The APCC has executed projects for 35 years since 1989 and commemorated the 10th anniversary with the successful inauguration of the BRIDGE CLUB. Having assessed its success in past BC Projects and looked at issues it currently faces, we have planned our vision for the next 10 years. At the 20th APCC in 2008, the executive members and Peace Ambassadors from 22 countries decided to establish “BRIDGE CLUB International Organization (BCIO)”, with an aim to further accelerate the setup of BCs in all non-BC countries and regions and to enhance the building of networks between existing BCs. BCIO has committed to improve and vitalize BRIDGE projects and utilize the strengths of each BC and to establish active global citizens. Whilst doing this we are also working to strengthen the BC Network with the launch of the “Respect and Understanding” program in order to maintain strong BCʼs. At the 25th APCC in 2013, BC Presidents from 32 BC countries participated at the “1st BC Presidents Meeting” with an aim to support BCIO development and strengthening active participation among BCs. BC Presidentsʼ meetings are held every two years, alternating between Fukuoka and a different BC country/region, In 2015 the “2nd BC Presidents Meeting” was held in Bali, Indonesia. 21 BC Presidents/ Representatives, including former BCIO HOMs attended. The aim of this meeting was to develop strategic programs and use the Global networks and encourage leadership and management skills of BC members, and also to consider the roles and responsibilities that BCs should work on to foster Global BRIDGE Leaders. The 3rd BC Presidents Meeting was held in 2018 during the 30th Anniversary of APCC where 35 BC Presidents participated and discussed the strategic growth of BCIO & strengthened the BC network. The main commencement was introducing a new management team, appointing General Manager and Assistant Manager from the former Junior Ambassadors and inauguration of all BC Presidents and BCIO Management. The Virtual 4th BCPM was organized using Zoom platform on 18-19 July, 2020. The BCIO Assistant Managers, BC Work Group Coordinators and BC Presidents were officially inaugurated for the new term, 2020- 2022. One of the main outcomes of the Virtual 4th BCPM is to have Presidents sharing meeting once in three months.
Aims and Objectives of BCIO
1. To improve and vitalize BRIDGE projects
2. Utilize the strengths of each BC and to establish active global citizens.
3. To give a foothold for all APCC participants and local BC members.
Promise of BCIO We, BCIO members, promise to achieve "Peace and Co-existence" throughout the world by promoting "Respect and Understanding" between all people and creating a bridge that joins us together. "We are the BRIDGE".
Functions
1. Support the establishment of new BC
⮚ Co-operate to establish BRIDGE CLUB in Asia Pacific countries those have not found yet. ⮚ Plan the PA programs.