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International Bulletin - Fall 1997

PPSEAWA's 20th International Strengthening Alliances for a Better World Toward the 21st Century

From 22 countries they came! 345 members of PPSEAWA and five women from countries new to PPSEAWA - Papua New Guinea, Russia and the Solomons, all guests of PPSEAWA USA and Nestle SA.

The meetings were led by Her Majesty Queen Halaevaly Mata'aho of Tonga, presented by Her Majesty the Raja Permaisun Agung of Malaysia, with the keynote address. They continued through the Conference with:

From Vision to Vision - Role of Women's Organizations" presented by Kurasin Sumhadi of Indonesia.

"Mobilizing Resources for Helping Women and Children in Especially Difficult Circumstances" presented by the Reverend Valerie Hogan of New Zealand.

"Promoting Regional and International Cooperation and Understanding for Peace" presented by Thanpuying Sumalee Chartikavanij.

"Women and Governance for a Better World" presented by the Honorable Tan Sri Mohd Zahir Ismail, Minister of National Unity and Social Development.

The closing address "Women-the Way Forward" by the Honorable Datin Seri Dr. Siti Hasmah, President of the Committee of the Economic Advancement of Rural and Island Women and Patron of PPSEAWA Malaysia.

From Tuesday 26 August -Friday the 29th, there were:

Discussion groups on themes of the Conference, very lively and intellectually stimulating.

Country reports - one by each of the PPSEAWA Associations.

Business meetings - chaired successively by Dr. Elizabeth-Louise Girardi, president; and the vice presidents.

Saturday morning the 30th was "UN Day"

with a most informative and inspiring presentation by Neil Buhne, Acting Regional Representative of UNDP about gender equality. Further, he answered many general questions about various aspects of UN activities. His wide knowledge of the UN was made clear by many aspects of the work not known to PPSEAWA members.

There were lunches and dinners hosted by PPSEAWA Malaysia and supported by the Malaysian firms which contributed so generously to this Conference. Following dinner each evening were the Cultural Presentations of each Association.

There was an impressive tree planting of 400 trees - each planted by those in attendance, led by Dr. Siti Hasmah, members of the International Council, the Malaysian Conference Committee and many, many PPSEAWA members.

The Conference was concluded by the Patrons Dinner on the 1st of September and the Farewell Luncheon on the 2nd. Both were very special meals with much visiting and farewelling. Following the Patrons Dinner, there was song and dance by the Prime Minister and his wife much to the delight of all PPSEAWA members, many of whom waited in turn, or cut in, to dance with the Prime Minister.

Note: The printed reports of all presentations, country reports and those of the Representatives to the UN are in print and were available to all who attended the Conference.

Last Modified: November 29, 2002