As Chair of the International Federation of Training and Development Organizations, I am very honored to work with the world's HR and HRD Human Resources Development (HRD) professionals to promote HRD solutions to address the critical economic, social, environmental and technological issues facing us all.

IFTDO is a federation of organizations affiliated as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and other bodies with a global focus and impact. IFTDO's vision is to be a unique and effective resource to the HRD profession working GLOBALLY for the betterment of life. IFTDO has as its fundamental and driving mission, to promote the concept of HRD as an effective tool, across all sectors of society, in order to increase personal and organizational effectiveness. Our annual conferences continue to play a significant role as a global forum for learning and sharing in the area of organization and people development.

IFTDO has implemented and continues to provide the IFTDO Global Human Resources Development Awards. This program recognizes high performing, innovative and impactful organizations. By sharing their success stories, award winners have made significant contributions and will continue to add to our base of shared knowledge and experience.

IFTDO is a global federation with a truly international Board. If we are to make a real, valuable and lasting global impact, we need to always be concerned with outreach and strategic partnerships. In this regard, we have benefitted greatly from the efforts of Ebrahim Al Dossary, who is the current Chair of the Resources Committee, Bob Morton, who has been instrumental in identifying and involving strategic partners, and our Secretary General, Dr. Uddesh Kohli, who remains actively involved with the United Nations.

I have had the privilege of learning from and working with a series of very able leaders, who have chaired the IFTDO Board over my years on the Board, including Dr. Abdel Bari Durra (Jordan), Ebrahim Al Dossary (Bahrain), Ray Bonar (Ireland) and Bob Morton (UK). Each of them has made significant contributions to our field.

I look forward to continuing to work with an energetic Board comprised of professionals dedicated to advancing the mission and vision of IFTDO and serving our member organizations.

                                                                                                                                Carol Panza
                                                                                                                                   Chair of the Board