Background

Visit the Ethics Conference Website.

Strathmore University, in an effort to make a tangible, intellectual and scholarly contribution to the development of our society, has organized the Annual Ethics Conference since 2003. More than 2500 professionals have taken part and have exchanged ideas and experiences in an effort to set proper foundations for a more ethical, just and human society.

Past Conferences (These could be links to past concept notes and photos)

• Business & Ethics (2003)
• Law & Jurisprudence in Nation Building (2004)
• Politics and the Common Good (2005)
• Media and the Common Good (2006); and
• Governance, Institutions and the Human Condition (2008)

Transforming Africa through Leadership (29th -30th October 2009)

In the last two decades, "corruption" has been the focus of intense study worldwide, with the realization that the use of positions of public trust for private gain has serious negative consequences on development and the welfare of whole peoples.

This realization is no longer merely reduced to the political sector. The financial mega scandals that have befallen large corporations and stock exchanges throughout the world in the last 10 years have practically brought nations and their peoples to the brim of collapse. Managers’, shareholders’ and stockbrokers’ lack of ethical behaviour have practically damaged the credibility of important financial structures beyond repair.

The world at large and Africa in a special way is crying for true and genuine leadership. True leadership involves directing others for the sake of the common good, and the obligation of leading others to the desired good. Although leadership and authority are often viewed as distinct realities, in practice persons in positions of authority, shape the character of political communities. If leadership is to be more than mere manipulation, and public positions are not to abused for private gain, they must be understood within a comprehensive social and economic framework aimed at enhancing the common good.

The 6th Annual Ethics Conference will focus on Leadership and Ethics. This topic will be analyzed from two different angles:

First, Leadership in Politics:

• The role of politics in directing society towards sustainable development;
• The human person and society;
• Honesty and truth in politics;
• Freedom and responsibility;
• Policy making and truth.

Secondly, Leadership in Business:

• Sustainable profit maximization;
• Honesty and competitiveness;
• Finding and exploiting the advantage point;
• Fraud prevention; and
• Enhancing business creativity through appropriate policy making.