Network Development

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Knowledge is the Key for a Better Life

Gaining knowledge and sharing it with all stakeholders is top priority at IF, which collate and disseminate the information through its knowledge network. IF uses the media of conferences and seminars as a platform for exchanging information, expertise and examples of good practices internationally. Meanwhile, it facilitate contact between associations from different parts of the world. IF also uses its own organisation and collaborates extensivly with affiliated organisations to initiate and encourage project, publications, research and communication.

Networking on an international level

IF is recognised as an NGO with Participatory Status at the Council of Europe
IF is recognised as an NGO with Consultative Status Category II with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
IF has signed a Memorandum of Understanding relating collaborative arrangements between the United Nations Department of policy co-ordination and sustainable development (DPCSD), New York
IF collaborates with WHO
IF collaborates with I.S.O.
IF is full member of EDF
IF is in communication with ICOD and IR

IF conferences

The main annual IF event is the yearly conference. People with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and their families come together from all over the world to exchange knowledge and examples of good practice. Each year another IF member hosts the event.

The following conferences have been held since the inaugural meeting:

2012 Stockholm Finding Our Way

2011 Guatemala Opening Doors

2010 Dublin What's the next step

2009 Orlando Imagine the possibilities

2008 Lisbon Drawing Smiles - Towards Adulthood

2007 Kampala Tomorrow

2006 Helsinki Access

2005 Minneapolis Building Bridges to Advance Understanding

2004 Oslo Crossing Borders

2003 Lublin You are my World

2001 Dar es Salaam Against All Odds