We are very grateful to Dr. Lawrence Gonzi LL.D. for having accepted our invitation for a memorable edition of Il Cenacolo di Valore on the theme of “Responsible leadership, sustainability and ethics in the green economy”, which we will share for the first time in Malta.
Lawrence Gonzi is a retired Maltese politician, who served for twenty-five years in various critical roles in Maltese politics and who is a lawyer by profession. Dr Gonzi was Prime Minister of Malta from 2004 to 2013, and leader of the Nationalist Party. He also served as speaker of the House of Representatives from 1988 to 1996, and Minister of Social Policy from 1998 to 2004, as well as Deputy Prime Minister from 1999 to 2004. He served in practically all positions in Parliament, being also Leader of the House, an MP and Leader of the Opposition. Taking over as Prime Minister from Eddie Fenech Adami, Lawrence Gonzi led the islands through the delicate first years of EU membership. He piloted crucial economic and political reforms, spearheaded Malta’s adoption of the euro, and the entry into force of the Schengen agreement. His decision to privatise the Malta shipyards, and the pensions reform, proved to be unpopular. Following a razor-thin electoral victory in 2008, perceptions of arrogance in his cabinet, fomented by the Labour Party opposition and rebel backbenchers, dented his second term of office. Following the loss of a financial vote Dr Gonzi called a general election in March 2013. The Nationalist party went on to lose the successive general election, leading to Gonzi’s resignation and eventual retirement from politics. During his political career Dr Gonzi stressed the need to ensure sustainable development and environmental stewardship on the islands, also focusing on strengthening the education and healthcare sectors. In international diplomacy, Gonzi was lauded for his role in the Libyan Revolution, breaking Malta’s long relationship with the Gaddafi regime, and siding with the rebels. Additionally, his humanitarian response to the migratory pressures enfolding around Malta led to the first voluntary European migrant burden sharing pact. He was also highly regarded by EU leaders who worked by his side during his nine years as prime minister.
There has been over 100 editions of il Cenacolo di Valore held, including editions in Milan, Rome, Madrid and London in The House of Lords. For every edition, we have had the participation of the C-Suite of that particular city. It takes place in the form of exchange of experiences and conversation between the participants, who gather around a single table. They are invited by the chairman Prof. Francesco Sansone President & CEO of Valore S.r.l., to express their point of view and testimonies on the chosen theme which is introduced by a keynote speaker. The aim is to stimulate the sharing of ideas and visions “at the table of knowledge” for a new humanism and from which universal values and ideals emerge capable of inspiring a modern and conscious leadership. This is based based on responsibility, agility and sustainability, with reference to the models mentioned in the books of which Prof. Sansone is the author. The motto of “Il Cenacolo di Valore” is “the appreciation of ideas and the excellence of taste”, wanting to combine the sharing of ideas with conviviality.
Il Cenacolo di Valore is frequently reserved for the executives of companies and banking groups to share and update the corporate leadership style. Also to implement a widespread, shared and identity focused leadership, based on responsibility and agility.
