Rotary’s commitment to peace, growth & giving
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
As we mark Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Month, let’s confront the stark reality of conflicts’ devastating impact. The numbers are staggering: over 108 million lives lost since World War II, with 2,000 deaths daily. Today, 40 active conflicts have displaced 82.4 million people, including 26.6 million refugees. But beyond the statistics, we must recognise the human toll: families torn apart, communities shattered, and economies crippled. The $14.3 trillion price tag of violence is a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action.
As Rotarians, we’re part of a global movement that’s been championing peace and conflict resolution for decades. Our Peace Fellowships, global grants and grassroots projects empower communities to build bridges, foster dialogue and heal wounds. Let’s recommit to supporting initiatives that bring people together, alleviate suffering and create pathways to lasting peace. By working together, we can ensure that Rotary remains a powerful force for good in a world that needs it now more than ever. I am pleased to announce that our next peace centre is being established at the Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul, Turkey. The Presidential Peace Conference is planned to commemorate the setting up of this new peace centre from Feb 20–22 in Istanbul. Let us attend this conference to understand and be a part of the Peace Mission of Rotary. Also, for the first time a South Asia Peace Conference is being held in Bengaluru on March 22 and 23. I encourage you to attend this conference and lend your voice to our efforts to create a more harmonious world.
In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, member retention is crucial for Rotary’s continued relevance and impact. As our service initiatives grow in stature, attracting committed and successful individuals, it’s essential that we meaningfully engage our members to foster a sense of belonging and purpose. By doing so, we can harness their energy, expertise and passion to drive positive change. If we fail to retain our members, we risk losing valuable talent, expertise and institutional knowledge, ultimately undermining our ability to adapt and thrive. However, if every Rotarian takes ownership of retaining just one new member, it will have a profound ripple effect, strengthening our collective impact and ensuring a vibrant future for our organisation. The need is sustainable membership growth to ensure that we have more hands to serve and strengthen our organisation.
The Rotary Foundation is our tree of life, nourished over a century and sustaining us today. To reach our $2.025 billion target, we must work together, and I’m proud to see Zones 4, 5, 6 and 7 evolve from major recipients to significant contributors. However, with only a small percentage of members contributing annually, I urge you to open your hearts and wallets, recognising every gift, big or small, makes a difference. Let’s promote a culture of giving and ensure our Foundation’s continued impact, transforming lives worldwide and continuing our journey of creating magic in our communities and beyond.
Raju Subramanian
RI Director, 2023–25