BPW International Congress in St. Kitts and Nevis - 17-21 November 2024

BPW International Theme 2021-2024

New Actions Through Cooperation

Welcome Messages

Dr. Catherine Bosshart, BPW International President 2021-2024

Dear BPW Members and Guests,

 

A very warm welcome to you all on the colourful island of St. Kitts and Nevis. When you come to hold this Workbook in your hands you will already have experienced a bit of the island spirit at the airport or at the pier of Saint. Kitts. Different air, the sunshine and a light breeze will have accompanied you on your way from the plane to the airport building or to the taxi.

 

Seven years after the last  physical face to face Congress, it is our great pleasure to see you here in this Caribbean paradise. May the relaxed atmosphere inspire our business sessions and influence our personal encounters.  Conferences and Congresses give us a feeling of togetherness and belonging to a women’s organisation which extends over five continents and 120 countries. Quite often lifelong friendships spanning continents and languages are formed during a Congress.

You may have heard about the difficult decisions we had to take to come to here. I would like to thank Olga Ahumada, the president of BPW Argentina, for her understanding that we had to transfer the Congress from the Latin-American Continent to the North-American and Caribbean Region. She had worked so hard with her team to prepare for Congress.  Unfortunately, the economic situation became unpredictable which forced us to come to the Caribbean.

 


On the other hand, my heartfelt gratitude goes to Regional Coordinator Dawne Williams who was willing to jump in at such a short notice and help us to set up this event on her island. We were received here with so much enthusiasm and support, that our XXXI Congress will hopefully be a great success and the experience of a lifetime. My gratitude goes also to Ambassador Dr. Christine Walwyn who supported as in her profession as event organiser. 

 

Her Excellency, Dame Marcella Liburd, Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the Honorable Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Terrance Drew, gave us a warm welcome and invited as all to a dinner reception. We are very grateful to both of them for this generous gesture  and are looking forward to welcome them at the opening Ceremony and the Gala Dinner. 

 

Organising a Congress is always the work of many hands and minds. All my heartfelt thanks go to my staff: the President’s Office Director, Marie Gertrude Morel, and her colleague, Reham Abdelkadher, and to the communication officer, Ursula Schmid and the translators who worked overtime to get out the documents for the business sessions of the Congress. Daniela Rigassi and Carole Shaw volunteered over many months as Congress Organisers and did a fabulous job.

 

My deepest gratitude goes to CAC Chair, Carolyn Savage, who did over 18 months volunteer  work together with the CAC Committee and the Executive on the Constitution and on a communication campaign in all regions.

 

Last, but not least I would like to show my gratitude to the local and international volunteers. Without their helping hands, a smooth proceeding of the XXXI International Congress would not be possible. We are so happy to have you in Saint Kitts. Hoping that you will all spend a fabulous time on the paradise island, I am looking forward to meeting you all there.

 

Dr. Catherine Bosshart

International President, 2021-2024

Dawne Williams, BPW International Regional Coordinator North America & The Caribbean 2021-2024

My Dear BPW Sisters, esteemed guests, and distinguished delegates from around the world,

 

It is with great delight that I welcome you to this our 31st  triennial Congress of Business and Professional Women, here in beautiful St. Kitts and Nevis. 

 

This year, we close under the inspiring theme: "New Actions through Cooperation," which is deeply etched in the tapestry of our triennium  2021–2024 and resonates well in our fast-evolving world. 

As we pause to reflect on the challenges we face as organisation, it is essential and timely to recognise that our strength lies in unity and collaboration. Let us use this time together to forge new pathways and create innovative solutions that empower not only ourselves but also the communities we serve.

 

Throughout this Congress, we will explore a variety of topics that highlight the importance of cooperation in driving meaningful change, to take our esteemed organisation forward. From networking opportunities to panel discussions featuring thought leaders and industry experts, we are excited to provide a platform where ideas can flourish, partnerships can evolve, participants can understand the constitution and value of this august organisation. 

 

 


By sharing our experiences and insights, we aim to inspire each other to take bold actions that align with our shared vision of progress and equality, in keeping with our collective goals and mission. As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the spirit of teamwork and commit to supporting each other in our pursuit of excellence. 

Each of you brings unique perspectives and talents that enrich our mission. I encourage you, therefore, to engage fully, connect with other participants and seize the opportunities that arise during our time together. This is a prime opportunity for us, as BPW Sisters, to turn our shared ambitions into reality and pave the way for a brighter future for all! 

 

Please remember to take some time out to relax and venture deeper into our “Two islands one Paradise” Federation. Welcome to St. Kitts Nevis and welcome to BPW Congress 2024!

 

Dawne Williams

Regional Coordinator for North America & The Caribbean 2021-2024