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Rotary Representative Network

The Rotary Representative Network , established in 1991, is responsible for conveying Rotary’s interests, expertise, and humanitarian values to key international organizations. The representatives work to elevate Rotary’s global image by building strategic relationships and fostering collaboration with global entities on our shared priorities.

By serving as a bridge between Rotary and the other organizations, the representatives not only promote Service Above Self but also gather vital insights and resources that can further empower Rotary clubs and districts in their local and global initiatives.

Rotary and the United Nations

Rotary and the United Nations share a history of working together toward world understanding, goodwill, and peace. To further this vision, the RI president annually appoints Rotary and Rotaract members to serve as liaisons to key intergovernmental organizations, specialized agencies of the United Nations, and other international entities.

With top consultative status and experienced volunteer representatives to major UN offices and agencies, Rotary remains one of the most respected nongovernmental organizations cooperating with the UN system.

A brief history

Rotary and the UN’s history of collaboration was forged in the aftermath of World War II . In 1945, Rotary International was invited to consult with the American delegation at the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco — the meeting where the UN Charter was written.

In 1985, Rotary renewed its UN engagement through the PolioPlus program, then in 1988 formed the Global Polio Eradication Initiative with UN agencies, including the World Health Organization and UNICEF. This revitalized collaboration led to the creation of the Rotary Representative Network. Today, the network continues to serve as Rotary International’s vital link to global institutions — an embodiment of Rotary’s enduring vision to remain deeply engaged in advancing global peace, health, and understanding.

Where appointed Rotary representatives serve:

  • UN headquarters, New York City, USA
  • UNESCO
  • UNICEF
  • UN agencies in Rome, Italy (the World Food Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development)
  • UN Economic Commission for Africa
  • UN office in Geneva, Switzerland
  • UN office in Nairobi, Kenya
  • African Union
  • Commonwealth of Nations
  • Council of Europe
  • European Union
  • League of Arab States
  • Organization of American States
  • World Bank
  • World Health Organization

The Rotary Representative Network also includes youth representatives who work to elevate the presence and impact of Rotary’s young leaders. They serve as key liaisons with some agencies about youth issues and amplify the perspectives of young people.

  • Dean of the Rotary Representative Network, Cyril Noirtin

    Rotary representatives report directly to the dean of the Rotary Representative Network. Appointed by the RI president, the dean guides and coordinates the representatives’ efforts. The current dean is Cyril Noirtin, the Rotary representative to UNESCO and a member of the Rotary Club of Paris Agora, France.

Supporting clubs and districts

Through their connections with these global organizations, Rotary representatives can support clubs and districts with resources and expertise to increase their local impact and increase Rotary’s ability to deliver humanitarian services around the world. Clubs and districts can engage with Rotary representatives by:

  • Learning more about the organizations that have an assigned Rotary representative and thinking about which ones align best with projects your clubs are engaged in
  • Inviting a representative to speak at a club meeting, district conference, or other event to learn more about their work and collaboration possibilities
  • Considering whether a project could benefit from technical proficiency or resources offered by an organization, such as background material, relevant research, or expertise that could boost its credibility and impact
  • Exploring resources such as handbooks or collaboration guidelines developed by members of the network

If you want to connect with the Rotary Representative Network, please contact us.

Enhancing Rotary’s global impact and reach

By raising Rotary’s profile at international organizations, the representatives build an environment for Rotary to gain influence and make a larger impact locally and globally. The representatives connect with new audiences and create opportunities for Rotary to attract members, donors, and partners.

Some notable collaborations include:

  1. UN Environment Programme and Rotary: After a Rotary Day at the UN event, District 9212 (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan) and UNEP established a pilot program that evolved into the official Community Action for Fresh Water partnership. This event also led the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group to create its World Environment Day handbook

  2. Rotary and UNICEF: Rotary and UNICEF debuted the Local Collaboration Framework handbook to empower Rotary members and UNICEF staff to work together. This led to projects such as a nine-country vaccination campaign in the South Pacific, a national humanitarian aid effort in Sri Lanka, and a school violence prevention campaign in Nairobi, Kenya.

  3. Organization of American States and Rotary districts: Rotary representatives facilitated a memorandum of understanding between the OAS and districts in Central and North America to support education and job placement efforts. This relationship led to programs and grants for Indigenous youths in Central America.

  4. UNESCO and Rotary: After a Rotary Day at UNESCO event, Rotary and IHE Delft collaborated on an effort to help IHE professionals support clean water efforts in their home countries. Today, Rotary clubs can support scholarships to IHE Delft through global grants.

  5. Polio eradication: Rotary representatives are crucial champions of RI’s PolioPlus program and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and advocate for funding and other support toward ending polio. Their work has contributed to multimillion-dollar commitments, including from the European Union and the Commonwealth.

  6. Uplifting Rotaract: Rotary hosted the first Rotaract Days at the UN event in 2024. Younger leaders met for a conference — organized almost entirely by Rotaractors — with the UN office in Geneva. It focused on building a peaceful world through human rights, health, economic development, and science.

The Rotary Representative Network in action

Learn more about the activities of the Rotary Representative Network