International: World Vision's global leaders move to London, UK

Child-focused development and relief organisation World Vision International officially opened its executive office for global operations in Stockley Park, Uxbridge, south-west London, today (11.30am BST, Thursday 10th June, 2010).

In a short dedication ceremony, President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Jenkins said the event was significant, both practically and symbolically, as World Vision celebrates its 60th year.

“From the most modest beginning, we have remained faithful to the original vision while always seeking new ways to promote children’s well-being in the poorest places,” he said.

“Having remained true to our Christian roots, passionately embracing the highest humanitarian principles and choosing to walk with the poor as they develop their communities, we work today in nearly 100 countries and have a governance structure that is truly international.”

Partnership

World Vision is a partnership of national entities with their own leadership and, in many cases, their own board of directors. The international office, which co-ordinates and guides the global operations of these members, is itself a partner and has representatives in more than 50 locations.

Over the coming months a dozen of the most senior leaders in the international office will relocate to Stockley Park from offices as far afield as Kenya, Finland, Canada and the United States.

The location in Uxbridge was chosen as it is close to Heathrow airport with air access to World Vision programmes around the world. Contact with other organisations, including the United Nations and European Union, is facilitated by the location, and the time-zone is conducive to global communications.