The conference was attended by approximately 80 participants from 17 countries, 25 of which were representatives from the Indonesian nuclear industry, research bodies and educational institutions. The WiN Global membership has now reached 1,981 members spanning a total of 68 countries, regions and international organisations.

This year’s recipient of the WiN Award for Communication Excellence was Dr Myoung–Ock Ahn, member of the National Assembly of South Korea.

During the meeting, the General Assembly approved the updated version of the WiN Global Charter. It was also announced, that the venue for the 16th WiN Global meeting 2008 will be held in Marseilles, France, May /June 2008.

Dr Soedyartomo Soentono, former Chairman of Indonesian National Nuclear Energy Agency, husband of Ms. Tri Murni Soentono, President of WiN Indonesia, passed away suddenly on 27 April. All attendees of the meeting extend their sincerest condolences to Tri Murni and her family. Junko Ogawa said “I truly believe Tri Murni and WiN Indonesia will carry on his passion for the peaceful use of nuclear technology and his support of women in the nuclear fields”.

Junko Ogawa, President of WIN Global
Opening Speech

Distinguished gests, ladies and gentlemen, good morning!

It is my great pleasure to have the opportunity to say a few words to mark the beginning of the fifteenth WiN Global meeting here in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia.

First of all, on behalf of WiN Global, I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to the organizing committee consisting of WiN Indonesia members under the leadership of Ms. Tri Murni Soentono, President of WiN Indonesia. Despite having such a short time to prepare, in fact shortest ever, WiN Indonesia members have showed their extraordinary ability in organizing this meeting.

Secondly, I would like to extend my gratitude to the many sponsors in Indonesia. Without these sponsors, especially BATAN and the government of Indonesia, WiN Global would not have had such a wonderful opportunity as the 15th WiN Global meeting. We will make full use of this opportunity by exchanging information on subjects of nuclear energy technology, radiation utilization development and public communications.

Last but not least, I would like to express my appreciation to the audience gathering here today. As Tri Murni mentioned, there are about 80 participants from 17 countries from all over the world 25 of which are Indonesian participants. This also includes our very important guests, Dr Mutia Hatta, Minister of Women Empowerment of the Republic of Indonesia and Dr. Kerstin Dahlgren Persson from the IAEA. I would like to welcome all of you and hope everyone enjoys this meeting.

Enjoy the meeting, enjoy Indonesia!

Looking back on the last WiN meeting in Canada, we are happy to say that nuclear renaissance is likely to be realized in the world due to growing concerns for soaring energy cost, shortage of natural resources and in particular – global warming. As of the end of 2006, there were 429 operating NPPs throughout the world, although this number has decreased by ten, the total capacity and the electrical output have actually risen due to power upgrades and improved efficiency of the nuclear plants by approximately 2 GW to the level of 387 GW. There are 35 nuclear units under construction with total capacity of 29.4 GW, and 47 more units firmly planned. This fact clearly shows a worldwide move toward building new nuclear units.

Use of radiation is an inevitable technology in our modern life. Application of radio isotopes in agriculture, medical care and industries contribute to daily conveniences in our lifestyles and in the health of human kind.

WiIN members are spread throughout the world and today we have delegates from 17 countries! We must learn from each country’s experience and gain better understanding through co-operative work. I am looking forward to hearing productive information from our speakers.

Well, now I would like to move to WiN Global current status and challenges.
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