There has been progress on the streamlined Statutes. Skål’s lawyers presented a first draft this month, and the Secretariat responded with some questions and proposed revisions. Once this has been completed, the second draft of the Statutes will be translated and sent to the Governance Directors, likely in the last week of February for their review and suggestions. 

We have prepared our workplan for the year, primarily focused on the Shaping Tomorrow project. There will be a number of discussion papers produced before the March Board meeting for consideration, with a plan to make decisions at the Board’s April meeting. 

The first Governance Committee meeting took place on Monday, February 23rd, with a busy agenda to work through, and lots of Committee work to undertake.

As we are at the early stage of the 2026 cycle, we have focused primarily on preparation, alignment, and strategic planning. Initial discussions and internal consultations have been centered around defining priorities, reviewing existing structures, and exploring potential pathways to strengthen membership development and long-term sustainability efforts with a special focus on “Shaping Tomorrow”.

This foundational phase is essential to ensure that upcoming initiatives are well coordinated, thoughtfully structured, and aligned with the broader objectives of Skål International. Further planning and stakeholder engagement will continue in the coming weeks as we move gradually from preparation toward structured implementation.

Internal PR & Marketing is crucial for our success. We need to equip our members to be brand ambassadors, showcasing the value of Skål membership and our activities. Here are some of our thoughts on Committee Initiatives. 

1. Finance: Develop a "Skål Success Story" campaign highlighting business financial benefits from Skål connections.

2. Governance, Statutes and By-Laws: Launch a "Governance 101" webinar series explaining Skål's structure and policies, develop a visual guide to Skål's governance structure.

3. Sustainability: Create a "Green Skål" branding campaign showcasing eco-friendly initiatives.

4. Sponsorship: Develop a sponsorship package highlighting Skål's reach and engagement opportunities.

5. Technology: Host a "Tec Talk" webinar series. (A spin off from Ted Talk) 

6. Membership:- Launch a "Welcome Series and introductory series" for new members.

7. Congress and International Meetings: Develop a "Skål on the Move" campaign promoting events.

8. Training Committee: Launch a "Skål Academy" series with online courses and workshops.

9. Trade Shows, Global Partnerships and Advocacy: Create a "Skål Connect" platform for global partnerships, develop a "Partnership Spotlight" series, organise regional meet-ups and networking events.

The Executive Board is still reevaluating the best route that we must take to identify the best option for the IT project. Working with Nanobytes to maintain the stability of the current system.

We are pleased to welcome Deputy Director Ville Riihimäki as a new member of the Technology Committee, taking on the role of Co-Chair.

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The main focus during this month was to build the Destination Sponsorship packages. We are in the process of contacting with some of interested destinations. We are pleased to inform that Istanbul has confirmed its interest and is ready to sign the contract.  

Destinations interested in promoting themselves through Skål’s global network are invited to contact Director Deniz Anapa. 

During February 2026, the Skål International Training Committee focused on structuring its implementation approach by consolidating existing training content, refining quarterly priorities, and establishing a clear global dissemination framework to ensure equitable access across regions. The Committee agreed on a standardized cascade model through Club Presidents with implementation to follow finalization of the Training Menu.

Emphasis was placed on concise, user-friendly formats and a multi-format delivery approach (podcasts, quizzes, structured presentations) to support leadership continuity at club level. Discussions also covered recognition mechanisms for contributing Clubs and the potential alignment of training engagement with award criteria. Overall status: On track, with foundational structuring and prioritization progressing and key deliverables scheduled for completion before the next reporting cycle.

The Skål International Finance Committee held its first meeting of 2026 in January, focusing on establishing a shared understanding of its objectives and priorities for the year ahead.  

The Committee reviewed the latest consolidated financial results, noting that the organisation remains in a strong and stable financial position, supported by solid income performance and effective cost control.  

Looking ahead, the Committee will focus on supporting long-term financial sustainability, strengthening governance and transparency, and progressing work on key areas such as sponsorship oversight, IT investment planning, and relevant financial policies to support the organisation’s strategic direction.  

We are thrilled to say registrations are rolling in for the Skål International World Congress 2026. The Congress and International Meetings Committee are carefully developing the programme to ensure it is engaging and relevant for all delegates. The experience in South Africa promises to be truly unforgettable. Don’t delay register now for an early bird deal.

As we look ahead to 2026, Skål International is focused on deepening the connection between our global partnerships, advocacy work, and the activities of our local Clubs. Our goal is to create a clear global to local framework that helps every member understand who our partners are, why they matter, and how to engage meaningfully at all levels.         

By linking partners and trade shows directly to tangible member benefits, training, industry insights, networking, and business opportunities, we believe this approach strengthens member engagement, growth, and retention, raising Skål’s visibility, contributes confidently to policy conversations, and creates real partnership opportunities that support and empower our clubs. Together, this approach ensures that our global relationships deliver real value where it matters most.