Aspen Anniversary Gala: Two Decades of Impact through Leadership, Dialogue and Action
20 Years of Activity of the Aspen Institute Romania
The Aspen Institute Romania 20th Anniversary Gala took place on Thursday, May 28, at Mogoșoaia Palace, an evening designed as a celebration of excellence and a space for strategic reflection.
Since its founding in 2006, the Aspen Institute Romania has established itself as a benchmark platform for dialogue, anchored in the prestigious international network of Aspen Institutes.
This jubilee edition celebrates the triple Aspen vocation:
Ideas that inspire.
Leadership that guides.
Action that transforms.
Institutional Partners: Bucharest City Hall, The Brancovan Palaces at the Bucharest Gates Cultural Center
Jubilee Strategic Partners: Vodafone, BCR, PPC, Raiffeisen Bank, Cencora
Anniversary Gala Patron: UniCredit Bank
Silver Leaf: Uber
Bronze Leaf: NOA
Table Captain: PA Solutions
Supporters: Valvis Holding, David Sandu, Maigre, Georgiana Iordache Dresses, ARTEXIM, George Enescu International Festival
Media Partner: Ringier Romania
Agenda
17:00 – 18:00 Guided Tour of Mogoșoaia Palace
18:00 – 18:45 Welcome Cocktail
18:45 – 19:15 Official Opening
Master of Ceremonies Introduction: Costinela Drăgan & Cosmin Stan
Special Live Performance by Valentin Șerban – Violin & Maria Procopenco – Soprano
19:15 – 19:30 Starter Service
19:30 – 19:50 Opening Addresses
- Welcome Speech: Mircea Geoană, President, Aspen Institute Romania
- Official Keynote Address
- Keynote recorded message from Nicușor Dan, President of Romania
- Ciprian Ciucu, General Mayor of Bucharest
– introduced by Alexandra Olaru, Member of the Board, Aspen Institute Romania & Director of Legal and External Affairs, Vodafone Romania
19:50 – 20:05 Conversation with Ciprian Ciucu, General Mayor of Bucharest, on Heritage and Urban Regeneration
Conversation moderated by Cosmin Stan, TV Host, ProTV
20:05 – 20:10 Video recorded message from Alexandra Gătej, Vice-President, Aspen Institute Romania & CEO, Maldon & Wat
Awards for Outstanding contributions to the Journey of Aspen Institute Romania
20:10 – 20:20 Award & Special Recognition: Todd Breyfogle, Senior Advisor for Humanistic Studies and Practices, The Aspen Institute US. A Contribution On The Enduring Power of the Aspen Idea
Award presented by Mădălina Mocan, Aspen Fellow 2009 & Ioana Gheorghiade, Chief Risk Officer, Banca Comerciala Romana & Aspen Alumna 2023
20:20 – 20:40 Award & Special Recognition: Elliot Gerson, Senior Fellow and the former Executive Vice President, The Aspen Institute US. A Conversation on the Beginnings of the Aspen Institute Romania
Award presented by Mihaela Lupu, Member of the Board, Aspen Institute Romania & CEO, Unicredit Bank Romania
Conversation moderated by Costinela Drăgan, Aspen Fellow 2015
20:40 – 21:00 Main Course Service
21:00 – 21:15 Brand Romania Leadership Award : Via Transilvanica
- Alin Ușeriu, Founder and President, Tășuleasa Social Foundation & Via Transilvanica
Award presented by Vasile Iuga, Treasurer & Member of the Board, Aspen Institute Romania
21:15 – 21:30 Dessert and Coffee Service
21:30 – 21:35 Keynote recorded message from Maestro Cristian Măcelaru, Music Director, Orchestre National de France and Artistic Director, George Enescu International Festival
– introduced by Cristian Sporiș, Member of the Board, Aspen Institute Romania & Vicepresident, Corporate Division & Investment Banking, Member of the Directorate, Raiffeisen Bank
21:35 – 21:45 Closing Speech
- Teddy Dumitrescu, Member of the Board, Aspen Institute Romania & CEO, Publicis Groupe Romania
21:45 – 22:30 Closing Live Performance by Ioana Ailenei & Ștefan Ailenei
Artistic Performance with Marimba, Vibraphone, Glockenspiel and Multi-Percussion powered by Festivalul Internațional George Enescu