Taking a pro-active and pragmatic attitude to the impact of COVID-19, last year we asked you to support an extension of the LI statutes in the expectation that we would be able to convene, in person, for our 63rd Congress in 2021.
In recent weeks some parts of the world have demonstrated great success in the fightback against COVID-19. However, tragically, many more remain gripped by uncertainty while others are suffering the devastating consequences of new variants.
As many of you will know, an LI congress takes many months of planning. While the secretariat and bureau of Liberal International have been monitoring developments closely – consulting with our regional partners and taking inspiration from other international bodies such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union – we are again forced to make a difficult choice.
We will proceed with our 63rd congress online in October 2021 just as so many of our member parties have done in recent months with their respective congresses, conventions, and assemblies.
Together we will present new member parties, elect a new bureau, appoint new committee representatives, adopt resolutions and much more. But our liberal family is a global community and we are committed to ensuring that everyone can safely enjoy equality of access.
In the coming days the secretariat will share an overview of the timeline towards congress – highlighting essential deadlines but should you have any questions in the meantime please do not hesitate to reach out to the secretary-general.
Thank you for your commitment to our global federation and to working with us in these difficult times.
Dr Hakima el Haité
President of Liberal International
William Townsend
Secretary-General of Liberal International
