THANOS
BUILDING SUCCESSFUL
FUNERAL BUSINESS
INTRODUCING
3RD VICE PRESIDENT
OF FIAT-IFTA
DISCOVER CÔTE D’IVOIRE
NEW NATIONAL MEMBER OF FIAT-IFTA
108
MAGAZINE
WINTER 2024
The World Organization of Funeral Operatives
17th International
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04/05/06 June 2026
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More than 25 x FORUM BEFA Regional
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More than 230 NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITORS
on approx. 25.000 m²
More than 10.000 VISITORS from more than 40 countries
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info@forum-befa.de
Image fi lm:
Registration forms
Dear colleagues and friends,
t is a great honor for me to ascend to the Presidency
of FIAT-IFTA. I cannot think of a more meaningful
way to complete my decades long journey through
funeral service, one of the most ancient and noble
services that an individual can perform for mankind.
I have been an Associate Member of FIAT-IFTA
for many years. Never did I expect to become
the President of this worldwide association when
I joined. Being fortunate to have been able to travel
internationally with NFDA over the years and then
being appointed as their representative to FIAT-IFTA
has opened new experiences that have given me a
worldwide view of funeral service. I thank all of you
for the many congratulatory wishes given to me.
For those of you who may not know me, I am a fourth-
generation funeral director. My great grandfather,
after immigrating from Germany in 1852 with his
family, grew up to start a “Furniture and Undertaking”
business in 1872. One hundred and three years later
I graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary
Science, the oldest mortuary school in the United
States and where my grandfather studied under the
founder of the school.
I got interested in funeral association work early in
my career when I was asked to serve on a committee
for the Ohio Funeral Directors Association involving
preneed. I went on to serve as President for our
District Association and then went through the
chairs of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association,
becoming President from1994-1995. One of my
accomplishments which I am most proud of is when
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
wrote rules on the national level that forced funeral
homes to comply with extensive regulations,
I developed an OSHA Manual that is in almost every
funeral home in the state of Ohio. It has since been
revised and new sections added but is basically still in
the same format.
After a few years of getting my three children through
their active high school years, I was asked to serve on
a National Funeral Directors Association committee.
This got me excited again about funeral association
work. Doors opened for me, and I got elected to
an At-Large position on the Executive Board and
from there got elected as Secretary which led to
becoming President of the National Funeral Directors
Association from 2009-2010. NFDA kept me busy after
leaving the Executive Board. I served as Chair of the
Professional Conduct Committee and was asked to
serve as a Trustee on the Funeral Service Foundation,
the charitable foundation for NFDA. I went on to be
Chair of the Foundation and during my time as a
trustee we went over the ten-million-dollar amount
and gave away hundreds of scholarships, funded
several grants for grief programs, and funded several
groundbreaking programs for NFDA.
In 2016 I was asked to serve on our State of Ohio Board
of Embalmers and Funeral Directors, which regulates
the licensing and regulations for funeral service and
crematory operations in the state. I am still active on
this board and have served two years as President.
I am truly looking forward to serving FIAT-IFTA for the
next two years as your President.
William C. Wappner
FIAT-IFTA President
William C. Wappner
FIAT-IFTA President
THANOS MAGAZINE
THANOS magazine, the official magazine of FIAT-IFTA
Editor-in-Chief: Katarzyna Supa, e-mail: fiatifta-magazine@thanos.org
Editorial Office: FIAT-IFTA – The World Organization of Funeral Operatives,
Apolloweg 325, 8239DC, Lelystad – NL
Design & DTP: PRZECINEK.studio
All materials are copyrighted. Reprinting and use of materials require
permission from the FIAT-IFTA Office. Editors reserve the right to shorten texts
and change the titles of submitted materials. FIAT-IFTA Office is not liable
for the content of advertisements and promotional materials.
Feel invited to create the Thanos Magazine together with us and advertise your products and services: fiatifta-magazine@thanos.org
Photo from the private resources of William C. Wappner
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 108 – WINTER 2024
Meet the FIAT-IFTA Board 2024-2026 and join us!
I.C.D. meeting and the General Assembly taking
place during FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention in Krakow,
Poland elected the FIAT-IFTA Board 2024-2026.
Since the foundation of the FIAT-IFTA Federation
in 1970 the delegates of the National Members
elect and nominate the Members of the FIAT-
IFTA Board at the biennial General Assembly
of the Membership. The term of the FIAT-IFTA
Board is two years. The Secretary and the
Treasurer may be re-elected.
The FIAT-IFTA Board 2024-2026 consists of the
following members elected and nominated at
the General Assembly held in Krakow, Poland,
September 2024:
• William Wappner, USA (President),
• Johan Dexters, Belgium (1st Vice president),
• Mylena Cooper, Brazil (2nd Vice president),
• Idermaa Garavsuren, Mongolia
(3rd Vice president),
• Emerson De Luca, United Kingdom
(Executive Secretary),
• Argirov, Bulgaria (Treasurer),
• Marek Cichewicz, Poland
(Immediate Past President).
FIAT-IFTA is the world's only Global Funeral
Federation, your trusted partner in the world of
funeral services. Apply for FIAT-IFTA Membership
and expand your network to enhance global
exposure of your services.
FIAT-IFTA Board 2024-2026 (from left): Mr. Emerson De Luca, United Kingdom (Executive Secretary),
Mr. Johan Dextes, Belgium (1st Vice president), Ms. Idermaa Garavsuren, Mongolia (3rd Vice president),
Mr. William Wappner, USA (President), Ms. Mylena Cooper, Brazil (2nd Vice president),
Mr. Atanas Argirov, Bulgaria (Treasurer), Mr. Marek Cichewicz, Poland (Immediate Past President)
Let’s welcome new members of FIAT-IFTA
We are happy to welcome 11 new members of our
organization! Since August 2024, we have been
joined by 1 National Member, 1 Active Members and
9 Associate Members. Please welcome:
National Member:
• Sdružení pohřebnictví v ČR, z.s., Czech Republic
Active Members:
• Thanatopraxie Rens de Peijper, The Netherlands
Associate Members:
• Atvadas, Latvia
• E.Grami-Amigo, Poland
• Invol Ambiental I.C. Ltda, Brazil
• IOF Europa SRL, Romania
• Othello Health Services Ltd, Cyprus
• Quietus Bee, LLC DBA Pollen, USA
• Red Social Lideralia S.L., Spain
• Spalinger Bestattungen, Switzerland
• Valere Repatriation & Co Ltd, Mauritius
If you wish to expand your network to
enhance the global exposure of your services,
apply for FIAT-IFTA Membership by sending an
e-mail at info@thanos.org .
4
No. 108 – WINTER 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
As the next FIAT-IFTA I.C.D. Meeting 2025 will
be held in Yokohama, Japan, we sincerely
recommend starting the lecture with the
publication “Death and Funeral Practices in
Japan”.
Discover death and funeral
practices of different
countries
Are you interested in expanding your business
into new markets? A solid understanding of
customs can be very helpful. Where to get the
knowledge from? The book series “Routledge
International Focus on Death and Funeral
Practices” under the editor Julie Rugg, University
of York, UK, provides essential information
on death and funeral practices in countries
throughout the world. So far the series covers
Japan, Portugal, Russia, and Poland. There
are new books coming out in the next few
months: New Zealand, Finland, Northern Indian
states. Under an earlier imprint with Emerald
Publishing, texts were also produced on England
and Wales, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic
and Serbia.
Each book in the series constitutes an essential
primer on funerary activity in the country under
review. This means that it's useful generally as
a source book for people who may be new to
the industry, and explains aspects that might
be less familiar. Each book has the same basic
structure, which incorporates:
• historic, contextual background to understand
how funeral practices have developed;
• burial and cremation rates, and change over
time;
• an outline of key legislation guiding death
registration, the funeral industry and cemetery
and crematorium provision;
• what happens in the event of a death;
• an overview of the funeral industry
including the ways in which funeral
directing services are delivered and the
balance of state/private involvement in
funeral directing business;
• the cost of funerals and how they are
paid for;
• church involvement in funerals and
arrangements made for minority
religious groups;
• a full and detailed description of a typical
funeral;
• the provision of cemetery and
crematorium services;
• patterns of commemoration
Fully
referenced,
and
supported
by
relevant
images,
figures
and
tables,
books in the series provide an essential
research resource on practices, the law, and
funeral-related procedures around the world.
Collectively, the series provides an invaluable
framework for international comparison.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 108 – WINTER 2024
MEMBERS’ NEWS
ADVERTISEMENT
Future of Funeral
Management
Third edition of International Academy of Senior
Funeral Management Certificate, sponsored by
Gayosso Group and taught by the Tecnológico de
Monterrey is launched.
The International Academy of Senior Funeral
Management creates the opportunity for funeral
sector professionals (mostly General Directors
or potential CEOs) looking to enhance their
leadership skills, drive innovation, and ensure
sustainable and customer-centric service offerings
in a rapidly evolving market. This innovative
course is tailored to help professionals streamline
operations, tackle emotional and demographic
challenges, embrace Environmental, Social, and
Governance (ESG) responsibilities, and design
innovative funeral services that cater to both
immediate needs and future demands.
The program is structured around several
core themes that provide participants with the
necessary skills and tools to excel in the funeral
industry:
Change
Management
Leadership;
Demographic Analysis; Product and Service
Design and Prototyping; AI and Technology
Integration; ESG in the Funeral Sector; Financial
Management. Participants will also engage with
renowned industry experts through keynote
lectures covering essential topics like emotional
management, international trends, AI, and
financial excellence.
Throughout the program, participants work on
a practical Application Challenge, applying what
they’ve learned to real-world scenarios. These
challenges are presented in phases, culminating
in a Demo Day where participants showcase their
innovative funeral solutions to a panel of industry
experts.
As part of the program, participants also
undergo a comprehensive Leadership Circle
Profile assessment, identifying creative and
reactive leadership behaviours. This assessment
is complemented by six personalized coaching
sessions, ensuring each participant develops
an individualized evolution plan that aligns with
their professional goals.
Would
you
like
to
learn
more
about
International
Academy
of
Senior
Funeral
Management
Certificate
please
contact Ms Elizabeth González Pinelo at
egonzalez@gayosso.com .
Join the Advanced
Thanatopraxy Training
Experience in Barcelona!
We are excited to announce the Level 1 Advanced
Thanatopraxy Practices Training in Barcelona
from 4th to 7th March 2025! This hands-on
training is part of the FIAT-IFTA Global Education
Program and will be hosted for the third time.
Over four days of real-life internships, a group
of six participants will gain in-depth practical
experience in thanatopraxy and embalming
techniques. The orientation of the course
is eminently practical and is based on the
sharing of experiences under the guidance
or monitoring of a professional. The training
is provided in English. The idea is to acquire
knowledge through the achievement of real
practical cases. The course covers essential
procedures
from
washing
and
sanitary
disinfection finishing and final preparation, to
more complex techniques such as: injection,
drainage, and the handling of the necessary
instruments. Attendees will benefit from a
hands-on
approach,
using
state-of-the-art
preservation products in a fully equipped
training facility. Practices in the thanatopraxy
room will be finished by closing dinner and
delivery of certificates.
This training program organized by Sortem and
Tanatorio Sancho de Ávila – Funeraria Mémora
Barcelona in collaboration with FIAT-IFTA not
only enhances professional expertise but also
provides a unique opportunity to exchange
best practices with colleagues from around the
world.
For more information, please contact us at
global-education@thanos.org .
Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your
skills and be part of a truly global learning
experience!
6
No. 108 – WINTER 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
FIAT-IFTA join to celebrate
the International Day of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage
Intangible cultural heritage is of vital importance
to humanity, as is the need for its safeguarding
for the future through generations to come.
Capacity-building and awareness-raising actions
with regard to intangible cultural heritage are
crucial in addressing global challenges and
promoting mutual understanding in the modern
world. This is why the 42nd session of the General
Conference of UNESCO in November 2023 (42
C/Resolution 34) proclaimed 17 October as the
International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
To mark this first edition in 2024, States Parties
and other stakeholders of the 2003 Convention
were encouraged to join the celebration by
organizing events and activities to showcase
the diversity and richness of living heritage
and to raise awareness of the importance of its
safeguarding. The events and activities organized
in September, October and November 2024 can
be seen through the dedicated webpage .
As an organization with consultative status for
UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage, FIAT-IFTA
was proud to participate in these celebrations.
We invite all members to explore the latest
edition of the Funeral Heritage Report 2024 ,
which highlights the significance of funeral
practices as part of our living heritage and
to join celebrations of the International Day
of Intangible Cultural Heritage next year on
October 17, 2025.
FIAT-IFTA member honoured
with prestigious award
Lok Chung, founder of Peace Of Mind Funeral
Services, Hong Kong, proud Associate Member of
FIAT-IFTA, has been honoured with the prestigious
40 Under 40 Award by The International Cemetery,
Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA).
Lok Chung wrote to the FIAT-IFTA office: “I am grateful
for this nomination and humbled to be recognized with
this international award. It means a lot to me for my
15 years of professional work and this coincides with
the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of my company
makes it even more meaningful.
Looking back at my 15 years of professional career,
I started as an intern at my family business as
stonemason, worked hard to learn and adjust to the
cultural differences and workplace challenges. It was
a challenging period yet building up my foundation for
this industry. After 5 years of learning and understanding
the utmost importance of what the deceased’s families
need, I decided to start my own one-stop funeral service
company that provides complete solutions and become
one of the most renowned companies in Hong Kong.
This award serves as a powerful validation of my passion
and inspires me to continue making a positive impact.
It has been an amazing journey and I will continue to
serve and to keep striving for greatness.”
We are very proud to see our members on the
winners’ list and very happy to celebrate this success
with them.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 108 – WINTER 2024
MEMBERS’ NEWS
ADVERTISEMENT
Breaking New Ground:
Establishing Malta’s First
Crematorium
The journey to bring Malta’s first crematorium
and memorial park to fruition is lengthy and
challenging, largely due to the lack of established
guidelines for cremation facilities in Malta. Camilleri
Funeral Directors, part of Active Group, FIAT-IFTA
National Member, submitted the first application
for the crematorium over eight years ago, with a
second submission in 2021 after the legislation
was amended in 2019. The company’s most recent
application, submitted in October 2024, adheres to
the Malta Planning Authority’s new guidelines for
crematoriums, which were released in September.
The revised plans reflect the company’s dedication
to adhering to regulatory standards and delivering
a facility that fully addresses the needs of Malta’s
residents.
The Camilleri Memorial Park & Crematorium is
a significant project that seeks to establish Malta’s
first cremation facility, catering to the modern
needs and preferences of Maltese and Gozitan
residents. This thoughtfully designed memorial
site will span over 7,600 square meters near
the back entrance of the Addolorata cemetery,
opposite the new extension. Once complete, it will
offer a serene, purpose-built space where people
of all faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds can honour
their departed loved ones with a dignified farewell.
Active’s Managing Director, Johann Camilleri is
adamant that the crematorium and memorial
park is positioned in the best possible location
to serve the needs of the Maltese islands in
the most efficient manner and with the lowest
possible impact on the environment in terms of
traffic and air pollution. Moreover the company is
planning to invest in the most advanced cremation
and filtration systems, with the lowest possible
emissions in conformance with the most stringent
European standards and regulations.
“After 10 years in the making we are proud to
unveil our latest plans for development of Malta’s
first crematorium with memorial gardens. These
designs envisage our commitment to creating
a state-of-the-art facility, providing the highest
level of cremation services for the future needs
of our islands, with utmost respect for the
environment and the project’s surroundings. We
welcome all interested parties to contact us and
find out more about our vision and the services
we intend to offer at this facility.” – says Johann
Camilleri, Managing Director of Active Group.
The Camilleri Memorial Park & Crematorium
incorporates several carefully designed facilities
that address the varied requirements of funeral
ceremony or celebration of life, bereavement,
commemoration,
and
family
gatherings.
The project includes:
• Crematorium Building: A discreet, 500-square-
meter building will house the cremation
equipment, mortuary, and cold storage facilities.
The building has been designed to blend
seamlessly with its natural surroundings, aiming
to reduce its visual impact on the landscape.
• Multi-Faith Ceremony Hall: A 120-square-
meter hall adaptable to various beliefs and
traditions will serve as a chapel or ceremony
Visual illustration of Camilleri Memorial Park
& Crematorium
Illustration: Camilleri Memorial Park & Crematorium press service
8
No. 108 – WINTER 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
room. This space allows family members to
hold personalized memorial services. Options
will be available to cater for the spiritual needs
of Catholic, Hindu and all religions as well as
humanists, atheists, and non-believers.
• Outdoor
Memorial
Gardens:
Landscaped
gardens will serve as a tranquil environment
for scattering ashes, planting trees, burials or
conducting small gatherings during or after the
cremation service. These outdoor spaces will
offer a peaceful place for reflection.
• Columbarium Options: Both indoor and
outdoor columbaria will be available for
providing a dignified, long-term storage option
for ashes. Families will have the flexibility
to choose between various columbarium
settings, according to personal preferences or
traditions.
• Viewing Rooms and Gathering Areas: Family
members will be able to gather in ceremony
and viewing rooms, where they can say a final
goodbye prior to cremation. The facility will also
feature outdoor spaces for family and friends
to gather, enabling them to celebrate and
remember their loved one’s life together.
• Parking
and
Accessibility:
To
ensure
accessibility, the project includes underground
and above-ground parking, designed to handle
the needs of both small and large gatherings.
Active Group, with extensive experience in
crematorium management across international
locations, brings a wealth of knowledge and
expertise to the project. Their role as the exclusive
booking
agent
for
Misterbianco
Cremazioni
in Catania has allowed them to refine their
understanding of the cremation needs of Maltese
citizens,
which
has
directly
influenced
the
thoughtful planning behind this new facility.
Approval for the Camilleri Memorial Park &
Crematorium is anticipated in early 2025, with
an operational launch targeted for 2026. Until
then, residents of Malta continue to rely on the
crematorium facility in Misterbianco, Catania,
for cremation services. If the project proceeds
as expected, the Camilleri Memorial Park &
Crematorium will mark a new era for Malta, offering
a respectful, comprehensive, and environmentally
considerate option for end-of-life arrangements.
MEMBERS’ NEWS
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The FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention, held in the
enchanting city of Krakow, left an indelible mark
on the hearts of over 300 participants from 54
countries around the globe. Set against the stunning
backdrop of the Fabryczna City Complex, the
event was praised for its engaging agenda, warm
hospitality, and seamless organization. For the first
time, attendees could enhance their networking
experience through an intuitive event app, making it
easier than ever to connect and communicate with
fellow guests. This year’s convention will surely be
remembered as a standout moment for the global
funeral services community.
The 17th FIAT-IFTA Convention and 53rd FIAT-IFTA
I.C.D. Annual Meeting, held from September 18th
to 20th, 2024, were landmark events for the global
funeral industry. These gatherings provided an
excellent platform for international networking and
collaboration among industry professionals. One of
the highlights was the development of new projects
through working meetings of five key committees,
each addressing critical areas for the industry:
• Heritage Committee focused on preserving
intangible funeral cultural heritage, as part of
FIAT-IFTA’s role as an International NGO with
Consultative Status at UNESCO for Intangible
Cultural Heritage.
• Global Education Committee dedicated to
advancing education programs in various sectors
of the industry.
• Embalming Committee aimed at setting standards
for embalming practices worldwide.
• Sustainability
Committee
concentrated
on
creating ecological and sustainability standards,
aligning with FIAT-IFTA’s commitment as an NGO
with Special Consultative Status at UN-ECOSOC.
• Coffin
Standards
Committee
focused
on
developing
global
standards
for
coffin
manufacturing.
During these meetings we spoke actively and
put forward many constructive action plans and
suggestions, which will provide valuable reference and
impetus for our future work.
The FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention offered a wealth
of inspiration through its lineup of exceptional
speakers, making the event a truly enriching
experience for all attendees. Participants had the
chance to delve into a variety of fascinating topics,
such as the evolution of Slavic rituals honouring
the dead – explored through the lens of Kraków’s
Rękawka tradition – along with discussions on the
future of cemeteries, strategies for reducing costs
and boosting productivity in the funeral industry,
and the profound impact of funerals on grieving
families and society at large.
A particularly engaging highlight was a moderated
discussion featuring two celebrated Polish sports
figures – soccer legend Jerzy Dudek and accomplished
UNFORGETTABLE
FIAT-IFTA 2024 CONVENTION
18-20 SEPTEMBER 2024, KRAKOW, POLAND
10
No. 108 – WINTER 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
athlete Artur Partyka – invited by Platinum Partner,
KLEPSYDRA Group. The duo shared insights on
motivation, passion, handling stress, overcoming
professional burnout, and building the enduring
foundations of a fulfilling life. Their motivational
speeches resonated deeply with many funeral
directors and morticians, providing valuable advice
on achieving success, bouncing back from setbacks,
and finding support in difficult times.
For the first time, conference attendees eagerly
engaged in discussions with the speakers, adding
a dynamic and interactive element that significantly
enhanced the value of the event.
The FIAT-IFTA meeting also featured a specialized
workshop tailored specifically for Polish cemetery
managers, addressing the contemporary challenges
in the management and operation of cemeteries
in Poland. This workshop, which included an in-
depth panel discussion, was organized by the
Polish Funeral Association (PSP) and the Institute
of Funeral and Cemetery Industry (IBPC), with the
valuable support of the NECROEXPO trade fair in
Kielce – the only funeral industry fair in Poland. This
collaborative effort provided an excellent platform
for Polish professionals to share insights, explore
solutions, and discuss the evolving demands faced
by cemeteries in the country.
We are proud and delighted to have welcomed
a
truly
international
group
of
funeral
professionals from across the globe, including
participants from Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil,
Bulgaria, Canada, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia,
Cyprus,
Czech
Republic,
Denmark,
Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hong
Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy,
Japan, Latvia, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia,
Morocco, Nepal, Norway, Philippines, Poland,
Portugal, Republic of South Africa, Romania,
Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, The Netherlands, Thailand, Tunisia,
Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the USA.
This gathering provided an excellent opportunity to
discuss key matters for the organization and also
marked a significant moment with the election
of Mrs Idermaa Garavsuren from Mongolia as
the 3rd Vice President, chosen by secret ballot.
Additionally, we were excited to announce the date
and venue for the 2025 I.C.D. Meeting – mark your
Photos: www.zdjecia-reklamowe.pl/ Bartosz Dziedzic
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 108 – WINTER 2024
11
MEMBERS’ NEWS
calendars for June 2-5, 2025, when we will meet
in Yokohama, Japan! Save the date and prepare
for another inspiring event.
The FIAT-IFTA meeting was focused on enduring
business relationships and the organization’s latest
developments. There was also time to enjoy and
celebrate during the Welcome cocktail reception
sponsored by Facultatieve Technologies taking
place in the amazing Utopia vodka bar connected
with the Vodka Factory Museum.
A major highlight was the Gala Dinner, which
featured a beautiful flag ceremony and a
poignant moment as the FIAT-IFTA Presidential
insignia was passed from Mr. Marek Cichewicz
of Poland to Mr. William Wappner from the
United States. This evening also saw the official
announcement of the new FIAT-IFTA Board.
The event concluded on a high note with
an American-style Farewell Party, hosted by
the new FIAT-IFTA President, and generously
sponsored by Dignity Memorial and NFDA.
These celebrations not only added joy and
camaraderie to the event but also strengthened
the sense of community among funeral industry
professionals worldwide.
See more pictures
from the event
Watch video from
FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention
in Krakow, Poland
In 2025 we meet again at the
54th I.C.D. Annual Meeting of FIAT-IFTA in Yokohama, Japan.
The meeting will take place on June 2-5, 2025
in Pacifico Yokohama!
Save the date in your diaries! We are looking forward to seeing you!
Photos: www.zdjecia-reklamowe.pl/ Bartosz Dziedzic
12
No. 108 – WINTER 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
During the technical visit and sightseeing tour
of Krakow, sponsored by Grupo ASV, convention
attendees had the opportunity to explore the rich
history and iconic landmarks of this UNESCO-listed
former royal capital. The tour also offered a taste of
authentic Polish cuisine, allowing participants to fully
immerse themselves in the culture of the region.
Among the highlights was a visit to two significant
cemeteries: the historic Rakowicki Cemetery, one of
the oldest in Poland, and the modern Cemetery in
Podgórki Tynieckie.
At the Podgórki Tynieckie Communal Cemetery,
managed by KLEPSYDRA Group, a key partner and
Platinum Sponsor of this year’s convention, two
remarkable events took place. First, we witnessed
the opening of the ‘TREES OF REMEMBRANCE’
ecological urn quarter, a pioneering initiative that
provides individual eco-friendly burial plots while
contributing to environmental conservation.
The second event was the unveiling of the world’s
only geodetic installation, ‘TEMPUS FUGIT,’ a symbolic
monument aligned with the 50°N parallel, running
through the cemetery. This unique installation
serves as a powerful symbol of the passage of time,
inviting all visitors to reflect on life’s transience.
These meaningful experiences added a deeper layer
of cultural and environmental awareness to the
convention, making it even more memorable.
After the FIAT-IFTA Convention concluded, around
100 attendees opted to extend their stay and embark
on an enriching optional tour, which included visits
to two of Poland’s most iconic and historically
significant sites. The tour began with a visit to the
Wieliczka Salt Mine, a priceless cultural monument
inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in
1978, known for its vast underground chambers and
stunning salt-carved sculptures. This was followed
by a profoundly moving visit to the Auschwitz-
Birkenau Memorial and Museum, providing deep
insights into one of the darkest chapters of human
history, leaving a lasting emotional impact on all
participants.
Incredible Polish team did exceptional work in
organizing the FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention in Krakow.
A special thank you also goes to all participants
for their trust and active presence at the event.
We hope you departed from Poland with fond
memories, new friendships, and strengthened
business relationships.
Thank you to all amazing partners and sponsors!
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 108 – WINTER 2024
13
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Last update: 25th August 2024
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DISCOVER CÔTE D’IVOIRE
IVOSEP – NEW NATIONAL MEMBER OF FIAT-IFTA
By Chrystel Malan, Deputy Managing Director of IVOSEP, Côte d’Ivoire
Photos: www.zdjecia-reklamowe.pl/ Bartosz Dziedzic
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No. 108 – WINTER 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
As a national member of
FIAT-IFTA, we will benefit from
an international network of
knowledge and resources,
enhancing our ability to
innovate and improve our
practices. This affiliation keeps
us at the forefront of industry
developments and allows us to
exchange ideas
with global experts.
We look forward to
collaborating with the
international community of
funeral operators.
Since 2020, I have had the honour of serving
as the Deputy Managing Director of IVOSEP,
the first funeral service company in Côte
d’Ivoire. My journey began at PWC Côte d’Ivoire,
an international audit firm, followed by roles as
CFO for two African groups. In 2012, I joined the
CANAL+ Group, working across subsidiaries in
the DRC, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire. These
experiences have equipped me with the expertise
to drive the modernization and optimization of
our services at IVOSEP. My mission is to uphold
exceptional service standards and reinforce our
leadership in the Ivorian and sub-Saharan African
funeral industry.
The funeral industry in Côte d’Ivoire is rapidly
evolving to meet the essential needs of bereaved
families. With approximately 10 undertakers and
several municipal cemeteries, the country serves a
population with a mortality rate of 10.8 deaths per
1,000 inhabitants (WHO, 2023). While cremation
remains relatively uncommon, it presents a future
growth opportunity for the sector.
The industry faces three major challenges:
• Affordability: Funeral services can be costly,
particularly for viewing room hire and coffins.
To address this, IVOSEP launched IVOSEP
ASSISTANCE, a provident solution that enables
families to plan and finance their funerals in
advance.
• Competition
and
Digitalization:
Integrating
new technologies is crucial in this traditional
sector. We are continuously modernizing our
management tools to enhance service quality
and customer experience through digitization.
• Cultural
and
Religious
Sensitivities:
As
a
multicultural country, Côte d’Ivoire has diverse
death rituals. IVOSEP is committed to respecting
these sensitivities by offering inclusive services
tailored to meet the needs of all communities.
Founded over 65 years ago, IVOSEP is a
cornerstone of the funeral services sector
in Côte d’Ivoire. Our comprehensive services
include the care of the deceased, body treatment
and preservation, funeral transport, organization
of funerals, and assistance with administrative
formalities. With a fleet of over 160 hearses and
a network of 48 agencies nationwide, IVOSEP
delivers local, dedicated service through its 750
employees.
Our core values – Responsibility, Innovation,
Customer Culture, Integrity, and Performance
– guide our actions to provide compassionate
and professional support during difficult times.
As a national member of FIAT-IFTA, we will benefit
from an international network of knowledge and
resources, enhancing our ability to innovate and
improve our practices. This affiliation keeps us at
the forefront of industry developments and allows
us to exchange ideas with global experts.
We look forward to collaborating with the
international community of funeral operators.
IVOSEP
www.ivosep.ci
Contact: chrystel.malan@ivosep.net
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 108 – WINTER 2024
15
MEMBERS’ NEWS
INTRODUCING
IDERMAA
GARAVSUREN
3RD VICE PRESIDENT
OF FIAT-IFTA
Idermaa Garavsuren,
President of the Mongolian Funeral Association (MFA)
and the 3rd Vice President of FIAT-IFTA
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No. 108 – WINTER 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
n Krakow the I.C.D. Meeting elected
Mrs
Idermaa
Garavsuren
from
Mongolia, President of the Mongolian
Funeral Association (MFA) to be the
3rd Vice President of FIAT-IFTA. We
asked Mrs Idermaa Garavsuren about
her goals as a Board Member and her
beginnings in the funeral industry, as
well as the brief introduction of the
Mongolian funeral sector.
My name is Idermaa Garavsuren. I was born
and raised in Bulgan province, Mongolia, and
graduated from Mongolian University with a
degree in economics and accounting. I have
over 20 years of experience in the funeral
services industry. I founded Ulaanbaatar Buyan
LLC and New Cemetery LLC, where I introduced
cremation services in Mongolia. Today, our
company operates two cremation facilities
and two cemeteries in Ulaanbaatar, along with
casket manufacturing, statue workshops, and
headstone production.
In addition to running my businesses, I contribute
to developing rules and regulations for
funeral services in Mongolia. As a member of
a government working group, I helped establish
essential national standards, including the
General Requirements for Cremation Service
Organizations (MNS5605:2006) and Funeral
Services (MNS6841:2020). I have a keen
interest in Mongolian funeral traditions,
which led me to complete a Ph.D. in history
on this topic. My book, The Burial of Mongols
of the 20th and 21st Century (Ulaanbaatar,
2024), and over ten research articles have been
published in journals in Mongolia, Germany,
Russia, and Ukraine.
Currently, I am leading a significant project
to revitalize the Sambalkhundev Cemetery
in Ulaanbaatar, aiming to transform it into a
modern memorial garden and an integrated
funeral service centre. Since 2003, I have actively
participated in international conferences and
expos related to the funeral industry. I became
President of the Mongolian Funeral Association
in 2008, which unites funeral service providers
in Mongolia and promotes unified standards for
quality, environmental care, health, and safety.
We are also drafting a “Funeral Regulation
Legislation,” which we hope to present to
Mongolia’s Parliament soon.
Our work seeks to respect traditional customs
while addressing modern needs. Together
with the Mongolian Funeral Association, the
Department of History at the Mongolian
National University, and the Office of the Mayor
of Ulaanbaatar, we have organized academic
research conferences to document funeral
rituals, covering topics from traditional practices
to modern trends. This research has been
published in five volumes from 2018 to 2024
and helps us create funeral services that blend
cultural heritage with contemporary practices.
I am deeply honoured to have been elected
as the Third Vice President of FIAT-IFTA, and I
extend my gratitude to all members for their
support. The recent 17th FIAT-IFTA Convention
and 53rd FIAT-IFTA I.C.D. Annual Meeting in
Krakow, Poland, provided a valuable opportunity
to connect with colleagues and discuss the
current challenges and promising future of our
industry.
As Third Vice President, I am committed to
advancing several key initiatives. My primary
focus includes supporting the registration of
intangible funeral heritage with UNESCO World
Heritage, aligning with sustainable development
goals, promoting “Green Burials” that honour
national customs, upholding industry standards,
and preserving burial heritage. Achieving these
goals requires collaboration, and I look forward
to working with our members, fellow funeral
associations, and government and private sector
partners to turn these projects into reality.
To promote sustainability, we aim to connect
FIAT-IFTA’s work with global environmental
efforts. For instance, Mongolia’s President has
launched a national initiative, “Terbum Mod”
(Billion Trees), to enhance the environment.
Inspired by this, our team at Ulaanbaatar
Buyan LLC has introduced the “One Ash – One
Tree” campaign, linking eco-friendly burial
practices with reforestation efforts. Similarly,
in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture,
Sports, Tourism, and Youth of Mongolia, we are
I am deeply honoured to
have been elected as the
Third Vice President of
FIAT-IFTA, and I extend my
gratitude to all members for
their support.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 108 – WINTER 2024
17
MEMBERS’ NEWS
pursuing the registration of Hun dynasty burial
monuments as world cultural heritage sites in
partnership with the Institute of Archaeology
and the Chinggis Khan National Museum.
I am also passionate about strengthening the role
of women in the funeral industry. Today, there
is a growing emphasis on inclusive, accessible,
and gender-sensitive governance across all
sectors, including ours. Women bring invaluable
compassion, adaptability, and dedication to this
work, which is essential in a field that serves people
during some of their most vulnerable moments.
I am excited to organize the “International
Conference for Women in the Funeral Industry” in
the near future to support and increase women’s
leadership. I hope this event will highlight women’s
contributions and work toward gender-sensitive
governance within our industry.
In all these initiatives, I am guided by FIAT-IFTA’s
vision for a respectful, sustainable, and inclusive
future for the funeral industry.
Mongolia is a nation with over 2,200 years
of statehood and a rich nomadic culture,
covering an expansive territory of 1,564,116
km².
Following
the
social
and
economic
transformations
of
the
1990s,
Mongolia’s
funeral
industry
transitioned
to
include
private enterprises operating alongside state
institutions. This shift has fostered new services,
technologies, and innovations in the industry.
In Ulaanbaatar, the capital, there are over 20
cemeteries covering more than 800 hectares.
Across the country, approximately 1,000 rural
cemeteries reflect the large geographic spread of
the population. Around 40 licensed funeral service
providers operate in Mongolia, most of which are
based in Ulaanbaatar, although there is significant
potential for expansion into rural areas.
Mongolia’s
funeral
customs
are
diverse,
encompassing burial, cremation, embalming,
and even sky burial practices. These customs
have evolved through Mongolia’s early, medieval,
and modern periods, each leaving unique traces
of burial practices still evident in historical
sites. For example, the tomb of Chinggis Khan’s
son Jochi Khan in Kazakhstan, Gögölön Khan
in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and Öljeitü Khan
in Zanjan, Iran, are testaments to this cultural
heritage.
Today, burial and cremation are the predominant
practices in Mongolia, with cremation steadily
gaining popularity. In 2023, 9.5% of all deaths
in Mongolia were cremated, rising to 18.8% in
Ulaanbaatar.
In Mongolian culture, death and immortality
are deeply interwoven, with death considered a
transition rather than an ending. Funerals are a
time to honour the deceased and their journey
to the afterlife, guided by beliefs in “good deeds”
and respect for one’s ancestors. A Mongolian
saying reflects this: “Those who honourably
bury their parents will lead a prosperous life.”
This belief underscores that respectfully caring
for the departed brings peace to families and
society. This ethos also connects to the legacy
of Pax Mongolica, a period of unprecedented
peace across Eurasia achieved under the Mongol
Empire.
As Third Vice President,
I am committed to advancing
several key initiatives.
My primary focus includes
supporting the registration
of intangible funeral heritage
with UNESCO World Heritage,
aligning with sustainable
development goals and
strengthening the role
of women in the funeral
industry.
I am excited to organize the
“International Conference
for Women in the Funeral
Industry” in the near future to
support and increase
women’s leadership.
I hope this event will highlight
women’s contributions and
work toward gender-sensitive
governance within our
industry.
18
No. 108 – WINTER 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
he funeral industry is looking at
new areas beyond the strict care of
a deceased person’s remains because
nowadays, each of us has a physical body
and a “digital body” made up of the data
we produce in vast quantities every day.
This raises questions and interest within
the industry and, most importantly,
among families about how to handle
digital heritage. If we leave it unchecked,
it will likely be forgotten (the least painful
option) or misused – exploited beyond
our control.
We ask 3 broad questions about digital legacy
to Giulia Salis Nioi, Chief Executive Officer at
Zephorum, Italy.
KATARZYNA SUPA: At Tanexpo 2024, you
spoke about how the dynamics of the funeral
industry are changing, that the funeral
industry is turning its attention beyond areas
strictly related to the execution of the funeral
ceremony. Funeral companies are offering, in
different countries with different intensities,
services related to legal support, psychological
support in bereavement and... increasingly
also in topics related to legacy both genetic
and digital. The company you manage offers
solutions to help you manage digital heritage.
What is digital heritage / digital legacy? Why is
it important for us as funeral directors to pay
attention to this topic?
GIULIA SALIS NIOI: The pandemic has changed
many things: it has created new needs and has
caused a revenue crisis all over western countries.
But, paraphrasing a famous saying, “where there’s
a wall there is a way”. And every crisis brings with
itself new opportunities to grow and to move
towards the future. Digital heritage refers to the
information, records, and memories preserved in
digital form. This includes a vast array of content
such as emails, social media posts, photos,
videos, and documents stored in cloud archives.
As we navigate our lives increasingly online, these
digital assets collectively represent our personal
histories and legacies. As funeral directors,
understanding and embracing digital heritage is
crucial for several reasons:
DIGITAL
MEMORIES,
DIGITAL
LEGACY
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT
TO PAY ATTENTION
TO THIS TOPIC?
Interviewer: Katarzyna Supa
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 108 – WINTER 2024
19
MAIN TOPIC
Photo: Zephorum press service
1. Holistic Commemoration: Traditionally, we
have focused on physical memorabilia such
as photos, letters, and personal belongings
to commemorate a person’s life. In today’s
digital age, a significant portion of a person’s
identity and life story is captured and
shared online. Incorporating digital heritage
into commemoration practices allows us
to create a more complete and authentic
remembrance.
2. Client Demand: Families increasingly seek
ways to memorialize their loved ones digitally.
This can range from creating online memorial
pages to preserving social media profiles
as a digital shrine. By offering services that
address these needs, we can provide more
comprehensive and modern support to
grieving families.
3. Legacy Preservation: Digital assets are
susceptible to loss if not properly managed.
Files can be accidentally deleted, accounts
can be deactivated, and online content can
disappear over time. As funeral directors,
we can play a pivotal role in advising and
assisting families in preserving these digital
legacies for future generations.
4. Digital Security: There is a growing concern
about the misuse of digital content. For
instance, personal data can be vulnerable
to unauthorized access, and there is the
potential for digital assets to be exploited
for malicious purposes such as identity
theft or deepfake creation. By providing
secure digital legacy services, we can help
protect the deceased’s digital identities
and
the
privacy
of
their
loved
ones.
The
Digital
legacy
encompasses
any
information or media created, stored, and
accessed in digital form, such as email,
social networks, and cloud archives. Each
type of these providers in facts contains the
story of the individual, from professional
communications and important information
to photos and videos documenting personal
milestones, events, and everyday moments.
In the end are also documents, presentations,
and other files that provide a repository of an
individual’s digital footprint.
The misuse of digital content, particularly
through techniques like deepfake creation,
highlights the importance of securing digital
heritage. For example, a report by Deeptrace
estimated that deepfake videos were doubling
every six months and are going to raise with
the public usage of AI tools. These videos can
be used maliciously to spread misinformation
or create damaging content. Unactive profiles
are also very likely to be monitored and hacked
for illegal purposes. According to the Horizon
Europe EITHOS – European Identity Theft
Observatory System, Europe is the geographic
area most affected by this crime, with 31% of
identity thefts occurring worldwide. Among
those, it is estimated that almost 40% of identity
thefts worldwide concerns stolen profiles of
deceased people. We are talking about millions
of profiles every year.
It is very important for funeral directors to
understand this underserved need and integrate
digital heritage into their services, in order to
offer enhanced support to families, ensuring
their loved ones’ memories are preserved
comprehensively
and
securely.
Moreover,
by addressing the potential abuses of digital
content, they can safeguard the legacies of the
deceased against modern threats, providing
peace of mind to their families.
K.S.: Zephorum has created the first legal
tech system procedure to manage digital
legacies on social media. Please tell us how
it works?
G.S.: Let’s speak clearly: according to a Report by
Oxford University, online there will be more dead
than alive users by 2060. This is a huge problem
and will soon make the internet a huge mass
grave. Nowadays there are already more that
100 million so called “ghost profiles” (accounts
of deceased people), and numbers are running
very fast. Internet is at a serious risk of becoming
a huge mass grave. But with Zephorum we have
found a solution to every aspect of this problem.
It is especially important
for funeral directors to
integrate digital heritage
into their services, in order
to offer enhanced support
to families, ensuring their
loved ones’ memories are
preserved comprehensively
and securely.
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MAIN TOPIC