Reimagining multilateralism for the furtherance of peace, health, and education

13 & 14 march 2026

Forum on the future of international organizations

UNESCO House in Paris

Peace is not decreed: it is built.

And it is built through encounters, mutual understanding, and collective action.

MAMADOU CAMARA
Governor 2025-2026
Rotary International District 1660
(Paris and western Île-de-France)

In a world in upheaval due to geopolitical, health, climate, and social crises, international cooperation has never been so crucial... and yet so precarious.

International organizations are facing new challenges: rising tensions, fragmentation of dialogue, loss of public trust, rapid technological change, and growing inequalities. The world is changing faster than institutions can keep up.

In light of these changes, a key question arises: How can multilateralism be reinvented to build peace, protect global health, and guarantee access to education for all?

Rotary International, a long-standing advocate in humanitarian diplomacy, wishes to provide a collective, open, and concrete response.

That is why District 1660 is organizing a unique global event: The Rotary International Forum on the Future of International Organizations.

4 areas of focus

Culture, Peace, and Education through the work of UNESCO

Global Health, Governance, and Crisis Preparedness in relation to the WHO

Youth and innovation through the approach of UNICEF

The Future of Multilateralism and the Challenge of Legitimacy

  • A day of discussions, proposals, and commitment
  • International speakers from leading institutions
  • A gathering of diplomats, researchers, NGOs, young people, entrepreneurs, and Rotarians from around the world
  • A white paper submitted to UNESCO, WHO, and UNICEF to fuel global debate
  • This Forum is not just a place for debate.
  • It is a platform for action
  • It is a space for solutions
  • It is a unique opportunity to make your voice heard at the highest levels
  • Join us and be involved in a historic moment

Programme

Saturday, March 14

  • 8:30 - Participants check-in
    Welcome coffee
  • 9:45 - Opening ceremony
    Welcome addresses (Host Committee, UNESCO, Governors)
    Address by Francesco Arezzo, President of Rotary International
    Conference: “The historical and future role of civil society in global governance: the example of Rotary and the creation of the United Nations”
  • 10:30 – Panel 1 – Global health: Strengthening health systems and international cooperation to prepare for future pandemics
  • 11:30 – Panel 2 – Education for all: Rethinking education in the age of digital technology and growing inequality
  • 12:30 - Lunch break
    Served in the hall in front the of amphitheater
  • 14:15 – Panel 3 – Peace and safety: What role should international organizations play in preventing and resolving modern conflicts?
  • 15:15 – Panel 4 – International Organizations at a crossroads: challenges of legitimacy, effectiveness, and funding
  • 16:15 - Closing session : "Roadmap to action"
    Presentation of Rotary's commitments and those of its partners
Le Forum du Rotary - Une grande salle de conférence remplie de personnes vues de derrière un panneau vide de chaises et de bureaux, sous un plafond haut, arqué et dramatiquement éclairé par des lumières bleues.

Speakers

The forum will bring together high-level speakers, representatives of governments, NGOs, associations, experts in many fields, as well as Rotary members from around the world.

Guests of honor

The day will be hosted by Francesco Arezzo, President of Rotary International for 2025-26, with the participation of Alain Van de Poel, Vice President of Rotary International for 2025-26 and Director for 2024-26, as well as many other speakers who will be announced shortly.

Register

Open to all!

We offer a reduced rate for Rotaractors and students.
Proof must be provided on site to confirm the validity of the ticket.

Do you need an invitation letter to apply for your visa? Click here to submit an application after your ticket purchase.

Presidential Gala

We will open the Forum in one of the capital's most iconic heritage sites: the Chapelle des Beaux-Arts, a 19th-century masterpiece renowned for its majestic vaults, acoustics, and unique artistic atmosphere.

This International President's Gala, limited to 150 guests, will bring together leading figures alongside Francesco Arezzo in an exceptional setting.

FULL

The gala is sold out, but we can offer you an alternative dinner at the Bedford Hotel as well as other opportunities to socialize.

Rotary International has always been a leading player in promoting peace and international cooperation:

  • Entre 1942 et 1945, notre organisation a réunit des ministres de l’éducation à Londres pour une série de conférences décisives qui conduiront à la création de l’UNESCO en 1945.
  • En 1945, de nombreux Rotariens du monde entier sont appelés à participer à la Conférence de San Francisco, participant ainsi activement à la création de l’Organisation des Nations Unies.
  • En 1988, le Rotary s’associe notamment à l’UNICEF pour lancer l’Initiative Mondiale pour l’Éradication de la polio, qui a permis de vacciner 2.5 milliards d’enfants dans le monde.

À l’occasion du 80ème anniversaire de nombreuses organisations internationales soutenues par le Rotary, il est de notre devoir de nous rassembler pour envisager l’avenir de ces institutions essentielles.

Le Forum du Rotary ambitionne de réunir 1500 participants de tous horizons autour de personnalités institutionnelles, diplomatiques, universitaires, associatives et de la société civile, aux côtés des Rotariens du monde entier.

WHY

Participer ?

  • A WORLD IN TRANSFORMATION
    Geopolitical crises, health crises, climate crises, social tensions... Multilateralism is at a turning point. The Forum provides a concrete space to imagine new models of international cooperation.
  • A RIGHTFUL AND HISTORIC MILESTONE
    Rotary contributed to the creation of UNESCO and the drafting of the United Nations Charter. This Forum is part of that tradition: understanding, dialogue, action.
  • CIVIL SOCIETY AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE DEBATE
    Institutions, NGOs, experts, academics, young professionals, Rotarians: all gathered to share experiences, solutions, and visions for the future.
  • THREE KEY CHALLENGES FOR HUMANITY
    • Culture, peace, and education – UNESCO
    • Global health and crisis preparedness – WHO
    • Youth, innovation, and the future of multilateralism – UNICEF
  • A GENUINE IMPACT
    The proposals resulting from the round tables will be compiled in a white paper that will be sent to UNESCO, WHO, UNICEF, and governments. Participation = direct contribution to the international debate.
  • AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CONNECTION AND INFLUENCE
    Over 1,000 participants from five continents: decision-makers, experts, and field workers. New ideas, new networks, new partnerships.

Ensemble, nous voyons un monde où les gens se rassemblent et passent à l’action pour apporter un changement durable – dans le monde, dans leur communauté et en eux-mêmes

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