The Presidents' Fund for IFLA Participation from the Developing World

PRESS RELEASE: for immediate release
December 1997

by IFLA Headquarters

In its December 1997 meeting the IFLA Executive Board has agreed to establish

THE PRESIDENTS' FUND FOR IFLA PARTICIPATION FROM THE DEVELOPING WORLD

The establishment of the Fund marks the end of the IFLA Presidency of Robert Wedgeworth (1991-1997) and is a response to an initiative by the U.S. Association Members of IFLA and many of his IFLA friends worldwide.

The Presidents' Fund will be an endowed fund to assist colleagues in the developing world by furthering their IFLA participation. This focus on assisting colleagues from the developing world reflects Robert Wedgeworth's career-long efforts in the developing world.

Fundraising efforts have started in the U.S.A. and will be followed by a federation-wide campaign in early 1998. Contributors to the Fund will be listed on the IFLA Website, with their permission. Contributions in cash will also be solicited during the Amsterdam IFLA Conference (August 1998) to avoid bank charges for smaller amounts, the returns of sales for artefacts, etc. UNESCO coupons will also be accepted.

The Fund is meant to be endowed to such a level that the interest will enable the yearly grant(s). The Fund can also be used as a vehicle for other funders to support Conference Participation based on earmarked contributions for support in given years.

The fund will be managed from IFLA HQ. The Jury will be composed of two representatives from the IFLA Boards and two IFLA staff. The ALP Core Programme Director will act in an advisory role.