International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering www.issmge.org
Message from the President By Professor Pedro Sêcoe Pinto
1. INTRODUCTION It is important to recall that in my programme of candidature for ISSMGE president, submitted in 2005, in item Motivation I have stated:
”To deal with ISSMGE activities using not only my knowledge, but also my heart and passion to keep the fire burning. I will assume the responsibility to act with efficiency, honesty, judgement and equilibrium and to be able the “resonant box” of all the requests, wishes, proposals and expectations of 76 Geotechnical Societies that integrate the ISSMGE. The time demands all arise as we are now on the brink of a new era for ISSMGE. Over the past years a number of developments have taken place and we need to mould the ISSMGE for this momentum to capitalise on the potential benefits. I know what I do not know, I seek available knowledge, acknowledging my limitations, but I am confident that joining our efforts we will reach our goals and targets and develop our capacity to transform the projects in actions. These actions will increase the hope and will show that new changes are going to be implemented reaching consensus solutions and contributing for the unity and strength of ISSMGE. The Societies with large number of members shall feel that their proposals will contribute for the decisions of ISSMGE, but all the Societies shall feel that their voice can contribute for the role of ISSMGE. The diversity of all 76 ISSMGE Societies is our great richness and a source of inspiration. It is our great challenge, but also a unique opportunity to rethink ISSMGE, in order to reach a new model, to give our hands and to work together. ISSMGE is complex and we need to recognise the importance of dialogue and pursue perfection to reach the optimum solution. I hope that my proposals will find echo in your ideas and with the advice and support of the seventy six Societies and the Board Members, I am confident to overcome the difficulties working together with enthusiasm to reach our common goal to serve better our Society”.
Since my election in Osaka Council meeting on 11 September 2005, followed by my Message in ISSMGE News, Nº4, November 2005, until Alexandria Council meeting, 4 October 2009, I feel that it is my duty to make a balance of this period of 4 years and to submit to your knowledge, in order to receive your comments and suggestions to improve ISSMGE activities that are our main purpose.
To all ISSMGE members I express a word of praise and gratitude for your contributions, wishing that ISSMGE continue to be a space of scientific interaction, sharing of experiences and launching of innovative ideas to open new avenues.
2. MEMBERSHIP
The present ISSMGE membership is 18530 integrating 86 Member Societies with the following regional distribution: Africa: 11 Member Societies, 695 Individual Members; Asia: 23 Member Societies, 3431 Individual Members; Australasia: 2 member Societies, 1163 Individual Members; Europe: 35 Member Societies, 8067 Individual Members; North America: 3 Member Societies, 3976 Individual Members; and South America: 13 Member Societies, 1196 Individual Members.
It is also important to mention the existent of 21 Corporate Members.
