PRESIDENT'S REPORT

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INTERNATIONAL FORUM FOR CHILD WELFARE

A Message from the President upcoming WorldForum2006

As an IFCW member you are entitled to a reduced registration fee for the WorldForum2006, which will take place November 19 - 22, 2006 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This year's event is shaping up to be exceptional.

In addition to Canadian delegates, a number of IFCW members will be presenting on recent trends, best practice and research. As well, there are a number of prominent international experts scheduled to participate.

Registration and program information is available through the www.IFCW.org website or by going directly to www.WorldForum2006.ca . This event is expected to attract close to 1,000 delegates from Canada, the United States and the rest of the world. I would encourage you to register as soon as possible.

WorldForum2006 will take place at the Fairmount Hotel in the heart of Vancouver, British Columbia.a beautiful world class Canadian city. The conference rate of $80.00 (CAD) for a single and $110.00 (CAD) for a double is outstanding for this 5 star hotel. I would strongly recommend that you make your reservation immediately as the hotel will be filling up quickly with delegates.

Special IFCW event at WorldForum2006

On Monday, November 20, 2006 between 5 - 7:00pm, the Executive Committee of the IFCW will be hosting a special reception for IFCW members and those who are interested in finding out more about our organization. A wine & cheese reception is being co-hosted by the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, New York City and will feature Nigel Fisher, Executive Director of UNICEF Canada, as a guest speaker. At 6:00pm, the annual General Assembly will take place with reports from our Treasurer, the Nominating Committee and a special submission on the IFCW membership survey, which was undertaken earlier this year.

Support for IFCW members from developing countries

To broaden opportunities for global attendance and participation in WorldForum2006, an application has been made for funding for delegates from developing countries who would not otherwise be able to attend. This funding application has been submitted to the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and I would suggest that requests for assistance be submitted through the website at www.WorldForum2006.ca where one can access an application for funding to attend and participate in this event. As soon as we have further information on CIDA funding opportunities, that information will be conveyed through the website.

IFCW and the United Nations

Attached please find a summary of activities with regard to IFCW's participation at the UN in 2005/06. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of Executive Committee member, Elba Montalvo of the committee for Hispanic Children and Families, New York City and her staff for volunteering as IFCW members to represent the IFCW at the United Nations in the New York. As well, I would like to thank IFCW member Peter Hesse for representing the IFCW at the UN in Geneva. Last month you received an email from Peter regarding recent information out of Geneva with regard to the Human Rights Council.

In September, Elba and I will be attending the 59 th Annual Department of Public Information/NGO Conference at the United Nations in New York and will report back thereafter with any relevant information.

Membership Fees

To a great extent, the future and success of IFCW rests with its members and their capacity to step forward and support the work as volunteers. I am most grateful to all who have contributed to date in making this year a success.

Membership dues are IFCW's sole source of income. For those who have already provided payment, I would like to thank you for your continued support. For those who have not yet submitted their payment, I would encourage that you do so as soon as possible.

Respectfully submitted,

Bruce Rivers

President

July 2006

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