Call to Conference
Message by the D17 District Governor
Greetings from the twin-city of Hong Kong and Macao! The 23rd Zonta International District 17 Conference will be held in September 2025, with pre-conference events in Hong Kong (September 24-25) and the conference proper in Macao (September 26-28). Under the city’s iconic Lion Rock, the pre-conference activities will kick-off with the Z and Golden Z Club Forum, followed by an evening cruise around the Victoria Harbor on the 24th, and a not-to-be missed welcome reception at the internationally acclaimed Palace Museum the following day. The 3-day conference will then follow at the Galaxy International Convention Centre in Macao. “WE CARE” is the theme of this year’s Conference, chosen as we care about the world, our communities, and most importantly, we care about each club and each and every one of you. The success of Zonta lies in the collective efforts of each club and every individual Zontian. Team D17 needs all of us to work together to carry out our Zonta Mission to build a better world for women and girls. The Conference features a presentation and question and answer session by Zonta International President Salla Tuominen. District Officers and Committee Chairs will present their works in panel discussions. Delegates will vote on the proposed amendments, elect the District Board and District Nominating Committee, and adopt the District Budget for the next biennium. The Program Committee has prepared a wide range of inspirational workshop topics, from which we will adopt resolutions pertaining to District 17. We will honour our long-serving Zontians, and recognise outstanding advocacy, service and achievements by clubs and areas. We will remember those who passed before us in the memorial service. The Opening Ceremony, Gala Dinner, Theme Luncheon, and Grand Finale Dinner will be formal, yet fun, and definitely filled with Zonta Spirit. Do not miss this occasion to learn, share and reconnect. I am looking forward to seeing all of you at the forthcoming 23rd District 17 Conference in September.
Message by International Liaison
Dear Governor Winnie and members of District 17 Kia ora (greetings) from New Zealand. As the Zonta International Liaison for District 17 I am delighted to be able to send a message to Zonta members across District 17 as part of the ‘call to conference’ for the district conference which will be held in September 2025. Governor Winnie and the District 17 Conference Organising Committee have done a great job in putting together a conference based around the theme of “We Care”. The theme, which embraces how the District, and members care about the world, communities, clubs and members, is very relevant in the current uncertain global environment. Now is the time for us to be united and to support each other to achieve our goals. Showing kindness and caring for others is critical if Zonta is to make a difference in the world today. The District 17 Conference Organising Committee are developing an inspirational conference program that includes inspiring speakers, opportunities for members to network and learn through workshops, as well as a focus on the business of the District and Zonta International. The pre-conference events include a focus on youth, who are critical to the future of our international organization. I am sorry I am not able to join you in person but Salla Tuominen, our International President, is looking forward to the opportunity to join Zonta members from across District 17. District 17 is a geographically diverse and active district in the Zonta global community. The work done by the 89 Clubs and almost 2,800 members across Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, to further Zonta’s mission is commendable. Your participation in the global campaigns, such as Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women, your support through contributions to Zonta’s international projects through the Zonta Foundation for Women, and your involvement with the important education awards programmes is vital in building a better world for women and girls. We know that in recent years many of the human rights gains made for women and girls have been challenged and this is why it is so important that Zonta is a strong, vibrant, and relevant global organization and uses its collective voice to advocate on such issues. District 17 has a significant role to play in this. Thank you all for everything you do at a local, District and international level for Zonta. I encourage you all to attend the upcoming District 17 Conference as an opportunity for you all to come together to show you care. Yours sincerely Souella M Cumming, ONZMTreasurer/Secretary, 2024 - 2026 Zonta International, Zonta Foundation for Women
Message by Conference Chair
Dear Zontians, As District Conference Organising Committee Chair this biennium, the organising committee is passionate and excited in preparing for a knowledge-filled and fun-filled Conference in September 2025. The good news, registration fee is exactly the same as last district conference in Hong Kong 2019. Inflation has no impact at all. You will be surprised that we go out of tradition to bring candidate speeches of the Incoming Board and Nominating Committee, a day ahead of the start of business program. The purpose is to allocate more time to discuss women issues. Another good news is for the price of one trip, you’ll have the chance to visit Hong Kong, Macao and China if you choose to stay after conference. Hong Kong is Asia’s world city and Macao is Asia’s entertainment Centre. Buy tickets to Hong Kong for two days of activities and comfortably go to Macau by coach arranged so you arrive in style. We are organizing an all Z & Golden Z club members’ workshop, a Palace Museum tour and a ferry cruise to take you for a glamorous evening view of the Hong Kong Victoria Harbour. In Macao, we roll out the full business program in a new Convention Centre. The venue is amazing. We hope to let you have the best conference experience. This District Conference will make headline news in Hong Kong and Macao, building credibility and visibility for Zonta. Let us explore ways to empower women and girls. As Zontians, We care. Suggest you sign up the post-conference tour of Macao and Zhuhai, China for sightseeing, plenty of gourmet food and shopping. Autumn is the best season in the Greater Bay Area. Please make sure you register early as hotel rooms are limited. The District Conference Organising Committee look forward to greet you in Hong Kong and Macao! Teresa Lin Chair, 23rd Zonta International District 17 Organising Committee