What an extraordinary week it has been!
Both the Governors’ Meeting (GM) and the SIE Congress were enormously successful, celebrations of our collective spirit, purpose, and the power of global sisterhood.
We were joined by Soroptimists from every corner of the world – from Malaysia in the East, to Washington State in the West, from North of Norway to Africa in the South. It was especially heartwarming to welcome our 27 sisters from Kenya, now proudly part of the African Federation.
Governors' Meeting 2025
Thanks to excellent preparation and the steady guidance of HQ, the GM ran seamlessly and in a spirit of collaboration.
Participants heard inspiring updates from our board teams where Membership Development continues to empower through scholarships, the Leadership Academy, and Mentoring, while strengthening ties with Single Clubs through visits and regular communication. While the Organisational Development safeguards our finances, Constitution & By-Laws, and Strategic Plan, ensuring we work efficiently and purposefully toward our shared goals, the Advocacy, Awareness, Action (Triple A) drives our vision forward through strong local programmes that give us the voice to advocate for women and girls worldwide.
We also elected a new board for 2026–2027 and a President for 2028–2029. I would like to congratulate all those elected! The meeting concluded with a warm and joyful dinner; a time to reconnect with old friends and welcome new ones.
SIE Congress
Just hours after the GM concluded, the SIE Congress began – a smooth transition from governance to celebration and inspiration.
For two years, the Congress Team worked tirelessly to prepare every detail: from engaging keynote and panel speakers and eight thought-provoking breakout sessions to 32 inspiring project posters. Although Anna Wszelaczyńska chaired the Congress and I served as SIE President, special recognition goes to Mihaela Aquelius, whose knowledge, great skills and dedication made the 2025 SIE Congress such an outstanding success.
The feedback has been overwhelming – hundreds of messages across all channels describing it as the best Congress ever. Your appreciation truly makes every hour of preparation worthwhile – thank you!
The Congress themes, Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence (AI), inspired deep reflection and practical ideas to bring home and turn into action.
A highlight was the beautifully performed interlude of Chopin’s music at the start, and the teenagers singing “We are the World” after the presentation of the well-deserved Peace Prize awarded to Hamida Aman from Afghanistan.
After the Change of Insignia from myself, SIE President to Sabine Reimann and from SI President Siew Yong Gnanalingam to Renata Trottmann-Probst, and the presentation of the SI Convention in 2027 the Congress closed with the beautiful song “A Global Voice” written by Trond Henriksen with the help of AI for the Soroptimist Club of Halden in Norway (A global voice – Trond Henriksen) which made us all both proud and emotional.
The Congress concluded in true Soroptimist style, with over 700 participants sharing a joyful dinner and dancing late into the night!
Together, we continue to empower, inspire, and take action for women and girls everywhere. Thank you for your passion, your service, and your unshakable commitment to our mission.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Hafdís Karlsdóttir
SIE President 2024-2025