Viewpoint: Together we promote global understanding
Rotary International and the U.S. Department of State have a shared mission: to make the world a better and more secure place, and to promote peace, human rights, and economic prosperity. Together, we also tackle global challenges such as climate change, public health threats, and conflict resolution. That shared mission is why the connection between the Department and Rotary has never been more essential.
The U.S. Department of State values our longstanding relationship with Rotary and its members across the globe. For decades, you have welcomed policy experts to engage with members on timely foreign policy topics and officers who have spoken more broadly about their own experience working in diplomacy. Not even a global pandemic prevented these conversations from happening. The advent of regular virtual meetings has allowed us to connect with clubs where officials may have not previously traveled. Our dialogues have been an asset to the Department’s work because it has allowed us to hear directly from local communities, both in the U.S. and worldwide, on how you see our current foreign policy efforts — and this makes us better diplomats.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, fostering global understanding and cooperation among nations is paramount to addressing shared global challenges and advancing mutual prosperity. At the forefront of this endeavor stand active civic organizations like Rotary. The Department of State recognizes the invaluable contributions of Rotary in increasing world understanding through humanitarian aid, youth exchanges, peacebuilding, and dialogue among members. As local business and community leaders from diverse backgrounds and professions, your members serve as catalysts for collaboration, meaningful action, and important dialogue on today’s most pressing challenges globally.
Bill Russo served as U.S. assistant secretary of state for global public affairs from February 2023 to April 2024.