Brothers and Sisters of the IODA community, warm greetings from Accra, Ghana.
As 2025 comes to a close, I am pleased to reflect on a year of meaningful activity and renewed momentum within IODA. Our governance team has evolved, with new members joining the Executive Committee: Jim Maddox (USA) as Vice President of Strategic Projects; Alfredo Mazive (Mozambique) as Vice President of Conferences & Events; Piyush Sharma (India/Denmark) as Treasurer; and Paul Agbakpe (Ghana) as Board Secretary. We continue to be strongly supported by our dedicated EC members V. L. Lakshmidevi and Ron Banerjee, alongside our committed staff, Sophie Dazin and James Eckley. With a full board in place, united in teamwork, respect, and adherence to our bylaws, we are well-positioned to elevate IODA to new heights.
A major highlight this year was the 2025 OD World Summit in Ghana, held from 3–5 September. Under the theme “The Practice of OD in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Swim or Sink?” the summit drew nearly one hundred participants from fifteen countries. We proudly presented the Silverman Foundation, Richard Beckhard, and Lifetime Achievement Awards to distinguished members. The optional post-conference day on the Volta Lake—the world’s largest man-made lake—was a memorable finale.
Throughout 2025, we offered a rich mix of workshops, mentoring sessions, and, notably, the inaugural meeting of the Global Ambassadors, which has injected new energy into this vital arm of our Association. At the same time, we have seen a slight decline in membership and resources. I am confident, however, that by staying true to our calling, honouring each other and the profession, and living our OD values in practice—not just in words—we will continue to offer tangible value to our community and attract new members.
My gratitude goes to all who contributed to IODA’s work this year: the Ghana Summit Organizing Team, our workshop facilitators, and the many volunteers who consistently show that “We Are One Family”, as per our Whatsapp Group, is more than a slogan.
As my term as President (2022–2025) comes to an end, I encourage eligible members to step forward when nominations open for the next President. IODA needs a mature, experienced OD practitioner who carries the organisation truly at heart. The role is demanding, but deeply rewarding. I also urge all members to continue supporting the Executive Committee in fulfilling its mandate, and to safeguard unity over individual interests.
We look ahead to 2026 with excitement, including our Annual Conference in Thailand (October) and a year full of meaningful activities.
On behalf of the Executive Committee and on my own behalf, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Long Live OD! Long Live IODA!