Rafael de Santiago’s Introduction of FCI Youth

Youth is the future. Although it is a hackneyed statement, it is not far from the truth. In years to come, today’s youth will become the leaders of our world, leaders who will continue and improve the legacy of today’s institutions and will carry them into a new and bright future.

From generation to generation, we have shared our love for dogs, nevertheless it is also our responsibility not only to teach the next generation of FCI leaders about loving and protecting dogs, but also to encourage them to get involved in the World’s most important dog organization.

We must prepare our youth for the challenges they will confront in the future. It is our duty to equip them with the wisdom, knowledge and skills they need to succeed and to maintain the FCI as a global and unified organization.

Seven young leaders from all over the World have come forward and will – together – organise and realise a crucial element of the FCI Plan for the Future, one of the most innovative, interactive and proactive initiative of the FCI in years: The FCI Youth.

The FCI Youth will develop and lead the FCI initiatives toward the youth community, at the same time become a reliable and trustful source for young dog lovers around the world. It will be their responsibility to support, and celebrate that special bond we constantly see between young people and dogs. They will also encourage a commitment to ALL cynological activities from teens, young adults and young professionals within our National Organizations.

This important initiative will be guided by strong values, values determined by them: recreation, sportsmanship, responsibility, support, education, equity, progressiveness and loyalty. These values – combined with creative and modern ideas – will empower youth to take a step forward to build the FCI of the future, for the benefit of dogs worldwide.

The FCI Youth will respond to the youth interest and will use the conveniences and advantages of social media, connecting with them to create a global community of young dog lovers.

The members of this dynamic group were selected from among the different FCI geographical sections. They operate under the guidance of Mr G. Jipping, FCI Vice- President, and Ms Luna Durán, FCI Marketing and Public Relations Manager. They were appointed by the FCI President, Mr R. de Santiago. All of them already have a great experience of the canine scene and are deeply involved, nationally, in cooperating with teenagers.