Time does tick away. Last year, we had the presidential election and political rotation but the globe was suffering from financial tsunami. One year later up to now, the government and business sectors have worked hard together and economy in Taiwan has gradually stabilized and recovered. National Council of Women of Taiwan, R.O.C firmly supported the government and worked together with their hearts in the difficult time. It was few and far between and commendable to pay outstanding contribution in the hard time of the nation.

In the review of the past year, Member of Board and all members worked in unison, responsible for their own duties and turning expertise to good account. They zealously and eagerly engaged in international affairs and there was progress in both quality and quantity of the service ministry. They were honest and humble when interchanging with other women's associations, drawing on experience to successfully promote thriving affairs of the council. These are all contributed to every member's support and devotion. Only selfless dedication can achieve excellent team accomplishment.

The Council will have attended four international conventions by this year, which are The 53rd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York on March 2nd to 13th, Global Summit of Women 2009 in San Diego, Chile on May 14th to 16th, The 118th Assembly of The General Federation of Women's Club (GFWC) in Cleveland, the USA on June 13th to 15th and International Council of Women (ICW) Conference and Regional Meetings in Johannesburg, South Africa on October 13th to 19th.

The Council not only elects delegates to the conferences listed above but also runs in election as ICW Member of Board and Counselor to have representatives from other countries understand Taiwanese women's insight and capability. It is also a golden opportunity to strengthen national diplomacy. Every time representatives of The Council attend international conferences, they live up to the expectations and express comprehensive views on each subject. Taiwanese women's image and work both get highly acclaimed.

This year Global Orientation Party Chairwoman Ms. Padmini Durr will come to visit and there will be a particularly rare occasion that Deputy Executive Director Dr. Atiquallah Ebadi and Manager of Finance, Research and Technique Mr. Adib of SHUHADA ORGANIZATION in Afghanistan come from afar. Besides, I will take the responsibility of international contact with the "Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women" non-governmental organization alternative report convened by The Garden of Hope Foundation. It will be an outstanding performance to write an article on women's right advocated by non-governmental women groups and to publish it on ICW quarterly magazine this February.

Because we wholeheartedly dedicate to the nation and bring well-being to the disadvantaged women and children island wide, Executive Yuan thinks highly of us and appoints Director General Li Fang-hui as a commissioner in the 7th Commission on Women's Rights Promotion, which signifies hard work brings success.

National Council of Women of Taiwan (R.O.C) unites all domestic women groups to participate in international women movement, which is contributory and highly valued. Every member not only has fervor and professional skills but also enjoys cultivation. Looking ahead into the future year, I believe that all members will certainly have strong attempts to achieve success and it will not only make us cherish what we had but also keep us making efforts to explore the future.