At the outset, let me sincerely thank the International Weed Science Society members for electing a new and dynamic Board. You have entrusted a big responsibility on us and we assure you that the new team will further the cause of IWSS initiated in 1975 by the founding fathers, Les J. Matthews (New Zealand), Marvin M. Schreiber (USA), Larry Burrill (USA), John Fryer (UK), Jerry Doll (USA) and other members. I congratulate and welcome the newly elected Board members, Dr. Do-Soon Kim (South Korea), Dr. Luis Avila (Brazil) and Dr. Te-Ming Paul Tseng (USA) as Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
 

I am grateful for the momentum generated by our immediate Past-President, Dr. Nilda R. Burgos (USA), Dr. Albert Fischer (Past President), Dr. Do-Soon Kim (Past Secretary), Dr. Ian Burke (Past Treasurer), Dr. Baruch Rubin (Ex. Officio), and this fantastic team will be with us to guide and support for the 8th International Weed Science Congress which was slated for June 2020 in Bangkok (Thailand), postponed to December 2020 and now to December 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Along with Dr. Luis Avila (Chair, SPC), Dr. Chanya Maneechote (Local Org. Secretary) and other team members; Dr. Burgos has developed a wonderful program for the IWSC. They deserve a big ovation and are determined for a memorable event in 2021. 
 

IWSC 2021 will comprise different workshops, cultural events and field excursions for which Chanya has devoted lot to time to make it very educative and enjoyable. Thailand is a beautiful location and we hope to overcome the challenges of Covid-19 by December 2021.
 

We would also appreciate regional and local Weed Science Societies joining the IWSS, helping us better engage with Weed Scientists/students from Asia, Middle East, Africa and other countries where Weed Science is in a growing stage. IWSS has always appreciated financial support from the Weed Science Society of America and the European Weed Research Society for their generous financial contribution for the travel support of student’s participation in International Weed Science Congresses. This time IWSS and Local Organizers created a special fund for Travel Assistance to Weed Scientists from the developing countries, which I’d like to take a moment to specially appreciate. 
 

We also encourage young Weed Scientists and students to join IWSS, as there are several incentives for the members that help both scientist and the scientific community. It will be our endeavour to inspire and engage young weed scientists by involving them in several committees and events and would be thankful for their active support through volunteering their time and energy.
 

It will be my great honour and pleasure to serve you the next four years along with the new Board members. Together we will work on future challenges in Weed Science for a sustainable agriculture.  
 

President, IWSS