IALA Headquarters refurbishement is finished
Distinguished guests cheer the new-look IALA HQ
The invited group of some 30 distinguished guests who earlier this month raised a glass to cheer the fine refurbishment of IALA’s headquarters bore testimony to the strong support IALA continues to enjoy from France, its host nation, and from the City of St Germain-en-Laye, its home base.
Hosted by the Secretary-General, the two-hour cocktail reception provided the platform for the official inauguration of the new-look premises by Mrs Natalia Pouzyreff, Deputy of the 6th Arrondissement of the Yvelines, Mr Audurier, Vice Mayor of Saint Germain en Laye, and Mr Serge Ségura, Ambassador for the Oceans, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development of the Republic of France.
The Secretariat staff were proud to showcase the fruits of several months of upheaval during which the necessary works were carried out while the daily business of ensuring the smooth running of IALA’s multi-faceted activities had to continue uninterrupted. They had thought it would be a good idea to celebrate with all those who contribute to make the IALA headquarters a pleasant and good place to work.
The new-look premises feature simplicity, a functional approach and plenty of light and are equipped with modern work stations and smart IT and video-conferencing facilities. The invited guests enjoyed cocktails and canapés in the newly furnished and attractively redecorated lounge area. They were clearly impressed with the optimized, fit-for-purpose work environment, which will serve the standing of IALA in the wider world as an efficient and transparent international technical organization for many years to come.
It was a pleasure to welcome Mr Audurier as the representative of the city of Saint Germain en Laye. Mrs Richard and Mrs Louyot were present from the Tourism Office, which is always available for assisting IALA members and their families with directions and advice on the local hotels and amenities. Their presence reaffirmed the excellent and precious cooperation between IALA and the City of Saint Germain en Laye, which has been an avid supporter over many years. The Secretariat maintains a good network of contacts in the community and works with a local communications company.
Representatives of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Directorate of Maritime Affairs also came and will continue the important diplomatic work to prepare for the change in IALA’s status to that of an intergovernmental organization.
IALA was also delighted to welcome the European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency (GSA) and the French Federation of Maritime Pilots.
