The 2025 Soroptimist International Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held virtually on Saturday 12 July, uniting members and leaders from around the world. For those of you who were unable to attend, the recording is now available to watch on our YouTube channel.
At the start of the meeting SI President Siew Yong, held a minute of silence to remember and honour SI members who had passed away in the last year, including Past SISEAP President and past SI Treasurer Carolyn Hudson. Procedural matters followed, including the adoption of the agenda, rules of procedure, and minutes from the previous AGM.
SI President Siew Yong Gnanalingam opened the meeting with a warm welcome and reflections on the recent SI Board meeting in Kuala Lumpur. She acknowledged Soroptimist work at all levels from grassroots at Club level to the global efforts and emphasised Soroptimist International’s shared mission to improve the lives of all women and girls worldwide.
Key discussions included the SI Board’s strategic restructuring, aimed at improving governance and engagement. SI Treasurer, Wendy Logan presented financial statements for SI (Soroptimist International) Limited and Soroptimist International Foundation for 2024 and outlined financial sustainability strategies amidst rising costs and declining income.
Committee updates featured Soroptimist International Foundation, where Gillie O’Rourke, Chair of Soroptimist International Foundation, reported on progress from startup to operational delivery, emphasising education, empowerment, and sustainability projects. Financial statements were reviewed and approved despite a noted drop in donations.
SI President Siew Yong presented her biennium global engagement report, spotlighting her attendance and contribution at major international events, including CSW69 and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in late 2024. She has also attended SI Federation events and visited local Clubs around the world, including SI Africa Federation’s Biennial Conference in Morocco and the launch of a new Club, SI Chennai Marina Club in India. President Siew Yong has been active in calling for action on climate change, empowering women and and advocating for a new optional protocol to the CEDAW Treaty.
The Global Impact Committee, led by Director of Advocacy (2024-2025) Leigh Ellwood-Brown, detailed policy work on gender equality and participation in key UN events in 2024. She highlighted SI’s participation in UN events, including CSW69 and its collaboration with partners including Every Woman Treaty and the Women 7 (W7). An overview of SI’s global policy work, showcasing the organisation’s presence at UN centers worldwide was presented. This comprised SI’s efforts on vital issues including human trafficking, homelessness and digital inclusion.
Announcements included:
- the recent launch of SI’s new website, with a fresh modern design and improved navigation
- the Annual Report for 2024 is now available on the website
- new updates to branding guidelines and forthcoming webinar sessions on how to use the Emblem and branding
- the approval of revised Articles and Bylaws, which can be viewed on the Governing Documents web page
The meeting concluded with thanks from SI President Siew Yong to all those who contributed and attended and the announcement that the next AGM is set for 18 July 2026.
