MESSAGE TO THE 9TH WORLD CONGRESS OF CONSULS
NOVEMBER 2009
IZMIR,TURKEY.
Sir Kenneth Hall
The 9th World Congress of Consuls of November 2009 will long be remembered for two distinguishing features. The first is the location, the second is the theme. The selection of the location at Izmir in Turkey is to be commended for the beauty of the site and for the well established reputation of the officials and people of Izmir for their generous hospitality. Of equal significance is the fact that the Congress is being hosted in turkey whose historic role as a bridge between diverse cultures, especially from Europe and Asia is well known. As a member of G20, Turkey plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the voices of the majority of countries in the world are heard at the table where major global decisions are being taken.
We extend our sincere congratulations and indebtedness to the city of Izmir and the Republic of Turkey for being such gracious hosts. May I commend the President and Members of the World Federation for the selection of the visionary theme “Collaboration of Economic and Social Prosperity” The theme sends an urgent message that the achievement of a sustainable global prosperity will depend on the co-operation and collaboration of the global community. By adopting such a strategic theme, the World Congress is signaling a renewed capacity to provide a vision of hope that can influence the governments and people of its membership to adopt programmes that could lead to economic and social prosperity.
The decisions and conclusions that will emerge from your discussions will, in time, find their way into the deliberations of groups like the G20 and organizations like the United Nations of which Turkey is an important member.
I am confident that this Congress will be historic and enjoyable. My only regret is that my wife and I are unable to join you on this occasion as planned.
Best wishes for a successful Congress.
Sir Kenneth Hall, ON, CGMG, OJ
Former Governor General of Jamaica.
