President Ian Bentley’s Post – Reflections from the RI Convention

Attending the Rotary International Convention in Calgary was an inspiring reminder of the strength and diversity of Rotary’s global impact. Whether gathering in the Saddledome, walking between sessions through the impressive convention centre, or browsing the House of Friendship, the vibrancy of Rotary’s internationalism was palpable. 

Set against the famous Calgary Stampede, the Convention offered a lively taste of Alberta’s rodeo culture. White cowboy hats were a must-have accessory. It was a joyful blend of Rotary spirit and local flair. YAHOO!  There was also a sobering reminder of the ongoing reconciliation process with the First Nations people, presented movingly through a musical, dance, and dramatic performance by local Indigenous young people, accompanied by the Calgary Symphony Orchestra playing the music of Peter Gabriel.

Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick opened the convention with an impassioned message of renewal, urging attendees to embrace flexible models, such as hybrid clubs and technology-enabled volunteering. Her words echoed our own conversations at Hawthorn about revitalisation and reaching new members in new ways. We heard from Bill Gates and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organisation, who spoke via video stream about the unfinished business of eradicating polio.

Peacebuilding emerged as a recurring theme. Musician and Rotary Peace Fellow David LaMotte spoke beautifully about building harmony—not just musically, but across cultures and communities. His message was a reminder that peace is practical, built through daily acts of connection and courage. His guitar playing is definitely worth a listen. Watch HERE

Empowering girls and women was another powerful focus. Geena Davis, the Oscar-winning actor and advocate, spoke about how representation changes lives. Nobel Laureate Tawakkol Karman followed with an inspiring account of her work for democracy and women’s rights in Yemen. Both reinforced that gender equity transforms communities.

Environmental sustainability was also at the forefront. Clubs shared impressive projects in clean energy, reforestation, and waste reduction—clear signs that environmental action is now a core priority for Rotary.

What struck me most in Calgary is the reminder that while Rotary is a vast, diverse, and vibrant global movement, its actual unit of action is the local club. The colour, energy, and innovation on display from over 100 countries highlighted how every meaningful project, every act of service, begins in communities like ours. It’s in clubs like Hawthorn that Rotary’s global mission becomes reality. This dual perspective, rooted locally but connected globally, makes Rotary unique. 

Videos of some presentations can be found HERE.

Images from top left to bottom right

• RI President Stephanie Urchick getting into the Calgary spirit at the opening
• Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General – polio now, then we must address hepatitis.
• The Saddledome – venue for the general sessions. Photo from the Calgary Tower.
• Part of the BMO convention centre – House of Friendship and Breakout sessions
• Rodeo – Scoring is based on the combined performance of horse and rider.  If the horse doesn't buck you don't score highly.