Dear Lions of Europe and the world,

Our association has the capacity to take part in constructing a world of greater solidarity.
Whether in the field of heath, aid to youth in difficulty, the fight against poverty or assisting victims of natural disasters, it has a recognized place among the major international humanitarian organizations.

But we as Lions must deserve this status of excellence every day by designing the programmes that society needs today and by working tenaciously to develop them. The pace of change is increasing in the world. So, we must continually question our positions. The effects of globalization call for new initiatives to bolster solidarity. Climate change gives impetus to growing awareness of the importance of respecting the environment.

Growth in the world population raises the question of access to resources and wealth.
In Europe, a privileged continent, more and more people are left behind, (fourth world, homeless, undocumented immigrants, etc.) despite our collective social security mechanisms. More than ever, we need daring, initiative and innovation.

The European Forum is an ideal place for reflection, to present our pilot projects: not only those projects who propose solutions for today’s problems, but above all those projects who anticipate the needs of the future.

Each European District is invited to share its experience and success stories with the others.
In today’s world, even volunteers need professionalism. Training courses are offered for participants who want to acquire the most recent techniques on how to manage NGO’S and develop social programmes.

The Multiple District 112 Belgium is happy to welcome Lions from Europe and all over the world in Brussels, in the great tradition of European forums of 1989 and 2002. Brussels is the epitome of a European city. Multicultural, it houses major European institutions like the Council of Ministers, The Commission, sessions of the European Parliament, as well as intercontinental institutions like NATO.

The Congress centre in the heart of the historical district recently been renovated and is now one of the most modern in Europe. It is connected to Brussels National Airport (Zaventem) by train and is surrounded by a number of very comfortable hotels.

Brussels is an animated, fun-loving town, Forum participants will have a chance to attend events after our working sessions, and to wander through the charming narrow streets from 16th and 17th centuries full of excellent restaurants and typical cafés.

The Lions of Belgium are delighted to host our many friends from Europe and other continents from 6 to 8 September 2012, so together we can write a beautiful new page of the history of our international Association.

Philippe GERONDAL,
Past Director International,
Président du Forum Européen 2012