Event Highlights Governance, Ethics, and Innovation as Pillars of the Future of Brazil’s Public Administration
The 61st Accounting Convention of the State of Rio de Janeiro took place on October 3rd and 4th at the Prodigy Santos Dumont Hotel, bringing together authorities, experts, and public managers from across the country for one of the most prestigious events in Brazil’s accounting and administrative fields. Sponsored and organized by the Federal Accounting Council (CFC), the event has established itself as a milestone in discussions on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and public governance in Brazil.
The opening session featured a keynote address by Minister Augusto Nardes of the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU), titled “Public Governance: Brazil’s Challenge.” In a vibrant and deeply reflective presentation, Nardes outlined the importance of ethics, governance, strategy, innovation, and public responsibility as cornerstones of a modern and efficient State.
“Good governance is the creation of public value. And that is only possible when institutions understand that sound management is, above all, an act of respect toward society,” stated the minister in one of the morning’s most applauded moments. His remarks emphasized the need to integrate integrity and strategic planning into government practices, fostering a culture of results and trust. The minister also highlighted the role of public accounting as an essential tool for good governance, reminding the audience that “accounting information is the foundation of sound decision-making and effective control over public resources.” According to him, strengthening governance structures in municipalities is fundamental to achieving balanced and sustainable national development.
Accompanying the minister was his wife, Mrs. Renata Andrade, president of the Global Network for Climate Governance and Sustainability, recognized as the first and only international initiative dedicated to integrating best practices in governance and environmental responsibility on a global scale. She also serves as Coordinator of the Sustainable Governance and ESG Committee within the Brazilian Governance Network (RGB). During her remarks, she emphasized the importance of aligning public governance with planetary sustainability:
“We are living in a time when governance and sustainability can no longer move separately. Climate balance and sound management of natural resources are essential components of public administration. To govern well is also to care for the future, for people, for the planet, and for the prosperity of nations.”
Her presence was warmly acknowledged by participants, underscoring the global and interdisciplinary dimension of the event, which addressed governance from ethical, economic, political, and environmental perspectives.
Also making a remarkable appearance was Cristiane Nardes Farinon, president of the Brazilian Governance Network (RGB), accompanied by her son, Enrico Farinon. As the head of one of the most influential networks connecting the public sector, academia, and civil society, Cristiane spoke about the importance of aligning values, knowledge, and purpose in transforming public management in Brazil:
“We live in a time when governance must be seen not only as a mechanism of control but as a path of human and institutional transformation. Through governance, we strengthen trust, promote transparency, and create the real conditions for sustainable development. The new generation, represented here by my son Enrico, is the reason why we must build institutions that are more ethical, innovative, and resilient.”
The presence of Cristiane Nardes Farinon and Enrico symbolized the link between generations and reinforced the idea that governance is an intergenerational legacy, committed to building Brazil’s future.
As part of its program, the Convention also hosted the 24th Municipal Governance Seminar, a free event that gathered mayors, managers, and public accountants to discuss concrete and innovative solutions to the contemporary challenges of public administration. The seminar reaffirmed the commitment of institutions to capacity building and the technical advancement of regional leadership.
Among the highlights was a presentation by Henrique Farinon, Director of the Latin American Institute for Public Governance and Compliance (IGCP)—the organization that maintains the Brazilian Governance Network—who introduced the National Program for Public Governance (PRONAGOV). He stated:
“PRONAGOV is more than a management program; it is a tool for institutional transformation. It translates the principles of good governance into concrete, measurable, and sustainable practices capable of raising the maturity of public entities and delivering real value to society. To govern well is to act with integrity, planning, and results.”
His presentation—both technically precise and intellectually engaging—was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, who praised the clarity of his message and the strength of his vision for the future of public administration in Brazil.
The Federal Accounting Council (CFC), promoter and sponsor of the event, was widely recognized for its strategic role in spreading ethical and transparent management practices. By supporting initiatives of this scope, the Council reaffirms its mission to strengthen the accounting profession and its contribution to sound governance across all levels of government.
According to Aécio Prado Dantas Júnior, President of the CFC, the convention represented “a major step forward in integrating control, transparency, and innovation.” He added, “The accounting professional is a key player in strengthening the State, as their technical and responsible performance is the cornerstone of social trust in public institutions.”
The 61st Accounting Convention and the 24th Municipal Governance Seminar confirmed that governance is, today, the most solid path for a Brazil that aspires to prosper with ethics, efficiency, sustainability, and credibility.
Nardes and the CFC Lead Brazil’s Governance Revolution