Figure 1. WCN XX Presentations.
WFN takes stock and makes preparations during the years in between World Congresses. The WFN was successful with its Marrakesh Congress, thanks to our Moroccan organizers. The “With Africa, For Africa” slogan worked extremely well. The attendance of 3,217 delegates from 125 countries exceeded expectations, and the scientific material presented was of a high standard. (See Figure 1 at right and Figure 2.) The quality and participation were excellent.
The Marrakesh WCN was also a financial success. In the face of global austerity and the North African Arab spring, there was a handsome profit for all parties. The WFN decided in 2008 to allocate 20 percent of net profit to the Africa Initiative under the leadership of past President Aarli. The total profit was Euros 418,000. This is available for programs in Africa under the auspices of the Africa Initiative and with the full agreement of the WFN trustees.
Raad Shakir
WCN 2013 in Vienna is the next step for the WFN. Our Austrian colleagues are working hard to make all of the arrangements for a successful meeting, arrangements that are available to all, including funding for traveling fellowships. The sponsorship is so far healthy, and we hope that it will continue to be so. The role of the WFN in promoting neurology across the globe is galloping ahead and is made possible by availability of resources. As the elected officer responsible for finances, I encourage all neurologists from across the globe to participate in our congresses and our activities. Learning about these is now made easier with our new and revamped website.
Our financial adviser has assured that our investments continue to ride the storm of the financial meltdown, and they have performed well. It is important to emphasize that our independent financial adviser totally avoids any investment in unethical products such as those related to the tobacco or arms industries. I will provide details to all delegates in the annual audited report in September during the WCN 2013 in Vienna. This also means that we now have the ability to spend more on grants. In 2012, £150,000 was made available from our funds in grants. The Grants Committee has an application procedure that can be found on our website. We continue to support our regional initiatives in Asia and Latin America; this continues to be a priority. We are heartened by the success of the Asia Oceania Congress in Melbourne, Australia, and the Latin American Congress in La Paz, Bolivia.
The relationship with the World Neurology Foundation came to an end in 2012. This organization was established under President James Toole to act as a vehicle for fundraising under specific U.S. tax rules. After years of negotiations and compromise, the WFN trustees came to the conclusion that the foundation was not performing its duties as the American fundraising arm of the WFN, and an amicable separation occurred. The WFN through its own funds took over all of the commitments to honor named lectures at World Congresses as the funding was no longer available from the Foundation.
Figure 2. France dominated WCN XX participation.
The collaboration with the WHO continues. The major issue in neurology is that of the ICD 11. There are many individuals from the WFN involved, myself included. The process is going well, and the classification is scheduled to be ready in 2015. Another important issue is that of noncommunicable diseases and the inclusion of neurological disorders in that. This is a long term goal and perhaps stroke and dementia are the first topics to be included. The WHO priority is on prevention, and this colors all its work through the United Nations. Neurology should be part of the process but this takes time and perseverance.
The administration of the WFN continues to strive to serve all WFN member societies and committees. It is well appreciated that trustees are elected to serve the member societies and work hard toward that goal.
Shakir is Secretary-Treasurer General of the World Federation of Neurology.
