence in Antena 1's main news program, but also in debate shows that have addressed topics of major interest to society.
In parallel, he is president and ambassador of the Mereu Aproape Foundation, as well as executive director of Intact Media Group, where he coordinates strategic projects that promote dialogue between authorities, the business environment and civil society. He is also an associate professor at the Faculty of Communication and Public Relations of SNSPA, contributing to the training of new generations of communication professionals.
Over the years, she has become a credible and influential voice in the media landscape, actively involved in promoting social dialogue, civic and humanitarian projects. Through her entire activity, Alessandra Stoicescu has gained public trust and professional recognition at a national level.
In parallel, he is president and ambassador of the Mereu Aproape Foundation, as well as executive director of Intact Media Group, where he coordinates strategic projects that promote dialogue between authorities, the business environment and civil society. He is also an associate professor at the Faculty of Communication and Public Relations of SNSPA, contributing to the training of new generations of communication professionals.
Over the years, she has become a credible and influential voice in the media landscape, actively involved in promoting social dialogue, civic and humanitarian projects. Through her entire activity, Alessandra Stoicescu has gained public trust and professional recognition at a national level.
Andrei Ciobanu is a Romanian comedian, actor and writer. He became known through his stand-up comedy shows and his work within the group Sector 7, appreciated for his intelligent and self-deprecating humor.
He is the author of the best-selling books "Suck it, Ramona!" and "Suck it, Andrei!", which were the basis for the film "Oh, Ramona!" (2019). In addition to his literary and artistic work, Andrei Ciobanu was also a radio producer, having a constant presence in the Romanian media.
His style combines sarcasm, social observations, and situational humor, which has made him one of the most appreciated comedians of the new generation in Romania.
He is the author of the best-selling books "Suck it, Ramona!" and "Suck it, Andrei!", which were the basis for the film "Oh, Ramona!" (2019). In addition to his literary and artistic work, Andrei Ciobanu was also a radio producer, having a constant presence in the Romanian media.
His style combines sarcasm, social observations, and situational humor, which has made him one of the most appreciated comedians of the new generation in Romania.
Andrei Caramitru is a Romanian professional, a change-oriented person, with an international background and experience in the private sector, which gives him a somewhat more technical and "business-oriented" perspective on the challenges in Romania. He speaks at Future Romania about the market economy, about the needs for reform, and combines this approach with a sensitivity for the public and political realm.
Andrei has a solid experience in leading consulting firms. He worked for several years in strategic consulting (including at famous firms such as McKinsey & Company) contributing to impactful projects in Romania and Europe. Later, he turned to entrepreneurship, developing a business with a digital component, marking the transition from traditional consulting to more flexible business scenarios.
Andrei has a solid experience in leading consulting firms. He worked for several years in strategic consulting (including at famous firms such as McKinsey & Company) contributing to impactful projects in Romania and Europe. Later, he turned to entrepreneurship, developing a business with a digital component, marking the transition from traditional consulting to more flexible business scenarios.
Steve Jarding taught for 20 years at Harvard University, becoming one of the most renowned professors of public leadership. He twice won the prestigious “Teacher of the Year” award at the Harvard Kennedy School.
He is an expert in strategic communication, campaign management, and strategy. Nine of his former students have been presidential or prime ministerial candidates in various countries around the world.
Steve Jarding is the CEO and founder of the international political consulting group SJB, which has worked for clients in 22 countries and 5 continents, and the co-author of the book "Foxes in the Henhouse" (2006, Simon & Schuster).
He is an expert in strategic communication, campaign management, and strategy. Nine of his former students have been presidential or prime ministerial candidates in various countries around the world.
Steve Jarding is the CEO and founder of the international political consulting group SJB, which has worked for clients in 22 countries and 5 continents, and the co-author of the book "Foxes in the Henhouse" (2006, Simon & Schuster).
Andreea Paul is a PhD associate professor at the Faculty of International Economic Relations, ASE and the president of INACO, with extensive experience in public administration and the Romanian and European institutional triad: the Presidential Administration, the Government of Romania, the Parliament of Romania, respectively the European Parliament, passionate about the economy of the future, performance, education and sports.
Antonio Momoc was Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences, University of Bucharest. He is an associate professor at the Department of Cultural Anthropology and Communication, and teaches courses in Political Marketing, Electoral Advertising, Mass Media, Politics, Society, Introduction to Online Communication, Reputation Management in Social Media, Presentation and Public Speaking. He is a trainer and consultant in media relations, reputation management in social media, presentation skills and public communication for clients of Red Carpet Production.
He holds a PhD in sociology, a master's degree in political science, a master's degree in communication science, a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations, and a bachelor's degree in political science. He was a fellow at the United States Institute on Journalism and Media, Ohio University, E.W. Scripps of Communication, and an FSE fellow with a research trip on Italian populism, at the LUISS "Guido Carli" University in Rome, at the School of Government.
He is a speaker and trainer with over 15 years of experience in radio and television journalism. He has been a political consultant in national and local electoral campaigns. He is the author of the books "Communication 2.0, New media, participation and populism", "Political communication and the Internet. Populism and the crisis of liberal democracy" and "The political traps of interwar sociology".
He holds a PhD in sociology, a master's degree in political science, a master's degree in communication science, a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations, and a bachelor's degree in political science. He was a fellow at the United States Institute on Journalism and Media, Ohio University, E.W. Scripps of Communication, and an FSE fellow with a research trip on Italian populism, at the LUISS "Guido Carli" University in Rome, at the School of Government.
He is a speaker and trainer with over 15 years of experience in radio and television journalism. He has been a political consultant in national and local electoral campaigns. He is the author of the books "Communication 2.0, New media, participation and populism", "Political communication and the Internet. Populism and the crisis of liberal democracy" and "The political traps of interwar sociology".
Oana Babagianu is the executive director of the Future Romania program. He is an entrepreneur and former government advisor, with significant experience in central public administration. He works at the interface between the public and private sectors, contributing to the transfer of expertise and the development of partnerships between the two sectors.
She has founded and led several start-ups in the UK and Romania, strengthening an international perspective on leadership, innovation and good governance. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the UK, Spain and Switzerland. He is currently a PhD student in economics in Romania.
As the author of the best-selling novel "Eva", she addresses themes related to identity and personal evolution, exploring the human dimension of transformation and adaptation in complex contexts.
She has founded and led several start-ups in the UK and Romania, strengthening an international perspective on leadership, innovation and good governance. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the UK, Spain and Switzerland. He is currently a PhD student in economics in Romania.
As the author of the best-selling novel "Eva", she addresses themes related to identity and personal evolution, exploring the human dimension of transformation and adaptation in complex contexts.
Mircea Gâjâilă is a strategic communication specialist with experience in national security and public affairs. He works with governmental and non-governmental institutions, focusing on institutional relationships and decision-making dynamics.
He held training sessions and collaborated with participants from political and organizational backgrounds, being directly involved in campaign construction, political storytelling and the formulation of strategically important messages, contributing to the development of the skills necessary in competitive contexts.
He held training sessions and collaborated with participants from political and organizational backgrounds, being directly involved in campaign construction, political storytelling and the formulation of strategically important messages, contributing to the development of the skills necessary in competitive contexts.
Valentin Ștefan, directorul general al Poștei Române, cu o carieră care traversează cu succes zona serviciilor financiare internaţionale, investigarea fraudei digitale şi transformarea organizaţiilor publice, aduce în o viziune unică asupra modului în care infrastructurile tradiţionale pot fi reinventate pentru economia digitală şi sustenabilă.
After studies in Romania and the USA and extensive professional experience at institutions such as MorganStanley or international anti-fraud investigation teams, in 2020 he returned to Romania to join the management of the Romanian Post as Deputy General Manager, and in 2021 he took over the mandate of General Manager.
In his current position, he leads the transformation of the organization: modernizing infrastructure, digitizing postal operations, expanding the role of the Romanian Post as a regional logistics hub, and assuming a distinct social purpose – by supporting human capital, inclusion, and crisis response.
At Future Romania, Valentin Ştefan will explore the challenges of a nationally relevant company, faced with global dynamics – from regional logistics competition, to the integration of emerging technologies and the reconnecting of traditional infrastructures with the digital economy. The audience will be invited to reflect on how significant public organizations can adopt the startup mindset, while maintaining the balance between social responsibility and economic efficiency.
After studies in Romania and the USA and extensive professional experience at institutions such as MorganStanley or international anti-fraud investigation teams, in 2020 he returned to Romania to join the management of the Romanian Post as Deputy General Manager, and in 2021 he took over the mandate of General Manager.
In his current position, he leads the transformation of the organization: modernizing infrastructure, digitizing postal operations, expanding the role of the Romanian Post as a regional logistics hub, and assuming a distinct social purpose – by supporting human capital, inclusion, and crisis response.
At Future Romania, Valentin Ştefan will explore the challenges of a nationally relevant company, faced with global dynamics – from regional logistics competition, to the integration of emerging technologies and the reconnecting of traditional infrastructures with the digital economy. The audience will be invited to reflect on how significant public organizations can adopt the startup mindset, while maintaining the balance between social responsibility and economic efficiency.
Constantin Saragea is a general director within the Ministry of Investments and European Projects, with approximately 25 years of experience in public administration, in the field of attracting non-reimbursable European funds, investments, procurement, management of European projects and control, irregularities and anti-fraud. He was the head of a Management Authority, which manages European funds in Romania and secretary general of the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalization (2022-2023) and of the Ministry of Energy (2023-2025).
He is a graduate of the Faculty of Automation and Computers at the Politehnica University of Bucharest, has a master's degree in "Advanced Automation" at the same faculty and completed postgraduate courses in "Management of Public Institutions" at the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest.
He coordinated teams and contributed to an absorption of almost 100% of the European pre-accession funds PHARE, ISPA, the Transition Facility and the structural funds, PNRR and the Modernization Fund, allocated within important investment projects for Romania.
It is guided by the principle: "Don't tell people your plans, show them the results".
He is a graduate of the Faculty of Automation and Computers at the Politehnica University of Bucharest, has a master's degree in "Advanced Automation" at the same faculty and completed postgraduate courses in "Management of Public Institutions" at the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest.
He coordinated teams and contributed to an absorption of almost 100% of the European pre-accession funds PHARE, ISPA, the Transition Facility and the structural funds, PNRR and the Modernization Fund, allocated within important investment projects for Romania.
It is guided by the principle: "Don't tell people your plans, show them the results".
Alexandru-Mihai Ghigiu is a Deputy and Chairman of the Education Committee of the Chamber of Deputies.
He was previously Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery, with the rank of Minister. He was also National Coordinator for Intellectual Property and President of the Commission for the Examination of Foreign Direct Investments (CEISD). He was also President of the National Institute of Administration, Secretary of State within the General Secretariat of the Government and Advisor to the Minister of National Education and Scientific Research.
Alexandru-Mihai Ghigiu is a doctor in political science and an associate professor at the National School of Political and Administrative Studies in Bucharest (SNSPA).
He attended several training courses in Europe and the USA: Universidad Complutense Madrid, École Nationale d'Administration Paris; ETH – Swiss School of Public Governance Zurich, Kennedy School – Harvard University.
He was previously Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery, with the rank of Minister. He was also National Coordinator for Intellectual Property and President of the Commission for the Examination of Foreign Direct Investments (CEISD). He was also President of the National Institute of Administration, Secretary of State within the General Secretariat of the Government and Advisor to the Minister of National Education and Scientific Research.
Alexandru-Mihai Ghigiu is a doctor in political science and an associate professor at the National School of Political and Administrative Studies in Bucharest (SNSPA).
He attended several training courses in Europe and the USA: Universidad Complutense Madrid, École Nationale d'Administration Paris; ETH – Swiss School of Public Governance Zurich, Kennedy School – Harvard University.
Sebastian-Ioan Burduja was the Minister of Energy from June 2023 to June 2025 and the Minister of Research, Innovation and Digitalization (May 2022 to June 2023). He is a member of the Romanian Parliament, honorary advisor to the Prime Minister of Romania, and president of the PNL Bucharest.
He holds a PhD in Economics and International Affairs from ASE (Summa Cum Laude), a BA from Stanford University, and a double master's degree from Harvard University (MBA & MPP). He is an associate professor at the Faculty of Management at the National School of Political and Administrative Studies (SNSPA).
Between 2012 and 2015, he worked as a specialist at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. He is the author of several volumes: "Between Hope and Disillusionment. Democracy and Anti-Corruption in Post-Communist Romania" (Curtea Veche, 2016), "The Plan for Romania. Seven Intellectual Revolutions for a Country We Want to Stay in" (Litera, 2020), "The Plan for Bucharest" (Litera, 2024) and "The 10 Commandments for Romania" (Litera, 2025).
He is honorary president and founding member of the League of Romanian Students Abroad (LSRS) and the CAESAR Foundation.
He holds a PhD in Economics and International Affairs from ASE (Summa Cum Laude), a BA from Stanford University, and a double master's degree from Harvard University (MBA & MPP). He is an associate professor at the Faculty of Management at the National School of Political and Administrative Studies (SNSPA).
Between 2012 and 2015, he worked as a specialist at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. He is the author of several volumes: "Between Hope and Disillusionment. Democracy and Anti-Corruption in Post-Communist Romania" (Curtea Veche, 2016), "The Plan for Romania. Seven Intellectual Revolutions for a Country We Want to Stay in" (Litera, 2020), "The Plan for Bucharest" (Litera, 2024) and "The 10 Commandments for Romania" (Litera, 2025).
He is honorary president and founding member of the League of Romanian Students Abroad (LSRS) and the CAESAR Foundation.
Remus-Ioan Ștefureac is the president of the think-tank STRATEGIC Thinking Group (www.strategicthinking.ro), and general director of INSCOP Research (www.inscop.ro), one of the most active and respected sociological research companies in Romania.
He is also the co-founder of the news portal www.informat.ro. Remus Stefureac is a university lecturer at the Faculty of Communication and Public Relations, SNSPA where he teaches courses on combating disinformation, building resilience to disinformation and public opinion polling. He worked for a period in diplomacy at the Romanian Embassy in the United States of America. He has a degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in Governance and Institutional Development. His doctoral thesis covers the vast subject of active measures, disinformation and propaganda.
He has published books, book chapters, journal articles in Romania and abroad, and hundreds of analyses and editorials in the Romanian and international press. He is a regular contributor to various radio and television channels as a political analyst.
He is also the co-founder of the news portal www.informat.ro. Remus Stefureac is a university lecturer at the Faculty of Communication and Public Relations, SNSPA where he teaches courses on combating disinformation, building resilience to disinformation and public opinion polling. He worked for a period in diplomacy at the Romanian Embassy in the United States of America. He has a degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in Governance and Institutional Development. His doctoral thesis covers the vast subject of active measures, disinformation and propaganda.
He has published books, book chapters, journal articles in Romania and abroad, and hundreds of analyses and editorials in the Romanian and international press. He is a regular contributor to various radio and television channels as a political analyst.