World Conference of the Associated Country Women of the World

The 31st Triennial World Conference of the Associated Country Women of the World took place in Ottawa, Canada from 26th April until Friday 1st May. Fourteen SWI members from Scotland, accompanied by two husbands and a daughter (observers), attended the Conference in the Westin Hotel, Ottawa.

After settling in on the Sunday, there was an opportunity to attend pre-conference Area meetings with each Area President and have a catch up before the Triennial Conference officially started on the Monday.

The opening ceremony on Monday 27th April was a colourful occasion starting with the Parade of Flags from all the nations present. Magdie de Kock, the ACWW President welcomed everyone before introducing Claudette Commanda, Elder of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation who welcomed the delegates to her Community. Following her address, the Mayor of Ottawa, Mark Sutcliffe welcomed the delegates to the City of Ottawa. At the conclusion of the speeches, all delegates joined in the singing of the “Song of Peace” which was written by Lloyd Stone and sung to the well-known tune “Finlandia” by Jean Sibelius. Beautiful words to a beautiful tune.

Magdie de Kock thereafter presented he Presidential Address before declaring the Conference open.

The remainder of the week was taken up with a wide and diverse range of business which included the Triennial Report of the work of ACWW and much voting on some 21 Resolutions, Recommendations and elections to the Board of Trustees.

The first guest speaker, Sunshine Tenasco, a visionary entrepreneur, social champion, author and community leader from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabe in Quebec, took to the stage on Tuesday morning and spoke about childcare, equitable employment and learning from the community. Throughout the week several guest speakers attended and gave presentations on a wide range of topics ranging from livelihood enhancement and economic initiatives in Papua New Guinea to localising UNESCO priorities and impact.

In addition to guest speakers, the Deputy World President, Judith Juma updated delegates on membership and knowledge sharing while all the Area Presidents reported to conference at different times on the schedule.

On the Wednesday all the delegates accompanied by the observers enjoyed a selection of interesting tours and visits to places of interest. Local WI members very kindly provided greatly appreciated packed lunches at the various venues. Wednesday 29th April also marked “ACWW Day” which was celebrated back at the Conference Centre before we all made our way to the Canadian Museum of History for the Gala Dinner. The museum is a beautiful building situated close to the Ottawa River. During the Dinner delegates were entertained by traditional dancers.

During the week various tours were organised for the husbands and family members who accompanied delegates.

The closing ceremony reflected on the past three years of activity and the introduction of the new Board of Trustees who will represent ACWW for the next three years. The incoming members of the Board were presented with their respective Badges of Office, and the Scottish ladies were extremely proud to witness Anne Kerr, Past National President of SWI, being formally greeted on stage as the new European President and take her place alongside the Honorary Treasurer, Angela Cassels a member of SWI on the Island of Arran. The closing ceremony ended with the new World President, Marie Kenny from Prince Edward Island being presented with her Badge of Office after which she addressed Conference.

The Conference was extremely friendly providing the opportunity to meet up with old friends and make many new friends. We now look forward to the next world conference which will take place in Killarney, Ireland in 2029. At that Conference we will be celebrating the Centenary of ACWW.

Before then however, the next European Conference will take place in Iceland in 2028

Written by Ann McGhee, ACWW Scottish Co-ordinator