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Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada, begins with a ‘yahoo’

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Rotary and the Gates Foundation renew commitment to end polio

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As thousands of Rotary members from around the globe gathered for the opening of the 2025 Rotary International Convention on 22 June, the organization and the Gates Foundation announced a renewed multimillion-dollar commitment to eradicate polio.

The convention will feature speakers such as Academy Award-winner Geena Davis and Nobel laureate Tawakkol Karman. A majestic natural setting and the House of Friendship exhibition hall are other highlights of the event.

Rotary International President Stephanie A. Urchick launched the festivities by leading the crowd of thousands in a hearty “yahoo!” The exuberant greeting is part of the culture of the city, which is known for its annual Calgary Stampede rodeo and festival. Many attendees wore cowboy hats to celebrate that tradition.

“Just because we’re dressed for the rodeo doesn’t mean we aren’t here to do serious work,” Urchick said. “Beneath the sparkle and the boots is something stronger than style — it’s purpose. The world right now can feel divided. But Rotary brings together people from every corner of the globe, not to erase our differences, but to celebrate them. That’s how we spread peace, because peace is more than the absence of conflict: It’s the presence of understanding.”

Musician and past Rotary Peace Fellow David LaMotte echoed that message, playing a song on his guitar before speaking about an interfaith event he’d organized where Christian, Jewish, and Muslim musicians played together.

“Harmony — where we’re singing different notes that are beautiful together — can be even more powerful than unity, where we’re all singing the same notes,” he said.

The audience also heard from World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who joined via video. Noting the recent steep reduction in government funding for his organization, Ghebreyesus said he regarded it as a challenge that could be overcome.

He also expressed his dedication to eradicating polio, a commitment echoed by Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation.

“We’re at a crossroads,” Gates said in his video address. “The next few years will be key to finally see polio eradicated, or if we don’t double down, it could reemerge in countries where it was thought to be gone for good. So, this all depends on the continued commitment of governments, health workers, and Rotary.”

Rotary and the Gates Foundation renewed their longstanding partnership aimed at ending polio, announcing a joint commitment of up to US$450 million to support the effort over the next three years.

  1. Convention attendees enter the BMO Centre for the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada.

  2. Bill Gates, chair of The Gates Foundation, gives a video address to attendees at the opening session of the Rotary International Convention on 22 June in Calgary, Canada.

  3. David LaMotte, a Rotary Peace Fellow and musician, speaks during the opening general session of the Rotary International Convention on 22 June in Calgary, Canada.

  4. Convention attendees pose for a picture at the House of Friendship at the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada.

  5. Flag bearers walk to the stage in the flag ceremony during the opening general session of the Rotary International Convention, on 22 June in Calgary, Canada.

  6. Attendees enter the House of Friendship on 21 June at the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The convention also provides the opportunity for Calgary-area members to promote successful local projects. One initiative is a 15-year collaboration with the nonprofit Inclusion Alberta, which connects people who have developmental disabilities with potential employers and job opportunities. Across North America, as many as 80% of people with intellectual disabilities are unemployed or underemployed. Working with Inclusion Alberta, area Rotarians use their extensive professional networks to get business owners involved and match them with program participants.

“Inclusion Alberta believes in the complete membership of people with intellectual disabilities in society,” said Wendy McDonald, a member of the Rotary Club of Edmonton Sunrise, Alberta, Canada. “What Rotary provides is the strength of our networking, who we know. It’s been pivotal in opening doors.”

Rotary’s collaboration with Inclusion Alberta has helped nearly 900 people find jobs.

More than service is on the convention agenda; there is also plenty of friendship and fun. The first night featured the Grandstand Spectacular, which included a marching band, Indigenous hoop dancing, and horseback relay races. And even before the convention officially began, Rotaractors were organizing several nights out on the town.

“We’ve had a wonderful time connecting with Rotaractors from around the world,” said Charvi Shah, a member of the Rotaract Club of the University of Calgary. “We had an arcade event and ended up teaching some people line dancing. And there’s much more fun to come.”

The convention, which continues through 25 June, will include dozens of breakout sessions and various notable speakers.

Find out more about what’s planned in Calgary.

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— 23 JUNE 2025