Hello everyone
This is the running update from the Executive Director. Have questions or comments? Suggest some added information or edits? Contact Colin at kantarainitiative dot org.
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I begin this final Director's Corner of 2020 with 2021 just a few hours away. Many of our members in both hemispheres are taking time out for Holidays, so I hope hope this finds you safe, well, rested and recharging for what is to be a pivotal 2021 - globally, nationally, locally and individually.
It certainly will be pivotal for Kantara, as we wrestle with increased global interest in our capabilities and demand for our services. Our resource pool however remains largely comprised of the same familiar voices on our calls and emails in our group discussion threads. What can you do to champion Kantara further within your organization, and what can we do to help you do that successfully?
f s remain How was November for you? If you are actively involved in Kantara, it won't have escaped your attention just how busy all facets of Kantara have been. We concluded November with the Members' Annual General Meeting. It was the most well attended ever. In past years we have piggybacked on international conferences in the US and Europe as a venue. While this was great for face to face interaction, it was necessarily restricted in attendee numbers by its very nature. I guess this is one positive for stay-at-home 2020. During the jam packed meeting:
- We, with great pleasure, reflected back on the year's activity together with the Working Group Chairs as they reviewed their Group's activities;
- President Matt, with other Board members, shared the preliminary results of the strategic review for discussion and comment, with our global family pitching in;
- By the numbers we
- received double the expressions of interest in conformity assessment, assurance and grant of trust mark in our Trust Framework Operations program,
- doubled our publications,
- doubled our responses to requests for comment on consultations on digital identity around the world, and
- slightly increased our Membership; and
- We launched the Privacy & Identity for mDL Discussion Group.
All up, a satisfactory year and you can see the AGM materials here on the website. But wait, there's more! 
. It was a delight to announce the winners of the inaugural Exemplary Contribution Awards to individuals, regardless of their membership standing, who have tirelessly volunteered with group work, attended calls and promoted Kantara's unique qualities to the world as judged by Working Group Officers. It was great to be able to recognize the efforts of
and thank them in a meaningful way for their service and unflagging dedication.
November also had other activities. I was a panelist on the UK's Think Digital Identity for Government virtual conference which is always great value, and was on three panels for Identity Week UK the week after.
Members received emails on the call for nominations for the two Directors at Large positions for 2021 from the general organization membership. There will be more information of a new 'view' of our membership coming early in the New Year.
It was great to welcome new member Tim Reiniger as well as membership renewals from Wedacon in Germany, 2Keys in Canada, ITIM Consulting in Canada and Individual Contributors Silvia Knittl, Sal D'Agostino and Vitor Jesus.
December will be very busy for Staff as we prepare a new, fresh look for the website with improved navigation as we continually improve the information architecture for the increasing amount and range of material Kantara publishes.
It remains for me to wish you a very blessed Christmas (for those that celebrate it) and a Happy New Year! See you on the other side .
Onwards to 2021 and all that it has in store for us personally and our expanding and diverse community.
Kind regards,
Colin
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