I hope that you are all well, relaxed and refreshed after the summer break, far from world disorder and unrest. A warm welcome back to all members of the International Forum! I appreciate the vote of confidence placed in me as President of the International Forum. I will strive to live up to your expectations and build on the successes of past presidents, Boards and committees.
First, I would like to share an incident dating back 32 years. As a young diplomat’s ‘trailing spouse’ arriving in an unfamiliar part of the world, I walked confidently into a supermarket and within seconds my self-assurance was shattered. I was in total bewilderment. For the first time in my life, I could not distinguish cream from yoghurt or any item without a picture on the packing. My helplessness overwhelmed and humbled me. Fortunately, I was rapidly rescued by the local and expat community, so the next four years were made easy by a ‘sister’ organisation of the International Forum. I will always remain deeply indebted to their kindness, generosity and friendship.
Therefore, before Grethe Frydenlund could even ask me the ‘question’ in the back of her car in 2001, I said ‘YES I am a member!’ Being with the Foreign Service has meant living in and out of Norway over the past 25 years, so I cannot claim that I know you all and many of you do not know me. What I do know is that I could not have accepted this position without a great team of Board members and Committee leaders. I would like to thank the outgoing Board and the Executive Committee who are the backbone of the Forum. I look forward to working with the new Board.
So, who am I? Saving lives and ensuring no one is left behind is core to the struggle for existence and has shaped my life journey globally, nationally and locally. I am a medical doctor, and like many of you, I am a daughter, mother, wife, friend, colleague and team player. As an Indo-Norwegian with extensive global work experience from the UN, Governments and Academia, I appreciate cultural flexibility and the ability to adapt to and manage change, both personally and professionally. I have been dedicated to my academic ideals, working for change in Global Health by brokering and promoting partnerships across borders and disciplines, between public and private sectors. I sincerely hope my experience and skills will be an asset for the International Forum.
With a new season ahead, I would like to reiterate the International Forum’s brand of inclusion by ensuring that all members feel secure, content and happy. As William Blake said, ‘And we are put on earth a little space, That we may learn to bear the beams of love.’ Love beams like sunbeams and light up our lives. That’s what everyone wants and needs. Here is to International Forum lighting up your lives…
Bernadette Kumar