In the autumn of 2024 Aalborg Municipality was chosen as the new host for KIMO’s International Secretariat starting January 2025. Thus, the transition from the Shetland Islands to Aalborg has been ongoing since December.
To spearhead the International Secretariat Lisa Bugge Nør Larsen has been chosen for the role as Executive Secretary.
”I am thrilled to have become a part of KIMO, and I look forward to promoting the organisation’s international agendas while supporting KIMO’s networks and members. After securing a smooth transition together with the most competent staff at the Shetland Islands Council, I look forward to realizing the potential in KIMO’s further development. Luckily, I start of from a strong foundation laid by the Shetland Islands,” says Lisa Bugge Nør Larsen.
The International Secretariat for KIMO has a long history at the Shetland Islands. An important part of the transition has been to ensure that the vast amount of knowledge is shared with the new secretariat in Aalborg. To do this, there has been strong collaboration between the staff at the two municipalities.
“Shetland Islands Council hosted the Secretariat for KIMO for 34 years, so, in some ways, the Secretariat moving to Aalborg is a sad occasion for us. The hard work and commitment of all the officers in Shetland has been a significant contribution to the success of KIMO. But change gives the organisation an opportunity to redefine its goals and focus on where we can have the most impact. I personally have been really impressed with the people in Aalborg, so I am sure the future of the organisation is in safe hands. By working together across borders in a collaborative and positive way, we can achieve great things,” says Iain McDiarmid, Executive Manager at Shetland Islands Council.
The collaboration between Aalborg and Shetland Islands will continue for the months to come, while the secretariat is settling in at the northern parts of Denmark.
The new Secretariat has many ambitions – also when it comes to communication. So, make sure to keep an eye on this news section and to subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the website!