DG Ashot, Regional Leaders and District Leaders, Fellow Rotarians and Rotaractors, Distinguished guests,
George and I are delighted that D 2452 Conference gives us the opportunity to be together with so many friends, representing RI President Shekhar Mehta and first lady Rashi.
Cherishing the wonderful memories of a very successful PI Seminar in 2017, I am more than happy to join Rotarians of your district, in beautiful Yerevan, to share experiences and ideas for strengthening Rotary and shaping the future of our organization in our region.
2022 District Conference is a unique chance to learn much more about Rotary and the great things going on in District 2452. Definitely, an opportunity to ignite your passion for our wonderful organization and be inspired for even greater achievements.
I sincerely hope that all stay healthy and safe regaining slowly normal rhythms of life. As Covid-19 pandemic spread around the globe we found ourselves in a world transformed. Despite the unprecedented challenge, our organization moved very effectively towards the new reality. We invented new ways to stay connected, continue our great social offer to our communities, and join our efforts to change lives for a better world. In this transition period we are the pioneers of a new reality and adopt innovations in shaping our future.
Our new normal encompasses hybrid opportunities and let us hope that soon districts will be able to decide what will be held in person or virtually.
Now more than ever we strive to build a more equitable and inclusive Rotary. We move from a statement to a commitment highlighting the uniqueness of each member.
Everyone who engages with Rotary, should feel valued, respected, and welcomed. These ideals reflect what members expect from their Rotary involvement: appreciation, ethical leadership, inclusion, and the opportunity to work together to do good in the world and change lives.
We welcome in our organization people of all backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and identities, and support each member in his unique, wonderful journey.
Making diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority is everyone's responsibility. Every Rotarian should help our organization diversify and grow so that we can remain relevant for the future generations.
Being part of a global organization is a blessing. To maximize though our effectiveness, we should define the unique characteristics of each region. What elements of change at a regional level can we explore without changes to our constitution or bylaws, in other words what is negotiable and what should stay at Rotary International non-negotiable, like our principles or our core values?
Through transformative thinking we will deliver a better Rotary product. The recent COL approved the possibility of a pilot program to test a new governance model. Regionalization is one of the key assets of the proposed new model.
New approaches to our organizing principles do not threaten us, we consider them as a real challenge. We are ready to open opportunities, create more paths to leadership, amplify our conversations to diverse voices, and adapt how we operate to the new circumstances.
Dear fellow Rotarians, building membership is Rotary’s top internal priority, and every member can make a difference.
The call to action of R.I. President Shekhar Mehta “Each One Bring One” motivated you to increase your membership. We need active, engaged, and enthusiastic members and club leaders who can recognize opportunities for growth and act on them. When you have a strong membership base your club is better able to serve. Despite the unprecedent challenge of the pandemic D 2452 increased its membership. Congratulations on this achievement!
Rotary clubs in your district accomplished significant projects proving the transformational power of philanthropy. Through district grants, global grants, disaster grants or Polio-Plus you increased your positive impact to your communities.
Also share the Rotary Foundation Endowment option for Rotarians in your District who want to leave a legacy through Rotary to the future generations.
The integration of the environment as the 7th area of focus, opens new opportunities for viable projects.
During our recent visit to Lebanon, we had the opportunity to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of local Rotary clubs, partnering with international sponsors and other organizations.
In less than two years, reconstruction and medical equipment in hospitals, the inauguration of an ICU in Rosary hospital and many other projects proved that impossible is possible through TRF, synergies and the coordinated efforts of Rotarians.
Friends, I urge you to continue your efforts to empower girls in our Zone. Rotary encourages clubs and districts to prioritize projects that improve the health, well-being, education, and economic security of girls in their communities and around the world. This Presidential initiative is a sacred goal to which all Rotarians should contribute. This initiative will continue next Rotary year as well.
Rotaract’s elevated status, approved by Rotary’s Council on legislation in 2019 redefined its place within Rotary. Rotaract is hence integral part of Rotary.
The 2019 Council on Legislation amended the constitutional documents of Rotary International to include Rotaract clubs as a distinct membership type.
More beneficial to Rotaract enactments have been adopted in the recent 2022 COL.
Rotaractors are energetic, passionate, and driven community-minded professionals. They are critical to the future of Rotary. That is why we should conduct research with them and find out what they expect from Rotary, what their aspirations and dreams are and what we can accomplish together.
Rotaract voice is an integral part of our forthcoming perspectives.
Together Rotarians and Rotaractors, as partners in service, let us build connections and opportunities that will allow maximize our effectiveness, and imagine Rotary.
As we emerge from this crisis, it is our time to shape a promising new world and serve to change lives.
I address my heartiest congratulations to DG Ashot, to the District officers and to all members of D 2452 for a productive Rotary year full of success and significant achievements.
Working as a solid team we proved that overpassing difficulties we opened opportunities for broadening Rotary horizons and reaching excellence.
Thank you for all you are doing
Enjoy a great district conference