In his opening remarks, A-WEB Secretary General In-sik Jang said, "We started with the ambitious vision of improving the efficiency of election management, conducting free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections around the world. This conference is an extraordinary opportunity for all A-WEB members and partner organizations to reflect on our journey over the past ten years."

   Mr. Mosotho Moepya, Chairperson of A-WEB and the Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa began his speech by reflecting on the IEC's past ten years, which both challenges and successes have marked. He noted that A-WEB members had overcome public health crises resulting from infectious disease emergencies by working together and sharing best practices. He emphasized that A-WEB is committed to addressing these challenges and continuing to work to promote free, fair, and transparent elections around the world.

  Moepya then discussed some of the challenges facing A-WEB, including maintaining partnerships with international organizations, enhancing collaboration with regional centers, securing funding, and promoting its achievements.

  The A-WEB Chair concluded by calling on A-WEB members to work together to overcome common challenges facing EMBs and ensure that the organization remains a leading force in the promotion of democracy around the world.

   Ms. Jinju Jo, Deputy Director of A-WEB's training department, presented on the organization's Election Management Capacity Building Program and Election Visitor Programs. She explained that the Election Management Capacity Building Program has trained 951 election officials from 87 countries since its inception in 2014 and that the Visitor Program is a testament to the belief that all election systems can learn from best practices by exploring and understanding the electoral processes of different countries.

   Ms. Rita Taeryung Lee, Deputy Director of A-WEB's Publicity Department, said that the organization is promoting the exchange of knowledge and information on election management by establishing online and offline platforms. Online platforms for member organizations include a monthly newsletter, annual report, and official website. The A-WEB online platforms have shared over 900 cases of election management and electoral data, including contributions from members and partners. Offline platforms include joint projects with member organizations and specialized election ICT training. She encouraged every member EMB to be an EVANGELIST of A-WEB to make the Association stronger. 

   Dr. Seung Kim, Director of the External Relations Department, presented the results of a survey of A-WEB members and partners. The survey was conducted with 53 member EMBs and three partner organizations. The questionnaire consisted of four sections, including questions about the organization and membership, policy, programs and activities, and communication.

   The survey results showed that member satisfaction was more than 90%, with members expressing satisfaction with A-WEB's Election Capacity Building Programs and observation programs. When asked about the most useful activities, members and partners said that the Election Capacity Building Programs and observation programs were the most useful. Partner organizations evaluated their partnerships with A-WEB as mutually beneficial and impactful. They also highly regarded A-WEB's ability to promote knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives.

   Mr. Toni Grebla, President of the Permanent Electoral Authority (PEA) Romania, also praised the organization's work to promote democracy worldwide. He praised the effectiveness of A-WEB's programs, saying that the organization's network is helping to promote democracy around the world.

   Mr. Ion Mincu, Director of External Affairs Directorate noted that PEA Romania is one of A-WEB's founding members and served as the organization's chair from 2017 to 2019. He also said that A-WEB's network has helped to increase transparency, effectiveness, professionalism, and commitment to democratic values in election management.

   Mr. Samir Chami Isa, Member of the JCE Dominican Republic, said that A-WEB has played a vital role in supporting free, fair, and transparent elections in Latin America.

   Chami Isa noted that the JCE has requested A-WEB observer missions to its own elections, and has also sent observers to elections in Ecuador, Guatemala, and Colombia. He said that A-WEB observer missions can be composed of experts from 111 countries around the world, and that their reports provide valuable recommendations for improving electoral processes and management.

   Chami Isa also stressed the importance of international election observation to protect democracy. He said that A-WEB is essential in this regard.

   The Member of the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms. Vanja Bjelica-Prutina, congratulated A-WEB on its 10th anniversary and expressed her gratitude for the dedication of the A-WEB Secretariat under challenging circumstances. She particularly thanked the Secretariat for its efforts to strengthen the capacity of member organizations and for sharing all the information.

   The delegation of the Election Commission of India highlighted its key achievements, such as the publication of the A-WEB India Journal of Elections and the Master's Program in International Electoral Management and Practices (MIEMP). It stated that the A-WEB Center in India aims to become a world class global knowledge and resource center.

(Mr. Junhan Lee=Incheon Ilbo)

The growing interest from the South Korean media and the positive feedback from election management officials around the world are a testament to A-WEB's growing importance and impact. As the organization enters its second decade, it is well-positioned to continue to play a vital role in promoting democracy and soft power worldwide.