ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION REPORT
CALGARY, JUNE 2025
There were several Nanaimo Rotarians at the Convention But we were lost amongst the 15,000 participants from 140 different countries around the world! Here’s a couple you might recognize.
The Nigerian contingent was most colourful. This is only one of the outfits worn during the convention.
2 South Koreans with a South African.
Saturday night was the Grand Spectacular. Unfortunately it was cold and a bit wet as we were outdoors at the GMC Stadium.
The show included horses (of course) a brass band, indigenous performances ( both song and relay riding races), and fireworks.
Sunday had 2 opening sessions at the Saddledome with inspiring speeches a flag ceremony and a singalong!
The House of Friendship at the BMO Centre was open every day with more than 500 exhibitors from around the world. There was a live music stage and a food court. Here is one of the exhibitors.
Did you know that Rotary has more than 100 Fellowship groups. You can join a group and share an activity with rotarians around the world. Check it out on the RI site.
The local Native groups had a very well set up "Booth" in the House of Friendship.
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday there were Breakout Sessions, each lasting between 1 and 2 hours. In all there were 64 sessions. It was difficult to choose. Many had well know featured speakers. Some were interactive. Here are a few of the topics.
Harnessing AI for Global impact
Leveraging skills for success
Attracting the next generation of Rotarians
Community action for fresh water
Everyday peace building
Stronger schools, stronger communities
Empowering refugees
The club experience matters.
In addition there were short 29 minute “Chats” in the House of Friendship
At 3pm on Wednesday we all headed to the Saddledome once more for the Closing Session. More great inspirational speeches including one from our new RI president, Fransesco Arezzo, which you can see for yourseves online. Did you also know that the original President for 2025/2026 resigned suddenly at the beginning of June for persoanl and business reasons? The Board of RI met immediately and chose Arezzo who had been a candidate back in 2023 when this year's president was chosen. Having listened to our new President I wonder why he wasn't the first choice. Please check this out on your computer: https://brandcenter.rotary.org/en-us/asset?id=163528822&lang=EN
This was my first RI convention and I am planning on going to Taipei next year.There is so much about Rotary to be learned, so many new freidns to meet, and fun to be had. Who else is planing to go?
