Distinguished guests and dearest colleagues, thank you for the privilege of speaking to you today. This is a great occasion for the Polish accountancy profession: the 100th Anniversary of the Accountants Association in Poland (AAP).

Today's celebration of this institution's centenary of life is an extremely significant event. It is a relevant occasion, especially if you consider all that's happened in the history of the country where this institution has operated during these years.

IFACnet, the global, multilingual search engine developed by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and its members, has expanded its resources to address the needs of small and medium accounting practices (SMPs), in addition to professional accountants in business. IFACnet enables SMPs to easily locate information on a wide range of technical, marketing, human resource and other matters, including such topics as succession planning, managing a small firm, staff recruitment and retention, and promoting firm services.

IFACnet has also added three new features to help accountants worldwide stay current on technical, professional and marketplace issues and to make the search engine more user friendly. These include a "Latest News" page with links to a variety of business, management and accounting media and other websites; a search box that enables users to search IFACnet directly from their Internet browser; and a "What's News" section to inform visitors of new IFACnet features and content.

"There are many high quality resources available from within IFAC as well as through collaboration with our members that can help the global accountancy community carry out their professional responsibilities," states Ian Ball, IFAC Chief Executive Officer. "IFACnet's customized search features provide an efficient means to give professional accountants, including SMPs and professional accountants in business, in every part of the world, access to these timely and relevant resources."

Launched in October 2006, IFACnet provides one-stop access to free, high quality guidance, management tools and articles developed by professional accountancy bodies from around the world. Since its launch, IFACnet has attracted nearly 42,000 individuals from more than 190 countries worldwide. Currently, IFAC and twenty-three of its members (see attachment) provide IFACnet with access to information from their websites. In the coming months, new content will continue to be added to IFACnet as it expands the number of participating organizations.

IFACnet can be accessed free-of-charge online and on the websites of participating organizations.

IFAC is the worldwide organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 155 members and associates in 118 countries, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry and commerce. Through its independent standard-setting boards, IFAC sets ethics, auditing and assurance, education, and public sector accounting standards. It also issues guidance to encourage high quality performance by professional accountants in business.

IFACNET PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS
(As of March 30, 2007)

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
CGA Canada
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
CMA Canada
Consiglio Nazionale dei Dottori Commercialisti
CPA Australia
Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants
International Federation of Accountants
Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland
Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore
Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales
Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
Institute of Management Accountants
Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Koninklijk Nederlands Instituut van Registeraccountants
Malaysian Institute of Accountants
Malta Institute of Accountants
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
Union of Chambers of Certified Public Accountants of Turkey

At its meeting last week in New York City, the Board of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) agreed to assist the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) in obtaining feedback on its proposed International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) for Small and Medium-sized Entities (SMEs)through field testing and other means. In addition, it agreed to strengthen collaboration with regional accountancy organizations to encourage greater alignment with the IFAC strategy. The Board also discussed the need to more effectively engage various stakeholders in the convergence process, work more closely with the investment community, proactively address small and medium practice (SMP) and SME issues, and communicate more consistent global messages about the value and integrity of the profession. An approach for translating key sections of the IFAC website was also approved. During the meeting, Professor Stavros Thomadakis, Chairman of the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB), commented on the PIOB's progress in overseeing IFAC's public interest activities and expressed its satisfaction to date with the cooperation it is receiving from IFAC and its independent boards. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to strategic planning issues. As part of that process, regulatory, standard setting and business leaders provided insights and views to help shape the Board's priorities and future agenda. Guest speakers were:

• Mark Olson, Chairman of the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), who highlighted the importance of standards setters, such as the PCAOB and the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, continuing to closely monitor each other's work and agendas;
• Professor Robert Kaplan of the Harvard Business School and co-author of the Balanced Scorecard, who spoke on the implications of the balanced scorecard for enhanced business reporting; and
• Paul Pacter, IASB Director of Standards for Small and Medium-sized Entities, who outlined the proposed IFRS for SMEs.

Among other matters, Mr. Pacter urged all Board members and regional accountancy organizations to encourage responses from their respective constituencies on the proposed standard and perceived challenges to its adoption. IFAC President Fermín del Valle stated, "IFAC is highly supportive of this project and recognizes the considerable progress made. To ensure that the final standard meets the needs of the SMP/SME marketplace, it is crucial that IFAC and its members help the IASB seek out and capture the views of all relevant constituents, primarily SMEs, SMPs, and users of SME financial statements." The Board meeting followed a meeting with more than 30 chief executives of national accounting organizations in over 25 countries, which was designed to bring those organizations' perspectives to the deliberations of IFAC's planning. IFAC is the worldwide organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 155 members and associates in 118 countries, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry and commerce. Through its independent standard-setting boards, IFAC sets ethics, auditing and assurance, education, and public sector accounting standards. It also issues guidance to encourage high quality performance by professional accountants in business.

The Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) invites its members and associates to submit outstanding published articles on topics of interest to accountants in business for its 2007 Articles of Merit Award for distinguished contribution to the development of the role and domain of the professional accountant in business.

The Articles of Merit Award is designed to facilitate communication and the sharing of knowledge on key financial and management accounting topics among IFAC's member bodies and their members in business. From among the articles submitted by member bodies, the PAIB Committee will select approximately 10 winning articles that will be published in an information paper, Articles of Merit: 2007. Articles selected for publication are those that have made or will make a distinct and valuable contribution to the advancement of PAIBs.

The annual Articles of Merit publications are widely distributed and read, providing a means for member bodies, authors, and the journals in which the articles are published to obtain recognition worldwide. A press release announcing the award winners is sent to all IFAC members, associates, and regional accountancy bodies, as well as the international media, who may download the publication free of charge from the IFAC website.

In addition, PAIBs worldwide are notified through IFAC's electronic news vehicles. In 2006, nearly 5,000 copies of past Articles of Merit publications were ordered or downloaded by accountants in business and other professionals worldwide from the IFAC website.

How to Nominate Articles
Members and associates are encouraged to nominate up to three articles for the 2007 Articles of Merit. All submissions must be in English and must be received by the PAIB Committee staff no later than April 20, 2007. For more information on how to submit articles, see the 2007 Articles of Merit Call for Nominations which is posted in the Discussion Board on the IFAC MemberNet.

IFAC is the worldwide organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 155 members and associates in 118 countries, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry and commerce. Through its independent standard-setting boards, IFAC sets ethics, auditing and assurance, education, and public sector accounting standards. It also issues guidance to encourage high quality performance by professional accountants in business.

United Nations (UN) System organizations are recruiting a number of candidates to assist in the implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs). Candidates for these positions must possess relevant experience in implementing international accounting standards or applying "IPSAS similar" standards within a public sector or international organization. Public sector accountants with experience in preparing accrual financial statements would also be of interest. Announcements on open positions are available from the UN Human Resources website. One such open position is the Finance and Budget Officer, which can be accessed on this site under occupational group "Finance," Vacancy Announcement # 412519. For more information, visit the UN website.

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the global organization for the accountancy profession, is seeking nominations for members of its boards and committees for 2008. IFAC member bodies, members of the Forum of Firms and, in some instances, members of the public may nominate candidates by April 15, 2007. All members of IFAC boards and committees are expected to act in the public interest and must sign a declaration committing to act with integrity and in the public interest in their role within IFAC.

Public Members Sought
Individuals, organizations, accountancy firms, and IFAC member and regional bodies may submit nominations for the following public member positions on IFAC's independent standard-setting boards. Two public members are sought for the International Accounting Education Standards Board. One public member is sought for the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants. And one public member is sought for the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board. Public members must be seen to be independent of any special interests and seen to be acting to represent society as a whole. Nominees for the public member positions must have an appropriate level of knowledge about the work of the respective standard-setting board, although they do not need to have a professional accountancy designation.

Member Body Nominations
In addition to nominating public members, described above, IFAC member bodies may nominate additional candidates for membership on the IFAC Board, all independent standard-setting boards, the Compliance Advisory Panel, the Developing Nations Committee, the Professional Accountants in Business Committee, the Small and Medium Practices Committee, and the Nominating Committee. Member bodies may submit more than one nomination for each respective board and committee, and they are encouraged to nominate candidates with varying backgrounds.

Forum of Firms' Nominations
Five positions on the Public Interest Activity Committees are open to nominations from members of the Forum of Firms, an organization of international firms that perform audits of financial statements that are or may be used across national borders. Two positions are open on the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. Two positions are open on the International Accounting Education Standards Board. And one position is open on the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants.

How to Submit Nominations
The Call for Nominations for IFAC Boards and Committees in 2008 describes the positions available on IFAC boards and committees and the qualifications required for each position as well as the process for submitting nominations. The Call for Nominations may be viewed on IFAC's website. All nominations must be submitted by April 15, 2007 using the online Candidate Information System, which can be accessed online. For more information on the role and activities of each of IFAC's boards and committees, visit its website.

IFAC is the worldwide organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 155 members and associates in 118 countries, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry and commerce. Through its independent standard-setting boards, IFAC sets ethics, auditing and assurance, education, and public sector accounting standards. It also issues guidance to encourage high quality performance by professional accountants in business.

Good morning and thank you for the invitation to speak to you today. It is a pleasure to meet with staff of the World Bank, with whom we are working ever more closely on the development of the global accountancy profession. One of the reasons for our visit today is to explore with the Bank whether there are areas in which this cooperation could be extended or deepened. Our organizations share a mutual aspiration to contribute to the integral development of the countries around the world. When I speak about integral development, I refer to a development that reaches both the economic, the social and the cultural spheres.

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. It is a pleasure to be here with you for this CFO/CFO forum. I would like to thank the new President of the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA), Mr. Indrajith Fernando, for his kind invitation to address you this morning.

Since its founding in 1984, SAFA has been an example of how regional integration and collaboration can help to strengthen the global profession. so that together we can more effectively contribute to the integral development around the world. When I speak about integral development, I refer to a development that reaches both the economic, the social and the cultural spheres.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. It is a pleasure to be here with you today for the induction of the twenty-third President of the South Asian Federation of Accountants. I would like to congratulate Mr. Indrajith Fernando on his appointment as your new President, and I look forward to working with him in the coming year.

Good morning ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests. Before starting my presentation I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and its President for inviting me to speak at this conference. It is a real pleasure to be here in India. India certainly lives up to the promise of the Incredible India! Tourist adverts! Delegates, the object of my presentation is to explain how the International Federation of Accountants, and in particular its Small and Medium Practices (SMP) Committee, seeks, in collaboration with IFAC member bodies, to help SMPs in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, and elsewhere. Before describing our activities let me open with a few introductory words on the SMP Committee.