IALA and Ukraine
Members of IALA will wish to be aware that the Secretariat has addressed the matter of the war in Ukraine and the resultant loss of life and infrastructure as well as severe damage to the economy.
The Secretary-General has written to the National member of Ukraine, the State Hydrographic Service of Ukraine (SHSU), expressing IALA’s sympathies with the HSHU staff, their families and the people of Ukraine. Membership of IALA by Ukraine commenced in 2004 and the most cordial relations have been fostered down the years with attendance at committees and the General Assembly.
With regard to material assistance to Ukraine the software development company Project 44, who issue IWRAP licences, has generously granted Ukraine two years of use of the IWRAP software at no charge.
The Ukrainian situation has given inspiration to the establishment of a Disaster Recovery Fund (DRF) which would be available for the IALA Secretariat to assist those stricken by disaster to recover as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The Fund, approved by the IALA Council at its 75th Session in June this year, would be entirely funded by sponsors and placed within the World-Wide Academy. This would ensure that the Fund is kept completely independent of the core budget of IALA. There is an opportunity for Members to provide financial support to Ukraine through the Fund and already there has been interest shown by Members.
Rapporteur: Paul Ridgway
