The 23rd Global Summit of Women exceeded far beyond my expectations. It was very well-organized and I could tell that the Malaysian government agencies’ involved gave their best to make the 1,100 women’s stay in Malaysia most memorable. They made each and everyone of us feel welcome and important.
On the last day of the summit, the Crown Prince of Malaysia gave a speech on the involvement of men in diversity programs.
Pepsico’s female president, Indra Nooyi was a perfect choice for the CEO dialogue with Irene Natividad before the formal closing ceremony.
She was born and raised in India. When she and her husband living in the US, she didn’t want to bring her little kids to the day care center under the care of strangers. They rotated every relative they had from India, brought them to India every 3 months. Two weeks for touristic activities, and the two and a half months to stay in their house to keep eye on their children.
She said her husband keeps complaining that her priorities are Pepsico, Pepsico, Pepsico, children, parents, relatives, then husband.
Indra half-serious-half-jokingly said husband should be lucky he made it on the list.
The GSW organizing committee, headed by Philippine born Irene Natividad, was also on their toes through-out the 3-day conference, and everything went smoothly as planned. And since they’ve been doing this event year after year, I would say that they had every detail covered.
Irene is based in Washington DC, and is married to an Italian.
This year was the biggest so far, credit that to the internet and social media.
In the past, mailers and flyers had to be sent thru postal office. Now, word could travel the world in 0.1 second.
The biggest delegation came from Mongolia with 82 women. Followed by the following:
China 77, Vietnam 52, South Africa 51, USA 47.
The French ladies were led by Minister of External. They showed several audio visual presentation after the closing ceremony, to invite everyone to Paris in 2014.
Spain had 37, Philippines 31. some of my colleagues brought 3 sests of Filipiniana dresses for all the dinners.
South Korea, who hosst3ed the 2004 summit, came with 28 delegates, Japan 25, Kazakhstan 23, etc.
I would say that the Vietnamese were the best dressed through out the 3 day event.
I’ve heard the delegates saying that this year’s summit was so far the best. Malaysia would be a tough act to follow.
