This time I want to tell you how our actions in the past year will affect the future of the FCI. I am not saying it is not important to summarise our achievements and to explain why we proceeded in a certain way, but I want to talk about our future as an international organisation, but most important about the future of our dogs worldwide.

Three aspects have been transcendental during the past year; cooperation and collaboration, innovation and preparation for the future. These three aspects will lead our organisation for the next year.

We have been working closely with our national organisations ensuring them our full support on their national initiatives and hearing their concerns and proposals. After years of theories about the weakness of the FCI, today we are more united than ever, with new countries joining and the commitment of Australia and New Zealand to remain as part of the FCI. We are also in continuous communication with organisations such as the American Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club and the UK Kennel Club to promote responsible dog breeding, promote the recognition of pedigrees and judges, and the joint effort to preserve dog sports and responsible breeding around the world.

We are renewing our administrative capacities, with new processing and data entry equipment to better serve our members. We are also repeating our communications efforts inserting the FCI in international campaigns on dog’s welfare with the purpose of creating dog-loving societies in every corner on Earth. We are rethinking how we communicate with the younger generations of dog lovers with the creation of study manuals on dog sports and dog activities for every age while promoting the inclusion of younger individuals in cynological matters and supporting the promotion of cynology-related careers and work opportunities.

In order to maintain a modern and agile organisation it is important to prepare for the future. That is why we are working on the FCI new Statutes that will open up the path of the FCI for years to come. We are making sure that all of our members’ best interests and concerns are being heard, analysed and discussed. Only united and with open and honest conversation we will ensure the FCI and our pedigree dogs’ future.

A rapidly changing world compels us to protect our organisation, fiscally and morally. I take this opportunity to thank my colleagues at the FCI General Committee and the FCI for their commitment and passion for the future and wellbeing of our organisation and most importantly for our dogs. And last but not least, the positive result of a year of great work is definitely thanks to our members, who have trusted me to humbly lead them and to maintain our passion and love for dogs.

Rafael de Santiago
FCI President