BACK in June 2005, the Member Committee of AIESEC Malta decided to commit itself to bringing once again an international AIESEC conference to Maltese shores.
After hearing so much about the success of the International Presidents Meeting 2002, which was held just before the majority of us joined AIESEC, we dreamt of being able to experience the excitement of hosting and participating in an international conference in our home country - giving the same opportunity to new and current members.
So we commenced the process by preparing the conference bid, and a couple of months later we were eagerly awaiting the results to be announced. And on the penultimate day of AIESEC's International Congress held in Agra, India, Malta was given the mandate to host the WENA Newie Conference 2006.
The WENA Newie Conference is a motivational seminar targeted towards recent members of AIESEC, chiefly from the Western European and North American (WENA) region, who are willing to take a more active role within the organisation.
Delegates learn more about AIESEC's strategies on its internship programme, exchange-based projects and other aspects of the AIESEC Experience, and how they can implement them at local level, as well as how to develop certain personal skills.
Besides all this, delegates get the opportunity to practice the values of AIESEC directly when attending an international AIESEC conference.
The first WENA Newie Conference was held in Spain last year, and AIESEC Malta was greatly honoured to be hosting the second edition. After six months of hard work and preparation by the organising committee, Malta welcomed over 150 delegates from Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and UK, as well as an international facilitator team including individuals from India and Nigeria, between February 15-20 at the Coastline Hotel, Salina.
During these conferences, great importance is given to celebrating culture, where people can appreciate and understand their own, and that of others, better. During the Opening Ceremony, delegates had the opportunity to savour Maltese folk music and dancing, where some delegates even had the chance to join in.
The following day, Global Village, one of the major highlights of any international AIESEC conference, was held under the patronage of the Minister of Rural Affairs and the Environment, George Pullicino.
Here, delegates shared with each other, and the visiting public, their countries' customs, national food and traditional music, while displaying their national costumes. Morocco was declared winner of best stall and presentation at Global Village, for their beautifully set table scattered with rose-buds and the scents of incense and freshly brewed mint-tea surrounding the table, not forgetting to mention the lovely traditional clothes worn by the Moroccan delegates.
The majority of the delegates also attended a two-day study-tour around the island held directly after the conference, visiting some of the best historical and natural places Malta has to offer.
On February 17, delegates had the opportunity to mingle with Maltese party-goers at the International Party held at TGI Friday's in Sliema, where entertainment was provided courtesy of RUG featuring Gianni and DJ Jeff. This party proved a great success and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The official gala dinner was also a very enjoyable evening, appropriate for the last night of the conference.
Another highlight of the conference was the inspiring speech made by Marcus Orlovsky, English entrepreneur and international motivational speaker. Mr Orlovsky encouraged belief in one's dreams, and showed how remarkable achievements can be accomplished through self-belief and perseverance, as demonstrated by his own personal experiences.
After six hectic days, the WENA Newie Conference came to an end. Closing was definitely an emotional moment both for the delegates and the Maltese organisers as it was time to say goodbye. However, one cannot but look back in pleasure, and remember the wonderful friendships made, and treasure the smiles and comments of appreciation that this was a truly memorable and outstanding conference. The dream of hosting a successful international conference in Malta finally realised.
AIESEC Malta would like to thank Air Malta, HSBC, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Island Hotels Group, Cadbury, Chamber College, Volkswagen, General Soft Drinks, Bay Radio, Malta Tourism Authority, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment for supporting the conference.
Marie Claire Tabone, AIESEC Member Committee vice-president responsible for public relations.