UIMLA General Assembly (AGA)

The last weekend was spend in Skopje in North Macedonia, for the annual meeting with the UIMLA organization. The first day started with workshops regarding; number of membership in UIMLA. How UIMLA can give more value for the IML’s and members. There where also a track about sustainability. This event was held at the office of IML’s of North Macedonian association. The evening was spend in the tremendous city of Skopje, with a beer in the “old town”.

The next morning was a day of focus for the new standard for IML. This has been under development for two years. There where also discussion about the new CPD (continuously professional development) requirements. The evening was spend at our hotel for “culture” evening. Here every delegation had to bring something to drink and/or something to eat from each country. The most interesting thing to taste was the fermented horse milk from Kazakhstan. This I felt I really must try, so yea it was done. The day after I felt some strange feeling in my stomach. And when we met the delegate from Kazakhstan he asked if we have tried it. We said yes, and he looked at us and aske -and you feel fine?:-) I wonder how they felt who took a whole glass…(I was just zipping)

The third day was the day for the annual meeting. There was a bit frustration about how all delegates was going to vote for the new standard. But first Nepal and Bolivia was up to discussion for membership. The voting went good and both become full members of the UIMLA. After short presentation of the economics and other stuff, it was time for the big vote. The result was a fully yes from all delegates to accept the new standard. This was very good for Sweden, due to now the Swedish IML’s can provide Nordic(cross-country skiing).

The evening was spend in a local restaurant in Skopje, and a performance from a local dance and music group. The delegate from Nepal was very familiar with them and almost become a part of the gang.