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FACS Newsletter Special/2004
Bergen, June 25th, 2004
Congratulations Well Deserved
On behalf of IUPAC and the global chemistry community it is a great pleasure for me to extend the best wishes to the Federation of Asian Chemical Societies on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.
A Silver Jubilee is always worthwhile to celebrate when the past is as successful as in this case. Since FACS was established the organization has grown considerably, but more importantly, due to the federation’s vigor and members’ willingness to serve FACS has been an important facilitator of cooperation within the Asian chemical community. The Federation has also worked to strengthen its relationship with IUPAC. The Union values these initiatives, and as its President, I am looking forward to more cooperation and closer interaction in the future.
As chemists we have tremendous challenges in front of us. The detailed nature of the tasks may vary, but most of the problems we are and will be facing, are of utmost importance for a sustainable development and our quality of life. Many of these tasks have and will continue to have regional characteristics, and for this reason strong regional chemical communities are important. This is for instance the case when we address the dubious public image of the chemical enterprise. Chemicals are too often associated with bad things happening to people and in the environment, and the positive contributions from chemistry to society are barely publicized. Rectification of this situation is a significant challenge for all of us, and in this perspective it is important to inform the public, through newspapers, magazines, and other news channels. Once again, regional initiatives are important.
For these and other reasons it is important that FACS continues to strengthen the cooperation in Asia and nourish the innovative skills of the chemistry community in Asia. I hope the Federation’s successful past will be an inspiration to meet this challenge!
I wish you a most successful celebration in Bangkok in October!
Sincerely yours,
Leiv K. Sydnes
IUPAC President
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