Two long-time members of the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada are playing prominent international roles as the Dubai 2026 World Stamp Exhibition gets under way, marking the 100th anniversary of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie.
Ed Kroft, a past president of the RPSC and a highly regarded international judge, is serving as a vice-president of the exhibition jury and is also taking part as an FIP jury trainer at the Jury Academy being held alongside the exhibition. With more than 40 jurors participating, Kroft’s appointment places him in a senior leadership position helping guide jury standards and evaluation at the centenary event, which opened Feb. 4 and runs through Feb. 8, 2026, in Dubai.
Canada’s participation at Dubai 2026 is being coordinated by David McLaughlin, who is serving as national commissioner. In this role, McLaughlin is acting as the primary contact for Canadian exhibitors, assisting with entries, logistics and compliance with exhibition regulations, while liaising with exhibition organizers and the FIP. National commissioners play a central role at FIP exhibitions, providing on-site support and ensuring exhibitors are well represented.
Dubai 2026 is the first FIP-patronage world stamp exhibition to be hosted in the United Arab Emirates and also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Emirates Philatelic Association. The involvement of Kroft and McLaughlin highlights Canada’s ongoing contribution to international philately at the highest level.