A Better World is „Made in Romania”: Commit Global & Code for Romania. Decorated by the Romanian President, We Celebrated our Global Expansion and Development of the Infrastructure for Good

A double celebration unfolded for Code For Romania and Commit Global, the international organization spearheading the advancement of digital solutions originating in Romania. Through Commit Global, Romania emerges as the epicenter of global civic technology, exporting digital solutions that are already making a substantial impact on NGOs worldwide, benefiting a minimum of 20 million individuals.

Author: Commit Global

Monday, December 18, 2023: A double celebration unfolded for Code For Romania and Commit Global, the international organization spearheading the advancement of digital solutions originating in Romania. Through Commit Global, Romania emerges as the epicenter of global civic technology, exporting digital solutions that are already making a substantial impact on NGOs worldwide, benefiting a minimum of 20 million individuals.

At the Cotroceni Palace, a distinguished event unfolded on Monday afternoon – the Decoration Ceremony of Code for Romania / Commit Global team, by His Excellency Romanian President Klaus Werner Iohannis. This prestigious acknowledgment is a testament to the team's exceptional contributions during the challenging times of the Covid-19 crisis and the refugee crisis in Ukraine.

Thus, as a sign of high appreciation for the strong civic engagement, the solidarity manifested, the special contribution made to strengthening the capacity and resilience of civil society and to accelerating digitalization in the public sector, as well as the significant impact of the support provided in the management of humanitarian crises that have affected Romania in recent years, President Klaus Iohannis conferred the “Merit for the Promotion of Human Rights and Social Commitment” Order, in the rank of Knight, to Code for Romania / Commit Global.

“What you have managed to build over all these years is truly remarkable, and your ambition propels this project beyond our borders today. You have placed Romania on the international map of civic tech innovation. Your efforts provide a catalyst for authorities to expedite the digitalization of the entire administrative apparatus. Every line of code you write represents more than just an algorithm; it is a step toward normalcy and progress. I am convinced that this moment signifies the beginning of a new significant phase for you and Romania. As the first organization of this scale originates from here, our country becomes a global hub for civic technology,” President Klaus Iohannis said at the ceremony.

The second special moment of this day happened at Mina - Museum of Immersive New Art, where Code For Romania celebrated its eight years of existence, the 56 solutions launched during these eight years, and its positioning on the global map as the largest civic technology organization in the world under the Commit Global brand. Surrounded by valued collaborators from their journey thus far, the organization representatives stated once again its commitment to forge solutions essential for the collective needs of the world, reinforcing the idea that A Better World indeed can be “Made in Romania.”

In front of the Romanian President, Mr. Klaus Iohannis, guests from business, political, media, and academic environments, as well as representatives from embassies and NGOs, Bogdan Ivănel, the founder and president of Code For Romania / Commit Global, said: "We can break down the perceptions and practices that have kept the state apart from civil society for too long. We can work together in public service; we can build infrastructure in Romania. The 56 live solutions and the 260 solutions waiting to be built form the Infrastructure For Good, a complex digital ecosystem that accelerates and streamlines civil society intervention. These 56 critical solutions are indispensable for imagining our future.”

The full speech is available here.

“I applaud you for the way you leverage innovative ideas to serve the people, and I urge you to continue with the same determination to showcase how digital progress can significantly enhance the lives of others, bringing about significant positive changes,” stated President Klaus Iohannis at the event "A Better World is Made in Romania: Commit Global." “Through the robust commitment demonstrated in this direction, you have successfully become the world's largest civic technology organization, positioning the country as a hub for exporting digital solutions and best practices.”

“It is therefore essential for authorities to become genuine partners with non-governmental organizations, facilitating their access to resources and thus supporting this new approach in which technology and innovation become pillars that strengthen the partnership between the government and civil society, ultimately improving the lives of all citizens,” president Klaus Iohannis added.

Code For Romania is the first Romanian NGO to evolve into an international organization under the Commit Global brand, acting as a “digital Red Cross”, already with interventions in key areas worldwide and with support from significant governments. The primary goal is to digitize civil society globally, providing free digital solutions as needed.

Commit Global has already provided civic technology solutions developed and piloted in Romania to other countries, such as monitoring elections in Poland through the “Vote Monitor” digital solution. The same solution will also be used to monitor next year's European Parliament elections.

In eight years, Code For Romania association, born as a response to the Colectiv tragedy in the country, has evolved into a mechanism that has rallied the largest community of civic tech volunteers in the world. It addresses Romania's challenges through free digital solutions, supporting at least 20 million beneficiaries during both crisis periods and times of peace. The organization has played a pivotal role in building critical digital infrastructure during the Covid pandemic and the refugee crisis. Code has successfully engaged all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, administration, and the business sector.

A Better World is ‘Made in Romania’: Commit Global event was also made possible thanks to those who joined us in organizing it.
Our special thanks go to:
Voice over: Irina-Margareta Nistor
Banner graphics: Dan Perjovschi, artist and activist
Mimic-gestural interpretation: Bogdan Anicescu, Romanian Deaf Association
Video footage: Inquam Photos & Dreamstime