Dear friends,
A little bit more than 2 years ago in Milan, you chose me as the President of this
great organisation for a second term. Privilege that I have made my life and priority.
The past two years have been hard for our organisation. Internal and external forces
have tried to destroy what we have built together for more than a hundred years.
The work we have done together in benefit of pure-bred dogs around the world. Everywhere
in the WORLD, from Peru to Egypt. From Vietnam to The Netherlands. From Norway to
China.
"Dogs are Man's Best Friend". It's a sentence we hear often, but it is often used
without a full understanding of the implications.
What does it mean?
“Dog are Man's Best Friend" means that it is our responsibility to care, protect
and defend
them. We need to protect their wellness, their future and their existence.
As the World's most important organisation, we should not forget our main mission
to protect and preserve dogs worldwide.
With so many external entities trying to disrupt our main objective we should stand
together with one voice to protect not only our dogs, but our right to enjoy our
beloved sport and passion. We need to protect cynology around the world.
Together we will maintain the relevance and continuity of the FCI. Together we will
learn from each other. Together we will defend each other.
In 2015 I presented the FCI Agenda 2020. A comprehensive 5-year plan to take the
FCI to the next decade. A plan that would lead the discussions of the cynological
world and the FCl. We have been faithful to the agenda, but more must be done.
In two years we have achieved great steps, but 2 years is not enough to implement
the necessary changes in this complex and global organisation.
For the second half of the FCI Agenda 2020 we will focus on four pillars: Youth,
Dog Breeding, Innovation and Unity.
- Youth will always be a priority for me. It is over said (but completely true) that
youth is the future of the world. I will continue to support our FCI Youth
initiative,
with a scholarship programme and incentives for the youth to take part of the future
of this organisation.
- Responsible dog breeding. We will support responsible dog ownership and breeding
campaigns around the world. We will defend and support responsible dog breeders
in each of our member countries against anything that threaten their existence.
At the same time, we will advocate against dog cruelty anywhere in the world by
spreading the cynological spirit everywhere around the world.
- Innovations. We will continue to innovate in our processes to benefit our members.
As an organisation we will evolve and adapt. And I will continue to listen to our
members to make the FCI a modern and dynamic organisation for the generations to
come.
- Unity. It does not have to be so hard to find and agree on what we agree. I am committed
to maintain this organisation together and growing. Embracing our cultural differences
and promoting cooperation between us. Learning from each other. From our mistakes
and from our victories. Only together we can defeat those who want our existence
to end.
The FCI Agenda 2020 is not written on a rock. It is a dynamic concept that is fed
by your suggestions, your questions, your ideas, by your voice. Be the voice of
those who cannot speak for themselves.
Let's speak up for our beloved dogs.
I want to invite you to think big for the FCI, for our Dogs.
Thank you for your trust and respect.
Rafael de Santiago
FCI President
Thuin: showcasing the canine world!