Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo of Italy at the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada.
For the past week, Calgary served as a vibrant global epicenter for service and collaboration, drawing 16,000 Rotary members and participants from over 140 nations.
As the Rotary International Convention ended this week, this diverse assembly of humanitarian leaders carried home more than just memories; they departed with a revitalised sense of purpose and practical strategies, poised to accelerate efforts towards a healthier and more peaceful world.
Often likened by attendees to a "mini-United Nations," the convention served as a dynamic hub for Rotary members and participants to forge connections, exchange ideas, and learn from a diverse range of experts.
Discussions spanned critical global issues and local community actions, showcasing the power of collective impact.
Welcomed by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, and further inspired by luminaries such as Academy Award-winning actor Geena Davis, the convention's agenda tackled a broad spectrum of challenges.
Topics ranged from advocating for gender parity and advancing children’s education to exploring the implications of artificial intelligence, pioneering efforts in preventing and treating cervical cancer, driving the final push to end polio, and deepening global peace and understanding.
"The world right now can feel divided," remarked Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick. "But Rotary brings together people from every corner of the globe, not to erase our differences, but to celebrate them. That’s how we spread peace, because peace is more than the absence of conflict: It’s the presence of understanding."
The convention proved to be a pivotal platform for significant announcements this week. Rotary formally revealed the extension of its joint commitment of up to US$450 million with the Gates Foundation to accelerate the global fight against polio.
Further strengthening its peace initiatives, Rotary also announced a new peacebuilding program aimed at empowering communities affected by conflict in Colombia, alongside a groundbreaking partnership with Symbiosis International University to establish a new Rotary Peace Center in India.
As the largest event yet to be held at the newly expanded BMO Centre, the convention featured more than 240 booths across 30,000-plus net square feet.
These
exhibits showcased the diverse humanitarian projects undertaken by Rotary clubs
worldwide, highlighted Rotary’s global initiatives, featured key partners, and
engaged various vendors.
The economic ripple effect of the convention is substantial, with projections estimating over 30,000 hotel room nights, an injection of $81 million CAD into the local economy, and significant business for Calgary’s hotels, restaurants, retailers, and tourism attractions.
Organized by
Rotary International in conjunction with local Rotary members, the event also
presented a unique opportunity to showcase Calgary's burgeoning tech and
creative sectors, its rich cultural representation, and its status as the
gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies.
The Rotary International Convention in Calgary received robust support from Tourism Calgary, The City of Calgary, the Calgary Hotel Association, Calgary Stampede, BMO Centre, Scotiabank Saddledome, and dedicated Rotary members from Calgary, Alberta, across Canada, and around the world.
Rotary members globally are instrumental in developing and implementing sustainable, community-driven projects that tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges.
Their work encompasses fighting disease, promoting peace, providing clean water and sanitation, supporting education, saving mothers and children, growing local economies, and protecting the environment.
Over the last 100 years, The Rotary Foundation has awarded more than US$5.5 billion to support these and other transformative programs worldwide, embodying a century of dedication to service and global improvement.
