JCI Guinea delegation in Johannesburg
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With flare and fanfare, the JCI African and Middle Eastern (Area A) Conference opened on May 2, 2007, at the Pavilion of the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg, South Africa. JCI Executive Vice President Landry Ahlonsou chaired this memorable and enjoyable event, which lasted until May 5.
Hundreds of JCI members traveled to Johannesburg from Africa and the Middle East, as well as from other parts of the world, expecting an outstanding Conference. As Ahlonsou indicated, they gathered in Johannesburg to “celebrate brotherhood, to learn, to grow, and to strive to be better so that we create better societies in Africa and the Middle East.”
Among JCI Board members introduced on stage were JCI President Scott Greenlee from the United States; JCI Immediate Past President Lars Hajslund from Denmark; JCI Executive Vice President Landry Ahlonsou from France; JCI Vice Presidents Mounir Baatour from Tunisia, Roland Kwemain from Cameroon, Modupe Olaniyan from Nigeria; and JCI Secretary General Edson Kodama from Brazil.
The Right Place for a Conference
“JCI is pleased to host this Area Conference with the help of JCI South Africa and JCI Johannesburg,” said JCI President Greenlee. “We felt that the world would embrace a Conference in a city with the rich history that Johannesburg has, and based on the registration count, we were right!”
“I feel that it is particularly appropriate that JCI is meeting in a city that has stood for so much,” added Greenlee. “One world, one community” was what 1977 JCI president Ronald Au spoke of in his closing remarks here in Johannesburg at that year’s World Congress. “
“It is this solidarity of purpose for human improvement that distinguishes JCI from other organizations, and perhaps the only feature that assures our continued progress and future,” he noted.
Outstanding Pre-Conference Training
Participants began to arrive on Saturday, April 28, and registered on Sunday, April 29. There was a dinner for JCI Academy participants on Sunday. From April 30 through May 2, well organized PRIME and DESIGNER courses were offered in English and French at the Sandton Convention Center.
Attendance was high. “When I arrived in South Africa on Sunday, there were over 100 Area A members participating in JCI University programs and in the Academy, preparing themselves for leadership opportunities,” said President Greenlee.
“The Pre-Conference Training Program in Johannesburg was more professional than ever,” was pleased to report Günther Meyer, JCI University Manager.
Thanks for Organizing the Conference
President Greenlee thanked all who had contributed to organizing the Conference. “Thanks to the JCI staff, especially the man we call the “King of Africa,” Area director Arrey, for all of their work in preparing this Conference,” said Greenlee.
“Thank you also to our great JCI Area team, led by Executive Vice President and Chairman Landry,” added Greenlee. “And thank you to JCI South Africa President Duduizi Embada, JCI Johannesburg President Oran Cohen, and especially Senator Slauzi Mogami.”
“We are also grateful to our kind sponsors, who have helped and are helping this Conference happen, giving us a chance to build better leaders through our actions this week, leaders who will create better societies for years and years to come,” continued Greenlee. “Thank you so very much and enjoy the Conference!”
“It is our honor to host the 2007 Area A Conference as South Africa and the City of Johannesburg,” said JCI South Africa President Embada.
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