Menu

Exclusive Sorbonne Business School Board Secretary Certification Program in The Sustainable City

This specialized track is tailored to address the specific needs of Board Secretaries, with one of the modules led by an experienced and distinguished Board Secretary.

Download the brochure and save your spot!


What makes this program unique

Cutting-edge Content

Dive deep into the latest governance principles, legal frameworks, and emerging trends in the region and globally through immersive modules. 

Expert Guidance

Board members will have the privilege of learning from esteemed and worldwide-known professors who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.

Among them:

  • Christian de Boissieu, emeritus Professor of Economics at the University of Paris Sorbonne, honorary President of the French Finance Association and Former Consultant to the World Bank, the European Commission and the European Parliament.
  • Eric Lamarque, Director of Sorbonne Business School, specialist and author of numerous reference publications covering the banking sector.
  • Moez Joudi, President of the Tunisian Institute of Directors, Corporate Director, and Expert Consultant in Corporate and Banking Governance.
  • Léna Yasmin Dridi, Dubai Ambassador for Legal Ops Uncensored, Author of publications covering LegalTech, Legal Counsel and Strategic Partnerships Manager at DiliTrust
  • Pr. Clive Gallery Clive holds a Ph.D. in Financial Strategy and is an Associate Professor at Pantheon Sorbonne Business School. He directs programs at l’Ecole des Ponts Paristech and Cedep. Clive lectures worldwide and teaches company administrators in Senegal for Insead. With over 25 years of experience, he has collaborated with companies like L’Oréal and Unilever.

DiliTrust is a leading provider of secure, collaborative, and efficient governance solutions. This suite of products is designed to enhance corporate governance, streamline legal and financial processes, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. With a focus on security and user-friendliness, DiliTrust serves organizations worldwide, providing tools for board management, contract lifecycle management, legal entity management, and secure data rooms.

Exclusive Experience in the first net zero residential community of the Middle-East

The program will be divided into five sessions, each spanning two days. Three of these sessions will be conducted in person in The Sustainable City, the region’s first operational Net Zero Energy city, meticulously designed to minimize environmental impact. These three in-person sessions are invaluable opportunities for networking and hands-on learning, while the remaining two sessions will be held remotely, ensuring accessibility and flexibility.

Connect with Peers

Connect with a diverse cohort of members, each bringing their unique perspectives and challenges to the table. Engage in lively discussions, swap best practices, and forge lasting bonds with like-minded peers.

Prestigious Certificate from a Globally Recognized University

Upon completion, you will receive a certificate from the Sorbonne Business School.

Five modules

  1. Local Governance Rules
  2. Risk Management
  3. International Best Governance Practices
  4. International Financial Economics Approach
  5. Cybersecurity, AI and digital transformation in the boardroom

Learn more about the modules:

Module 1

Module 2

Module 3

Module 4

Module 5

MODULE 1

Governance principles, systems,
rules and best practices

📍Dubaï, Sustainable City

Module objectives:
  • Recall regulations, recommendations and governance mechanisms at regional, Middle Eastern and international levels,
  • Recall regional, Middle Eastern, and international governance regulations and recommendations.
  • Identify proposed good governance practices,
  • Train Board Secretaries in Governance Best Practices:
  • optimizing organizational structures and enhancing departmental coordination.
  • Address dysfunctions and poor governance practices through effective governance systems.
  • Define the responsibilities and prerogatives of board secretaries within the company’s governance framework.
  • Upgrade to internationally adopted standards and best practices

The speaker


MODULE 2

Functioning of board secretaries and Specialized Committees, Risk management, efficiency and performance of companies and banks

📍Dubaï, Sustainable City

Module objectives:
  • Understand the functioning, roles, responsibilities and composition of a Board members,
  • Understand the role of the Board and its contribution to corporate governance,
  • To define the place, roles and missions assigned to specialized committees,
  • Understand the concept of risk, master risk management and draw up risk maps,
  • Identify the interactions between governance and risk management, master the regulations and provisions in force governance and risk management,
  • Identify best practices in auditing, internal control and risk management,
  • Set up a high-performance information system and control the profitability/risk ratio,
  • Develop value-creating strategies and manage corporate performance

The speaker


MODULE 3

International economic, social and climate trends and new ESG requirements

📍Dubaï, Sustainable City

Module objectives:
  • Recall the new international and regional context while highlighting the evolution of economic, social and climatic rules and practices in the business world,
  • Identify the main changes in the political, economic, financial and legal framework
  • Preparing and adapting company and bank directors to these changes:
  • Preparing and adapting board secretaries to these changes
  • Better structuring and organization of economic life,
  • Situate the scope of ESG imperatives and their impact on governance and managerial and organizational practices in companies and banks,
  • Identify governance issues and their economic repercussions
  • Develop new visions and practical approaches to governance and management

The speaker


MODULE 4

Advanced Practices for Board Secretaries

📍Online

This intensive two-day module is designed specifically for Board Secretaries, providing them with best practices and advanced knowledge essential for excelling in their roles. Participants will gain insights from an experienced and distinguished Board Secretary, ensuring they are equipped with the latest industry standards and effective strategies.

Module objectives:
  • Interpret and analyze company financial statements and indicators,
  • Define the models and objectives of a company’s financial statements in relation to IFRS,
  • Identify the key points in the financial statements that the Directors should check before closing the annual financial statements,
  • Understand the differences between different financial and accounting concepts (accounting/taxable income; individual/consolidated financial statements) …
  • Develop a company director’s basic knowledge of corporate finance (financial diagnosis, business plan, valuation methods, etc.) …
  • Know how to read and understand statutory auditors’ reports (general report, special report, report on the internal control system, report on an interim financial situation, ).

Day one: Technical Best Practices for Board Secretaries

  • Role and Responsibilities of a Board Secretary
    • Overview of the Board Secretary’s role in modern governance
    • Key responsibilities and expectations
    • Navigating complex legal and regulatory requirements
  • Advanced Board Meeting Management
    • Creating comprehensive and strategic agenda
    • Advanced techniques for accurate and detailed minute-taking
    • Best practices for pre-meeting preparations and post-meeting follow-ups
  • Corporate Governance and Compliance
    • In-depth analysis of corporate governance frameworks
    • Ensuring and auditing compliance with evolving legal and regulatory standards
    • Techniques for managing and mitigating conflicts of interest
  • Advanced Communication and Collaboration
    • Using digital tools for effective communication between the board and management
    • Strategies for building and maintaining strong relationships with board members
    • Managing and securing confidential information with advanced encryption methods

Day two: Strategic Knowledge for Board Secretaries

  • Strategic Contribution of Board Secretaries
      • Enhancing the strategic impact of the Board Secretary
      • Supporting strategic decision-making through data analytics
      • Contributing to board evaluations and development using performance metrics
    1. Risk Management and Crisis Response
      • Advanced techniques for identifying and managing risks
      • Developing comprehensive crisis management plans
      • Role of the Board Secretary in crisis situations and business continuity planning
    2. Case Studies and Practical Exercises
      • Analysis of complex, real-world case studies
      • Interactive exercises and group discussions to tackle advanced scenarios
      • Problem-solving and decision-making simulations
    3. Future Trends and Professional Development
      • Steps to integrate AI into boardroom processes
      • Challenges and considerations (e.g., data privacy, ethical concerns)
      • Best practices for a smooth transition
    4. Q&A Session
      • Addressing participants’ questions and challenges.

    MODULE 5

    Cybersecurity, AI and digital transformation in the boardroom

    📍Online

    Module objectives:
    • Understand Cybersecurity Challenges
    • Harness AI for Strategic Advantage
    • Drive Organizational Digital Transformation
    • Enhance Boardroom Digital Literacy
    • Implement Effective Digital Governance Practices
    • Navigate Regulatory and Compliance Landscapes

    At the end of this module, participants will be able to :

    • Assess and mitigate cybersecurity risks to strengthen boardroom governance.
    • Leverage AI tools for improved decision-making and operational effectiveness.
    • Lead digital transformation initiatives that align with organizational goals.
    • Oversee digital strategies with enhanced digital literacy and competency.
    • Implement effective digital governance practices tailored to organizational needs.
    • Navigate regulatory complexities to ensure compliance and mitigate risks effectively.

    Day one: cybersecurity and digital transformation

    • Interactive Introduction and Icebreaker
      • A quick, engaging activity to introduce participants and set the tone for the day’s cybersecurity focus.
    • Cybersecurity Essentials for Board Members
      • A high-level overview of cybersecurity threats and the board’s role in governance.
      • Group discussion on real-life cyber incidents and their impact on organizations.
    • Board Members’ Personal Cybersecurity Practices
      • Brief interactive presentation on best practices for personal cybersecurity hygiene.
      • Breakout session: Small groups discuss and list their current practices and potential improvements.
    • Leveraging Technology for Security: An Introduction to Board Portal Features
      • Quick overview emphasizing security features of board portals.
    • Understanding self-assessment and debriefing
    • Deep Dive into Board Portal Features
      • Comprehensive presentation covering the full spectrum of board portal features, including document management, meeting organization, and collaboration tools.
      • Use of screen sharing to demonstrate these features live, highlighting their benefits in board governance and efficiency.
    • Best Practices for Implementing Board Portal Solutions
      • Presentation on the step-by-step process for selecting, implementing, and maximizing the use of board portal solutions.
      • Incorporation of case studies to illustrate successful implementations and common pitfalls to avoid.
    • Leveraging Board Portals for Effective Governance
      • Discussion on strategic use of board portal features to enhance decision-making, collaboration, and governance outcomes.
      • Tips for driving adoption among board members and ensuring consistent use.
    • Q&A and Wrap-Up
      • Structured Q&A session, allowing participants to submit questions in advance or live, ensuring all queries are addressed.
      • Summarize key takeaways from the day, emphasizing actionable steps board members can take to enhance their cybersecurity posture and effectively utilize board portal solutions.

    Day two: AI in the Boardroom

    • Overview of AI
      • Introduction of the agenda and objectives of the session
      • Quick icebreaker activity
    • AI Applications in Business
      • Definition and basic concepts of AI
      • Historical context and evolution of AI
      • Current state of AI technology
    • AI Tools and Technologies
      • Use cases of AI in different industries
      • Specific examples of AI in boardroom decision-making
      • Benefits of implementing AI in strategic planning
    • Implementing AI in Your Boardroom
      • Steps to integrate AI into boardroom processes
      • Challenges and considerations (e.g., data privacy, ethical concerns)
      • Best practices for a smooth transition
    • Case Study Discussion
      • Present a real-life case study of AI implementation in a boardroom
      • Group discussion on lessons learned and applicability
    • Q&A and Wrap-Up (10 minutes)
      • Open floor for questions and answers
      • Recap key points and takeaways

    The speakers

    Exclusive Experience in the first net zero residential community of the Middle-East

    Three of the sessions will be conducted in person in The Sustainable City in Dubai, the region’s first operational Net Zero Energy city. These three in-person sessions are invaluable opportunities for networking and hands-on learning, while the remaining two sessions will be held remotely, ensuring accessibility and flexibility.

    Prestigious Certificate from a Globally Recognized University

    Upon completion, your board members will earn an esteemed certificate from Sorbonne Business School. The culmination of this enriching journey will be celebrated with a prestigious diplomation ceremony held at the historic Pantheon-Sorbonne in Paris, adding a touch of grandeur to their achievements.

    Save your spot
    for the program

    Admission procedure: Review of application by admissions committee

    Application period : For the start of the January 2025 intake: August 5 to November 22, 2024

    Contact : Program Manager,Léna Yasmin DRIDI, Legal Counsel & Strategic Partnerships Manager at DiliTrust,,lena.dridi@dilitrust.com

    New! Two pricing options tailored to your needs:

    Tuiton fees: $15,000 *

    Our pricing offers exceptional value, making us a more affordable choice for high-quality training.

    This package includes:

    • Catering: Enjoy delicious and balanced
      meals throughout the training.
    • Accommodation: Stay comfortably in the Sustainable City,
      an eco-friendly and inspiring environment.
    • Certification: Receive a recognized certification
      upon completion of your course.

    Tuiton fees: $10,000 *

    Our pricing offers exceptional value, making us a more affordable choice for high-quality training.

    This package includes:

    • Catering: Enjoy delicious and balanced
      meals throughout the training.
    • Certification: Receive a recognized certification
      upon completion of your course.

    * Discount/Preferential rates
    5%-15% corporate rate

    Companies and organizations benefit from a special discount, based on the number of employees enrolling in programmes. For more details, please contact lena.dridi@dilitrust.com