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.

A word from the Governor

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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

Le Forum du Rotary - Un homme en costume bleu foncé, cravate rayée et lunettes s'exprime sur scène lors d'un forum rotarien à l'aide d'un micro-casque. L'arrière-plan est violet avec des formes abstraites jaunes et blanches.

Francesco Arezzo
President of Rotary International

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Le Forum du Rotary - Un homme en costume-cravate parle dans un microphone lors d'un forum du Rotary. Il porte des lunettes et une grosse montre-bracelet. L'arrière-plan est flou, avec des nuances de violet et de rose.

Alain van de Poel
Vice-President of Rotary International

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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.

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

  • Between 1942 and 1945, our organization brought together ministers of education in London for a series of decisive conferences that led to the creation of the UNESCO in 1945.
  • In 1945, many Rotarians from around the world were called upon to participate in the San Francisco Conference, thus actively participating in the creation of the United Nations.
  • In 1988, Rotary partnered with UNICEF to launch the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which has vaccinated 2.5 billion children worldwide.

As we mark the 80th anniversary of many international organizations supported by Rotary, it is our duty to come together and consider the future of these vital institutions.

The Rotary Forum aims to bring together 1,500 participants from all walks of life, including representatives from institutions, diplomatic circles, academia, associations, and civil society, alongside Rotarians from around the world.

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.
  • Le Forum du Rotary - Le Forum du Rotary se tient dans un bâtiment moderne et incurvé, avec de nombreux drapeaux internationaux accrochés à de grands mâts, sur une pelouse verte et sous un ciel bleu parsemé de nuages.
  • Le Forum du Rotary - Un bâtiment moderne avec une façade en verre et une clôture en métal, avec des affiches et des informations pratiques le long du mur. Des arbres bordent le trottoir et des escaliers mènent à l'entrée sous un auvent. Le ciel est partiellement nuageux.
  • Le Forum du Rotary - Une salle de conférence avec un public nombreux, une scène avec un podium, plusieurs personnes assises à une longue table et un écran affichant "THE FUTURE IS NOW. THE FUTURE IS US" à côté du logo du Rotary Club.
  • Le Forum du Rotary - Un orateur se tient sur un podium et s'adresse à un large public dans un auditorium. Sur scène, un panel participe au forum du Rotary, tandis qu'une présentation sur l'impact du Rotary à l'UNESCO est projetée sur un écran.

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

Discover Rotary

Media partners

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  • icc2025 lockup white
  • le forum du rotary fond blanc avec le logo du rotary international au centre. À gauche, le texte indique "rotary district 1700" ; à droite, le texte indique "the rotarian minute". idéal pour promouvoir un forum du rotary ou une manifestation du forum du rotary.