IWF World Cornerstone Conference in Stockholm, May 2017

Forward thinking has made Sweden one of the most respected nations in the world. It is a global leader in gender equality, human rights, education, technological innovation and environmental stewardship. Those capabilities and traditions give Sweden a special lens through which to consider movements and markets to create a more sustainable world.

I was delighted to attend with members Anne Minto OBE, Alison Maitland, Anne Duncan, Marty Wikstrom, Liza Macdonald, Catherine Ward, Michaela Jedinak, Sandy Stash, Rosalind Kainyah MBE, Noel Harwerth, Kate Jenkins, Harbeen Arora and our administrator Liz Winder.

The Presidents’ Council Meeting kicked off with the customary Presidents’ introductions followed by a most stimulating presentation by Carolyn Carter, President, Women’s Forum of New York entitled “Developing our Credo” and an engaging presentation from Kimberley Cooper-Jaqua, President, IWF Oregon focused on addressing the importance of “Revitalising membership for the Future” providing much food for thought for all IWF forums. This was followed in the afternoon by an overview of the IWF Finances presented by IWF President, Teresa V-F Weintraub and a preview of the new IWF Member Portal to be launched shortly presented by IWF CEO, Stephanie O’Keefe.

The conference programme included a number of stimulating and thought provoking sessions, touching on technology privacy and security and the challenges faced in creating a more healthy and sustainable community In addition to the rich content of the session, there was plenty of time for networking, sharing views and enjoying the cultural delights of the magnificent city of Stockholm and all brought to a wonderful close at the gala dinner in the majestic Ship Hall of the Vasa Museum listening to the sounds of ABBA - thank you IWF and IWF Sweden.

Julie Goldstein, Chair, IWF UK