It was a great honour to be elected president of CIPL at the 2024 Poznan congress. Becoming president at a time when the organisation is preparing for its centenary anniversary in 2028 is very exciting as well as somewhat daunting. While it may be a clichéd expression, we are nevertheless living in very turbulent and rapidly changing times that also have an impact on language(s), communication and our discipline. Climate change, wars and AI advances are just a few examples that directly affect language and its study. The 2028 centenary congress will provide us not only with a chance to celebrate achievements but also – and perhaps more importantly – with an opportunity to showcase new advances and directions. CIPL is among the oldest linguistic societies in the world, and it would be great to see it continue playing a key role in shaping the linguistic agenda of the future. To achieve this, CIPL will need to build stronger alliances, not only with other linguistic and language organisations but also with relevant communities, groups and institutions. In Spring 2025 (or Autumn/Fall for those in the southern hemisphere), the Executive Committee will meet to start discussing the strategic agenda for the next five years. I would urge all members of CIPL to let us know which strategies and priorities you would like to see covered. Please send your suggestions to the Secretary General, Frieda Steurs.
I look forward to hearing from you and to meeting you in the future, perhaps at a workshop, symposium or your national congress.
Anne Pauwels, President CIPL
