EMMIO for "good management" in International Organizations

In occasion of the opening of the Executive Master in Management of International Organizations (EMMIO),  SDA Bocconi School of Management had the priviledge to host Lamberto Zannier, Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

In his intervention, Mr Zannier pointed out the importance and need for the main players of the international development arena to work synergically and collaboratively, in order to effectively tackle the multiplicity of complex, global and transnational challenges that affect us all – from climate change, disasters and large-scale movements of people, to steep increases in economic disparities.

Mr Zannier noted that, in this context, it is paramount to continue investing in the multilateral system. While the 2030 Agenda for Development and the Sustainable Development Goals represent a clear roadmap for concrete action, we need to build and foster flexible and innovative coalitions for development bringing together state and non-state actors, mobilizing ideas and resources from non-traditional partners like cities, the corporate and philanthropic sectors and financial institutions. International organizations need to establish themselves as catalysts and work as a system.

Mr Zannier also highlighted the importance and the need for ‘good  management’ in international organizations. Constituencies put international institutions under growing pressure to provide value for money, to continuously increase their transparency and accountability and to adopt a results-based management approach. Effective management is not only about tools and systems - it is also about leading and inspiring others to take creative, bold decision to transform an organization to make it fit for purpose and to successfully adapt to rising expectations and increasing challenges. Now more than ever international organizations need visionary leaders and a cadre of motivated and well-prepared, professionalized managers able to shape our global institutions.

Finally, Mr Zannier pointed out the value of the EMMIO as Executive Master Programme aimed at refining and strengthening managerial skills in a systematic way through a tailored and hands-on approach. Based on his experience as a long-career top diplomat and senior executive in the UN and the OSCE, the EMMIO Program includes all the essential contents to ensure its participants become well-rounded managers able to develop a vision, introduce innovation to business models and program delivery modalities and to handle multicultural teams.

Mr Zannier concluded by wishing a productive academic year to the EMMIO participants and faculty, with the wish that they may contribute to strengthen the effectiveness of the multilateral system through innovative visions, renewed management practices and a mission driven leadership.

SDA Bocconi School of Management