Hail, IPRA Friends, Greetings Indonesia!

Our colleagues at the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), several hundreds of them, have begun to fly into Jakarta for their international conference which goes on this week, Feb 3-5. The President this year is the charming powerhouse, Dr. Elizabeth G. Ananto, yes, of Indonesia, and we know that she and her fellow directors have left no stone unturned to make this conference a rousing and long-lasting success

Theme of the Conference is particularly relevant for PR practitioners, Global Reach, Regional Leadership.

While PR has without doubt become truly international, it is high time for us to ask how we, in our particular locations, can assert stronger leadership and get the rest of the world to give us the attention that we deserve.

On the other hand, we also need to give more of the best of ourselves, like our view of the world, on top of our particular needs, to our fellow practitioners beyond our shores.

Two Filipino members of IPRA, are there in Jakarta right now to take part in the discussions. Edd Fuentes, chairman of our Philippine Chapter will attend a meeting of the IPRA Council, and Rene Nieva , President of Perceptions, will make a presentation on how his Agency crafted and made a success of a corporate social responsibility program for one of its clients.

Wish we could join you, Dr. Elizabeth... you have worked mightily hard and relentlessly to bring this gathering to your country. You will make it, and do Indonesia and all of us your colleagues proud.