On top of the world

Did our risk assessment for attending the World Conference cover standing on chairs?! When asked that question by a former International Commissioner who spied the above photo on Facebook, we assured her that we had at least removed our shoes before clambering up. In all honesty, though, I'm not sure any of us could have foreseen how we would react when Nadine El Achy, the outgoing Chair of the World Board, announced that Girlguiding UK member Nicola Grinstead would be her successor.

All WAGGGS conferences held at World level or Region level include an election. Candidates spend time talking to delegates about the skills, knowledge and experience they hold which equip them to steer the strategy of WAGGGS set at the Conference. The top requirement in the person specification for World Board members is a commitment to the aims and objectives of WAGGGS and a proactive and interest and enthusiasm in shaping and advising on the future of the organization. 

The World Board is made up of twelve members elected at the World Conference and the five Chairs of the WAGGGS Regions (Africa, Arab, Asia Pacific Europe, Western Hemisphere). Members serve a term of three years and the cycle sees six stepping down and six elected at each World Conference.

Yesterday the Conference voted in six new members of the World Board: Anne Guyaz (Switzerland), Connie Matsui (USA), Haifa Ourir (Tunisia), Nadine Kaze (Burundi), Natasha Hendrick (Australia) and Ana Maria Mideros (Peru). We send them all our warmest congratulations.

The new Board then elected their Chair and we were over the moon to hear they chose Nicola for the most senior volunteer position in WAGGGS. Nicola has been involved in international activities over many years, was a Trustee for Girlguiding UK between 2006-11 and has been Vice Chair of the World Board since her election at the Edinburgh Conference in 2011. 

It was a once-in-a-generation moment to see a UK member elected to be Chair of the World Board and I admit one I found overwhelming. At a reception we hosted in honour of Nicola last night Angela and I spoke about her many qualities - including her vision, her strong commitment to Guiding and her constantly positive attitude whatever the challenge - which make her ideally suited to lead our worldwide movement. We are enormously proud.