Day 1: all about learning

The first day of the 13th Asia Pacific Regional Conference and the GGA delegation was raring to go!

In the first part of the morning we were introduced to the WAGGGS conference app which includes electronic voting capabilities, and we went through the opening conference business such as the adoption of rules of procedure and selection of the procedural team.

Next up were the presentations by the candidates standing for election to the Asia Pacific Regional Committee for the next 3 years.  There are 8 candidates, including GGA's very own Bronwyn Hughes who gave a fantastic speech. 

The elections will be happening later in the week so we have plenty of time to learn about the other candidates in order to identify who is best placed to lead the AP Region through the next triennium.

Aussie Susan Campbell, who is on the WAGGGS Nominations Committee, facilitated the candidates' presentations.

 
Next up was the Opening Ceremony, which included fantastic displays of Taiwanese culture including a Lion Dance by local elementary school children. (You can watch the Facebook live stream here).  We have felt very welcome in Taiwan.



The afternoon sessions provided us with insights into the direction of WAGGGS including some significant recent changes. These sessions were shared with members of Friends of Asia Pacific WAGGGS which also included a number of Australians.  FAPW provide significant financial support to Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting in the AP Region.


Finally the day ended with learning about all the 22 Asia Pacific countries represented at this conference during the international night market - what a buzz of energy and friendship!