Ann and I attended the Convention in Calgary, Canada from June 21 - 25, 2025.
16,000 Rotary members and participants from 140 countries registered for the event. “The world right now can feel divided,” said 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.”
Rotary announced the extension of its joint commitment of up to US$450 million with the Gates Foundation to end polio, a Rotary-led peacebuilding program to help strengthen communities affected by conflict in Colombia, and a partnership with Symbiosis International University to establish a Rotary Peace Center in India. In the House of Friendship, more than 240 booths showcased Rotary club humanitarian projects, Rotary’s global initiatives, partners, and vendors in a space of 3,000+ net square metres.
We attended the Opening Ceremony (in two separate sessions), a preview of the Calgary Stampede, Home Hospitality, a “Pancakes for Polio” breakfast, and the Zone 8 breakfast with over 150 Australian and New Zealand Rotarians. WE also attended plenary sessions and workshops with many thought-provoking and innovative ideas.