Ninth Conference of Spouses of Heads of State and Government of the Americas

I am very pleased to welcome you to the Ninth Conference of Spouses of Heads of State and Government of the Americas.

The title of this year’s Conference, "Women of the Americas: Agents of Change", reflects our shared mission to contribute to evolution and progress throughout the hemisphere.

This year’s themes — "A Healthy Start: Investing in Children 0 - 6" and "Women’s Health" — reflect our collective desire to represent, speak for, and protect the interests of all those in our hemisphere whose voices are too often quelled or ignored. In bringing us together, this conference allows us to seek out and forge new partnerships, and to engage relevant sectors in advancing the social and economic well-being of children and women throughout the Americas.

For the first time this year, the Conference of Spouses includes a non governmental organization (NGO) fair — where NGOs dedicated to the improvement of conditions for early childhood development and to the well-being of women throughout the hemisphere will have an opportunity to network and build international linkages. This new event will also enable the exchange and dissemination of useful information on multilateral initi tives and potential funding sources.

I look forward to the sharing and discussion of all our views, in the knowledge that all ideas are welcome and important, if we are to identify and promote solutions to the economic and social challenges of our hemisphere.

Aline Chr�tien
Conference Chair
Canada