Dear fellow members
Greetings, we hope that you and your families are all in good health. It is hard to believe that we are now entering the last quarter of the calendar year. It feels like just yesterday that we were welcoming 2026, and now we are looking ahead to a season filled with activities and opportunities to connect as we close the year. We hope that wherever you are based, you are connected to a WBFN chapter and can participate in the programs and gatherings planned in the coming months.
Firstly, thank you to everyone who has shared photos from events, gatherings and activities across our global network. Seeing members connect, support one another and build friendships is heartwarming and reminds us of the strength in our community. We remain committed to finding new ways to support our members and welcome ideas and feedback on how we can continue to improve.
In the last week of September, our Professional Development Program (PDP) launched the first Virtual Career Lab of this fiscal year. The program has been enhanced to better support accompanying spouses who wish to stay engaged and competitive in their professional fields. Open to members across our global network, the Career Lab has already welcomed participants from many country offices, and we hope those attending are finding it valuable. If you were unable to join this session, please look out for the next one, expected in early 2027. We are also excited to kick off this year’s PDP webinar series and hope that many of you will take advantage of these learning opportunities.
As we observe World Mental Health Day in October, we would like to remind members about Family Consultation Services (FCS), a valuable resource available through WBFN with support from the World Bank Group. FCS provides access to professional counseling and support services for individuals and families navigating challenging circumstances, including those associated with relocation and adjustment. These services are available globally and in multiple languages. If you would like more information on how to access FCS, please reach out to us on familynetwork@worldbank.org and we will be happy to assist.
For our members who have recently relocated, starting over in a new country can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming and lonely. Many of us have experienced this transition and understand the challenges that come with it. We encourage you to take the first step toward building your new community. Our local connectors are here to help, whether by sharing local knowledge, introducing you to other members or simply offering a friendly welcome. Most importantly, we want you to know that you are not alone. If you are unsure who your local connector is, please reach out to us and we will gladly connect you.
For those of you who have been in your current location for longer, please reach out to newcomers. A simple phone call, coffee invitation, or message asking how they are settling in can make a real difference. Many lifelong friendships within our community began with a small gesture of kindness. If there is no WBFN chapter in the city where you live, please consider being that welcoming voice and helping hand.
Thank you for your continued engagement and commitment and we look forward to ending 2026 strong, connected and supportive of one another.
With appreciation,
Milka and Taoufik