Unite for Good Presidential message of RIPE Mario de Camargo - International Assembly 2025
At the International Assembly held at Florida, US, RIPE Mario de Camargo announced the RI annual presidential message for 2025–26 — Unite for Good.
Rotary International President-elect Mario de Camargo at the International Assembly asked members to embrace growth, service and connection. He outlined a plan to expand “the best-qualified team of volunteers on the planet. Rotary’s greatest asset is not our history, our projects, or even our unmatched global reach. It is our members,” he said, and outlined three “essential pillars” for growth: innovation, continuity and partnership.
“Technology, social expectations and economic conditions evolve constantly, and Rotary must evolve with them. Innovation is how we adapt to this changing world,” he said. One important way to do this is by embracing and promoting a variety of club models. Satellite clubs, cause-based clubs, enterprise clubs and passport clubs offer people different ways to experience Rotary.
He also emphasised the importance of leadership continuity and said he observed its benefits during his extensive travels in the past 18 months. Districts thrive when governors build on their predecessors’ efforts, ensuring that programmes and strategies continue without interruption. “Continuity is not about uniformity; it’s about alignment. When district leaders work together, envisioning Rotary beyond their ‘governor year,’ they set the stage for long-term success.”
The power of partnerships
Rotary members working alone can achieve great things, de Camargo said, but collaborating with others makes it possible to change the world. He noted that Rotary’s historic effort against polio has been undertaken with partners such as the Gates Foundation, the WHO and UNICEF. Without these partners, Rotary couldn’t have had the same impact. He suggested exploring other kinds of partnerships to attract members and revitalise clubs.
Partnering with business associations, professional organisations and academic institutions can help Rotary attract members while embracing diversity in professions and perspectives, he said.
Ultimately, de Camargo said, all of Rotary’s achievements and growth depend on members. By focusing on attracting and retaining them, Rotary can renew its strength as well as its ability to create change in communities for years to come. “In a world often divided, Rotary stands as a beacon of unity and hope. Our projects bring together people of all races, religions, genders, ideologies and economic backgrounds, uniting us in a shared purpose: to do good in the world. Let’s build a Rotary that unites for good and ensures a brighter future for all.”
Rotary.org
