There will be no next time for District 20 : Bahrain

Manama : He is determined to improve his district in every possible way. Though this will be his last chance to do that in the company of all the seven countries. 

Meet Ali Shahbaz Ali who has been elected to serve as the head of the seven ‘district 20’ member countries of Toastmasters International. 

Ali, a educationist, is also the third Bahraini to be elected as the Director of district 20 which comprises 7,500 members from Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Lebanon and Jordan. 

In an interview with DT News yesterday, Ali revealed that after his term district 20 would be split into two. 

“In the next term, four of the countries would move away from this district and form a new district. I am honoured to have been elected as the director this term. I’m delighted about being able to work with all seven countries,” he said. 

When asked about his feeling on being elected to this key position, Ali said, “The first thing that I thought about was the accountability and the responsibility of being the district director. 

“My first thoughts were on how I could head this district in the best possible way and at the same time represent Bahrain in the best way.  

“With all the support I am getting I am sure that this is going to be a great term. My first goal is quality, because I know Toastmasters is going to grow in quantity but what I want to ensure that quality is delivered.”

Ali joined Toastmasters in 2004. Since then he has been the President of various clubs and has also served as an Area director. 

“I have had many leadership rolls within Toastmasters. I have also got myself involved in speech contests. I represented Bahrain twice in International competitions,” he added. 

Venue for DTAC

Bahrain will be the venue for District Toastmaster Annual Conference (DTAC) which will be held next year. Members of Toastmasters from district 20 will also take part in this event. 

“This will be the last time the seven countries meet at the annual conference as the district is going to be split. Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar will remain in the district while Jordan, Lebanon, Oman and UAE will form a new district. Because of the significance of this event, we are expecting the largest crowd yet,”Ali said.