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On 27 June 2011, the Board of Directors of the National Child Support Enforcement Association adopted a resolution honouring former Deputy Secretary General Professor William Duncan for his extraordinary effort, guidance and contribution in the advancement of international child maintenance efforts in general and the successful negotiation of the Hague Convention of 23 November 2007 on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance in particular. The complete resolution is below (in English only).

Resolution Recognizing the Contributions of William Duncan to Children and Families Worldwide

Introduction:
The National Child Support Enforcement Association (NCSEA) recognizes that as families increasingly cross international boundaries, international child maintenance is more important than ever. NCSEA has been working with the Hague Conference on Private International Law since 2001 in the successful negotiation of The Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance adopted November 23, 2007. The new Convention holds the promise of a new era in the international recovery of child support - one in which cross-border child maintenance procedures will be simplified, swift, accessible and cost effective.

The Hague Permanent Bureau Deputy Secretary General William Duncan has been a key visionary and facilitator, which made Convention adoption possible. Professor Duncan mentored and supported NCSEA delegates during working sessions and formal negotiation sessions and encouraged their participation on the treaty committees and subcommittees, including those involving Administrative Cooperation, Forms, Handbook, and the Country Profile. Professor Duncan participated in NCSEA’s annual conferences and international conferences and actively supported countries other than the United States of America to participate in NCSEA forums in order to seek to understand and develop practical solutions to international child maintenance administration and operational issues. His support of NCSEA has been instrumental in the growth of NCSEA's International Committee that now includes participants and conference attendees from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, United Kingdom, and the United States.

THEREFORE, the NCSEA resolves to recognize the extraordinary effort, guidance and contribution of Professor William Duncan in the advancement of international child maintenance efforts in general and the successful negotiation of The Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance in particular. We recognize Professor Duncan for his:
1. Vision for a modern, practical, and inclusive treaty;
2. Ability to identify points of agreement and creatively resolve points of disagreement; 3. Knowledge of the maintenance systems and challenges in a variety of Countries;
4. Diplomacy, always quiet and gentle, while encouraging delegates to challenge themselves, to think beyond the way things have always been done, and to reach consensus;
5. Stewardship skills focused on moving the discussions and negotiation process forward; 6. Humor and pleasant demeanor in the face of sometimes maddening challenges; and
7. Continued focus on developing practical resolutions and implementation tools for the adopted Convention.

Adopted by the Board of Directors of the National Child Support Enforcement Association on the 27th day of June, 2011.
NCSEA serves the child support community worldwide through professional development, communications, public awareness, and advocacy to enhance the financial, medical, and emotional support that parents provide for their children.