World Polio Day 2025: global push to finish the job
On 24 Oct 2025, WHO, UNICEF, and Rotary reaffirmed their joint commitment to eradicate polio, spotlighting Ethiopia and the need to protect every child. Rotary centered the month around a fresh explainer and calls to action, urging members to fundraise, advocate, and register public events tied to World Polio Day. Together with GPEI partners, Rotary stresses that polio endures only in Afghanistan and Pakistan—but outbreaks can occur anywhere without vigilance—so financing, surveillance, and vaccination must continue at pace. (WHO | Regional Office for Africa)
Gates–Rotary partnership renewed: up to $450M for GPEI
Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation extended their matching agreement: Rotary raises US$50M annually, matched 2:1 by Gates. Over three years this can mobilize up to US$450M for eradication—directed to vaccination campaigns, surveillance, and rapid outbreak response. The renewal underscores donor confidence and gives clubs a clear multiplier for every dollar they raise. (GPEI)
Olayinka H. Babalola selected as 2026–27 RI President
On 28 Aug 2025, RI announced Olayinka Hakeem Babalola of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, as president for 2026–27. A Rotaractor since 1984 and former RI vice president, Babalola becomes only the second African to lead Rotary at the international level, emphasizing peacebuilding and the End Polio Now priority. His selection followed the resignation of President-elect SangKoo Yun. (rotary.org)
Larry A. Lunsford tapped for 2027–28
On 4 Aug 2025, the nominating committee named Larry A. Lunsford (Kansas City-Plaza, Missouri) the selection to serve as RI President for 2027–28, pending the formal timeline. Lunsford—CPA and past RI director and TRF trustee vice chair—has a long record across Rotary leadership and philanthropy, signaling continuity in governance during a fast-moving transition period. (rotary.org)
Leadership transition after SangKoo Yun’s illness and passing
On 11 Aug 2025, RI President Francesco Arezzo announced that President-elect SangKoo Yun resigned to focus on treatment for pancreatic cancer. Less than a month later, on 5 Sept 2025, RI shared that Yun had died at age 75, honoring decades of service across Asia and beyond. The Board convened to set next steps, which led to Babalola’s selection to serve in 2026–27. (my-cms.rotary.org)
New Programs of Scale grant: US$2M for peace in Colombia
At the Calgary convention (24–25 June 2025), Rotary unveiled its fifth Programs of Scale grant—Pathways to Peace and Prosperity in Colombia—delivered with the UN World Food Programme. WFP USA adds US$1M, bringing the initial total to US$3M to strengthen conflict-resolution capacity and economic opportunity in affected regions. Convention sessions also spotlighted polio progress and advocacy. (rotary.org)
Foundation milestones: endowment reaches US$2B; Peace Center expansion
The General Secretary’s 2025 Convention Report confirmed The Rotary Foundation endowment reached ~US$2B in assets by June 2025, doubling over a decade and bolstering long-term service capacity. RI also announced a new Rotary Peace Center at Symbiosis International University (Pune, India), expanding the global network training peacebuilders across Asia. (rotary.org)
2026 Taipei convention: 30,000+ expected, major economic impact
RI President Francesco Arezzo announced that 13–17 June 2026, more than 30,000 Rotary members and participants from 120+ countries will gather in Taipei—projected to inject US$50–55M into the local economy. The event will showcase 100+ humanitarian projects and world-class speakers, reigniting plans after the city’s canceled 2021 convention. (rotary.org)
2027 venue selected: Dubai (first-ever Middle East host)
The RI Board tentatively selected Dubai, UAE, to host the 22–26 May 2027 convention—pending site verification and final approval (expected Jan 2026). Criteria included accessibility, ability to host at scale, and a strategic opportunity to grow Rotary in the region—marking a historic first for the Middle East. (my-cms.rotary.org)
Record Rotaract giving in 2024–25
RI recognized 1,036 Rotaract clubs with the Rotaract Giving Certificate; Rotaractor contributions hit US$506,696—up 29.4% year-over-year (from US$391,558) and more than US$1.3M over five years. The surge demonstrates the momentum of young leaders fueling The Rotary Foundation’s grant-making and sustainable projects worldwide. (my-cms.rotary.org)
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