July 7th - Day One of the World Conference

July 7th, 2008.

As I sat in the main conference hall with the 600 or so other participants, I was struck by how overwhelming an experience it is to see the diversity of peoples present while simultaneously realizing we have come together to share a common dream and work towards similar goals. Imagine a conference hall lined with delegate tables where the various country names are identified for each delegation. In my mind this was an obvious demonstration of global cooperation. Now imagine that all are wearing their respective Girl Guide or Girl Scout uniforms. To me this image represents the diversity that exists within our organization as well as the commitment we have towards our common goals.

The day was filled with welcomes, introductions, some business matters and celebration as well. We started off the morning getting an introduction to the World Board, special guests and announced regrets. We then proceeded to recite our respective Girl Guide promises in our respective tongues all at once.

This was followed by the triennial report on WAGGGS finances presented by the treasurer of the Board, Della Salway, an introduction to the conference and an unveiling of the centenary slogan and plans.

After a keynote address by Graca Machel (*see blog entry on her keynote address), we were introduced to the seven candidates for the World Board. They were each given three minutes to address the conference and promote their candidacy. The candidates are:

Gabriella Derosa – Argentina
Nadine El Achy – Lebanon
Lamprini (Teta) Karampeko – Greece
Wamuyu Mahinda – Kenya
Zahara Mavani – Pakistan
Eugenia Mbekeni – South Africa
Sapreet Saluga – USA
Christina L. Yuson – Phillipines
Camilla Lindquist - Sweden

Subsequently, we learned about the Olave Award which is given to recognize the world of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in communities.

An exhibition of WAGGGS initiatives opened in the afternoon, and in the evening we were delighted to partake in the official opening ceremonies of the World Conference. There was South African singing and dancing (which I always find so moving), an address by the Deputy President of South Africa and the highlight was the official inauguration of the newly approved Full Members (Burundi, Chad, Dominica, Hungary, Malawi and Russia) and Associate Members (the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lithuania and Syria) to WAGGGS.

All in all it was a very successful first day.