How Boards Can Drive Meaningful Reconciliation in 2026

This year marks 20 years since the introduction of Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs), alongside the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week.  Around 3,500 organisations now have RAPs, but meaningful reconciliation is about more than commitments on paper. It calls for leadership, accountability and sustained oversight from the board.  In this episode, Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine explores the board's role in turning commitment into impact. She discusses what distinguishes effective RAPs from box-ticking exercises, how directors can oversee progress and accountability, and why reconciliation remains a strategic governance issue. Karen also shares lessons from two decades of RAPs and outlines the leadership needed to drive meaningful change.  We cover: (05:00) What a Reconciliation Action Plan is, and why organisations choose to develop one.  (06:10) The board's role in governing a successful RAP. (08:50) Practical steps for organisations developing their first RAP. (18:00) How directors can distinguish between activity and meaningful outcomes. (22:30) How smaller organisations can engage with First Nations people.     Learn more:  Reconciliation Australia – www.reconciliation.org.au   AICD guide on creating a great Reconciliation Action Plan - https://www.aicd.com.au/company-policies/reconciliation-action-plan/reconciliation-action-plan.html  Connect:  Karen Mundine on LinkedIn - https://au.linkedin.com/in/karen-mundine-87412b61   AICD on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/school/australianinstituteofcompanydirectors/ Kulja Coulston on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulja-coulston/ Bennett Mason on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennett-mason-10517336/  This episode Director Download was produced on the traditional lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples. We  recognise First Nations peoples' cultural and spiritual relationships to the Skies, Land, Waters, and Seas, and their rich contribution to society.