Geopolitical Risk–Shape the Future: Navigating Uncertainty in a Complex World
Geopolitical risk is a critical driver of uncertainty in the global business environment, shaping how firms, organizations, and institutions operate. This environment, marked by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA), challenges the resilience of markets, trade, and capital flows.
This discussion explores the intersection of energy, finance, and security in high-stakes regions such as the Gulf, Middle East, and North Africa (MENA). It will examine the governance dynamics of the United Nations Security Council as a source of geopolitical risk and demonstrate how political science and real-world insights inform robust frameworks for managing enterprise-wide risks.
Key frameworks guiding the conversation include:
- World Economic Forum Global Risks Report 2025
- Managing 21st Century Political Risk by Condoleezza Rice and Amy Zegart
- KPMG's Geopolitical Risk Management Framework
- EY's Geostrategic Outlook
This event provides an unparalleled platform to mentor and inspire the next generation of chief risk officers. By positioning geopolitical risk as a magnifier of strategic, operational, financial, and compliance risks, participants will gain actionable insights into navigating uncertainty in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future and build resilience for organizations in a complex world.
Panel:
Adam L. Barbina, Geostrategy Lead, EY Geostrategic Business Group
Karen E. Young, Ph.D., Senior Research Scholar, Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy. A political economist focusing on the Gulf region, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and the intersection of energy, finance, and security.
Moderator:
H.S. Bob Kostakopoulos, Deputy Program Director & Part-Time Lecturer, Enterprise Risk Management
To obtain additional information about program offerings at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, please contact an Admissions Counselor at inquire [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu (inquire[at]sps[dot]columbia[dot]edu).
If you require closed captioning, sign-language interpretation, or any other disability accommodations, please contact Disability Services, disability [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu (disability[at]columbia[dot]edu), at least 10 days in advance.
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