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Many of us subscribe to the
practice of making New Year’s resolutions,
but do we keep them, or has one or another
already gone up in smoke?
This year, I am undertaking
the resolution to spend more time with my
family and on my hobbies. So far I have
succeeded, and the chances are good that
I will continue to do so for the rest of
the year, since it is only a matter of weeks
now before I step down from my position
as president of WACS. Over the last four
years I have made many new friends and strengthened
ties with old ones. It was a wonderful time,
and I thank all of those who expressed their
confidence in me in Maastricht and who joined
me along the way.
In the end, one always takes
stock, and it is frightening for me to see
how the time has flown by. Together with
my colleagues on the WACS board of directors,
I was able to implement many projects; however,
many ideas were also defeated due to the
fast pace of everyday life, or because of
financial restraints. Now, it falls to the
next in line to make improvements.
When we look at the political
and economic world situation, it makes all
of us nervous. However this attitude can
be devastating for our profession. We need
optimistic people, who enjoy the pleasures
of life, and who are interested in other
cultures and people. The politicians of
the leading countries make it more and more
difficult to create an environment in which
these people can thrive. Therefore, it is
up to national and international associations,
both non-political and non-denominational,
to bring people of different cultures together
and to demonstrate views that will lead
to a harmonious future for all.
For example, relationships
with other nations can be strengthened through
WACS. At this time, there are 72 countries
connected with this association, and more
are being urged to join. During my tenure
as president, I myself was invited to many
countries. I took part in conferences and
national culinary exhibitions, and learned
a great deal there. The memories of the
hospitality, which I received everywhere,
will be with me all my life.
The eastern countries in Europe
need our help and support in building the
structures for further training. Through
continuous European meetings, a few accomplishments
have already been made. It is my hope that
such important meetings will also be held
in the coming years in America.
Overall, my greatest disappointment
is the lack of response from chefs worldwide
to our WACS website up until now. This instrument
was created for fast communication, but
since its creation chefs have not taken
ownership of it. National culinary trade
journals should sit up and pay attention
to the opportunities presented by this website.
So here I say my goodbyes
are president of WACS. There only remains
for me now the tasks of ambassadorship,
and of making my knowledge available to
the new presidency if it is desired. I look
forward to seeing you in Dublin, Ireland.
Yours truly,
Dr. h.c. Siegfried Schaber
President of WACS
Yours truly,
Dr. h.c.Siegfried
Schaber
President of WACS
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