President, Rotary International, 2025-26

Cari amici,

Two weeks ago, I was in my living room playing with my grandchildren. A few days later, I was on a plane to Calgary, suddenly carrying the responsibility of leading this incredible organization. Life comes fast, but so often, it brings us exactly where we’re meant to be.

We begin this year with a clear message: Unite for Good. It is a simple phrase, but a powerful one. Because behind every successful Rotary effort, every act of service, every new member welcomed, every global challenge met – there are two things that matter most: friendship and trust.

This is how we build strong clubs. It’s how we create meaningful partnerships and transform global problems into local solutions. It’s also how we lead—not through titles or applause, but with humility, humanity, and heart.

Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

This year, I ask you to lead with that spirit. To grow Rotary through relationships. To make your clubs more welcoming, more flexible, more open to new ideas. To think big—but also to think beyond one year.

Let us remember our key priorities: membership, polio, and peace. We are closer than ever to ending polio. And as for peace—Rotary has been building it for over a century.

I joined Rotary as a young professional, eager to help but terrified of public speaking. My fellow Rotarians believed in me. Rotary gave me courage and purpose—and above all, it gave me you: my friends, my team, my family around the world.

With gratitude and affection,

Francesco Arezzo
President, Rotary International, 2025–26