Larry A. Lunsford named Rotary International president-nominee for 2027–28
Rotary confirmed Larry A. Lunsford (Rotary Club of Kansas City-Plaza, Missouri) as president-nominee, slated to serve 1 July 2027–30 June 2028. A Rotarian since 1991 and former Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar, Lunsford emphasized uniting cultures and generations to deliver long-term solutions while advancing Rotary’s top goal: ending polio. The announcement highlights Rotary’s century-long grantmaking (US$5.5B+) and its role in achieving a 99.9% reduction in polio cases with US$2.9B+ contributed and billions of vaccinations delivered—setting the tone for continuity in service, peacebuilding, and community-driven impact. (rotary.org)
Nigeria’s Olayinka Hakeem Babalola to lead Rotary in 2026–27—second African president
Olayinka H. Babalola (Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria) was elected to serve as Rotary International president in 2026–27, becoming only the second African to hold the role after Jonathan B. Majiyagbe (2003–04). A 30-year member and peacebuilder closely involved with Rotary’s Makerere University Peace Center, Babalola pledged to expand dialogue, advance peace, and grow opportunity while keeping polio eradication front and center with GPEI partners. His election underscores Rotary’s global leadership pipeline and the organization’s deep footprint across Africa’s development and health agendas. (rotary.org)
Francesco Arezzo selected RI President for 2025–26
Francesco Arezzo (Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy) was selected by the Board to serve as Rotary International president for 2025–26, taking office on 1 July 2025. The appointment assures stability and momentum across key priorities—membership, Rotary’s seven areas of focus, and a sustained push toward a polio-free world. District communications also noted this selection followed a leadership change earlier in 2025, with districts highlighting the Board’s swift action to ensure a smooth transition. Arezzo’s year is positioned to carry forward convention energy and donor enthusiasm into tangible programs. (rotary.org)
2025 Calgary Convention finale spotlights peacebuilding, literacy & anti-trafficking
Rotary’s Calgary Convention (June 2025) closed by elevating three big themes: peacebuilding, literacy, and combating human trafficking. RI President Stephanie A. Urchick urged members to harness relationships as Rotary’s superpower, while sessions mapped practical pathways from club projects to systemic change. The gathering reinforced Rotary’s multi-cause model—from education to disease prevention—and showcased how diverse clubs can collaborate globally yet deliver hyperlocal results, keeping service “people of action”-centered. (rotary.org)
Donors fuel Rotary’s impact—endowment push and 1,800+ grants in 2024–25
At convention donor events in Calgary, Rotary celebrated major-gift and legacy contributors and reiterated its US$2.025B endowment aspiration. Leaders recognized Arch Klumph Society honorees and highlighted FY2024–25 grantmaking: 1,400+ global grants and 400+ district grants, totaling US$116M+ across programs, from health to environment. Testimonials connected philanthropy to field results (e.g., malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea mortality reduction focus) and to the polio endgame—underscoring that sustained, flexible funding is Rotary’s catalyst for durable change. (rotary.org)
Council on Legislation approves phased Rotary dues increases
In April 2025, representatives approved a US$3.50 increase in RI dues, moving from US$82 (2025–26) to US$85.50 (2026–27), with US$3.75 rises in each of the next two years. The decision aims to protect program quality, digital tools, and member services amid inflationary pressures and growing demand for grants and training. For clubs, the change signals the importance of transparent budgeting and value communication—linking dues to tangible outcomes such as member resources, grant stewardship, and global convenings. (rotary.org)
Foundation & finances: 2025 General Secretary’s report shows strong fundraising
Rotary reported crossing US$1.9B toward its US$2.025B endowment target (as of 1 April 2025) and raising US$423M+ for The Rotary Foundation in 2024–25. These resources underwrite programs and grants, ensuring Rotary can “do good in the world” now and for generations. The report frames resilience—adapting programs, leveraging partnerships, and scaling evidence-based projects—and positions Rotary to sustain signature initiatives like polio eradication while investing in peace, education, and environmental stewardship. (rotary.org)
Projects around the globe (Sept 2025): Iquitos schools, and more club-led solutions
Rotary’s September 2025 roundup highlights clubs tackling education challenges in Peru’s western Amazon and other community priorities across multiple countries. These snapshots—part of Rotary’s ongoing “Projects Around the Globe” series—illustrate the model: local assessment, cross-club collaboration, and measurable outcomes. They also serve as idea banks for clubs seeking replicable interventions, reinforcing that impactful service scales when stories, toolkits, and lessons learned flow across districts. (rotary.org)
World Polio Day 2025: tools, events, and VR storytelling to mobilize support
Ahead of 24 October, Rotary urges clubs to host and register World Polio Day actions, offering a resource center with editable materials and event ideas, including using virtual reality to show the human impact of vaccination. Last year, supporters in 90 countries registered 1,400+ events—evidence that advocacy plus fundraising keeps pressure on the last reservoirs of wild poliovirus and variant outbreaks. Clubs can leverage these assets to engage media, donors, and youth. (poliocampaign.rotary.org)
Toward Taipei 2026: momentum from Calgary to Asia’s showcase
With Calgary’s success, Rotary is already stoking excitement for the 2026 International Convention in Taipei. Recent “Convention News” features preview travel logistics, culture, and programming—and position Taipei as a hub for fellowship, learning, and partnership building. The continuity from 2025’s themes into 2026 planning suggests a through-line: peace, literacy, anti-trafficking, and health remain in focus, while the host city’s dynamism invites new collaborations across Rotary’s seven areas of focus. (rotary.org)
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