IOGT International 68th World Congress in Cha-Am

[Jonathan Fairfield]

IOGT International 68th World Congress in Cha-Am

CHA AM:-- Over 300 attendees will participate in the IOGT International 68th World Congress at The Regent Cha-Am Beach Resort, which will focus on promoting health free of alcohol.

Esbjörn Hörnberg Executive DirectorMaik Dünnbier, said it will be for the first time ever in our more than 160-year history that we’ll be in Asia – more precisely in Cha-Am, Thailand. The topic will be: “Alcohol in All Policies – IOGT International 68th World Congress 2014. The Policy and Communication Officer, IOGT International said “We are arranging the 68th World Congress of IOGT International with delegates from all over the world. It’s an event with a proud tradition. And the event is about democracy, intercultural learning and global solidarity.”

Members of IOGT International will together discuss and decide on the new 4-year Plan of Action, a new Alcohol Policy and a new Narcotic Drugs Policy to be well prepared for preventing and reducing harm caused by alcohol and other drugs through high-impact and evidence-based policy measures. IOGT is at the forefront of the battle against alcohol abuse and the growing commercial dominance of the alcohol industry in Asia. IOGT International is the largest worldwide community of non-governmental organisations with a mission to independently enlighten people on adopting a lifestyle free from alcohol and other drugs, thus leading to a richer, freer and more rewarding life. Mr Hörnberg, praised Thailand for its global leadership in health advocacy, especially in the alcohol and tobacco policy.

“Thailand has put in place one of the best alcohol policies in the world. But all these developments are being challenged by the growing aggressive global alcohol industry in Asia that has identified countries like Thailand as emerging markets,” he claimed. IOGT International’s head office is in Sweden. In Thailand, IOGT Thailand, or the Association for Social Development, is under the auspices of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board. IOGT International World Congress is held every four years. This year’s event is divided into a main congress to be held 26 to 31 October and a Youth Camp to be arranged in cooperation with the regional office of the IOGT-NTO movement, which is based in Chiang Mai.

The Youwth Camp will be organised at the Rama VI Border Patrol Police Camp, Cha-Am, Phetchaburi province. The IOGT Head office is located in Sweden. The networking organisation in Thailand is “the International Organisation of Good Templars – Thailand (IOGTT)” or the Association for Social Development, under the auspices of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board. On 28 October, 2014, the opening ceremony and welcome reception will be hosted by the Royal Thai Government. Both Thais and foreigners will be amongst the speakers at the numerous seminars and workshops. Participants will also have a chance to participate in various activities; such as, Thai cooking class, workshops, exhibition, and sightseeing tours.

-- Hua Hin Today 2014-10-07