Rotary Representative Network
Connecting Rotary to the United Nations
Rotary and the United Nations share a history of working together toward world understanding, goodwill, and peace. To advance 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.
The Rotary Representative Network (RRN) is responsible for conveying Rotary’s interests, expertise, and humanitarian values to key international organizations. Representatives work to elevate Rotary’s global image by building strategic relationships and fostering collaboration with global entities on our shared priorities. The Rotary Representative Network also includes Youth Representatives, who are specifically tasked with elevating the presence and impact of Rotary's young leaders.
By serving as a two-way bridge, the RRN not only promotes "Service Above Self" but also gathers vital insights and resources to empower Rotary clubs and districts in their local and global initiatives
With top consultative status and experienced volunteer representatives, 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.
Rotary Representatives report directly to the Dean of the Rotary Representative Network. Appointed by the Rotary International President, the Dean of the Rotary Representative Network plays a key leadership role in guiding and coordinating the efforts of the network.
Cyril Noirtin, Rotary Representative to UNESCO and member of the Rotary Club of Paris Agora, France, is the current RRN Dean.
Supporting clubs and districts
By leveraging their connections with these global organizations, Rotary Representatives can support clubs and districts with resources and expertise to increase their impact at the community level, enhancing Rotary’s capacity to deliver humanitarian services around the world.
Ways that clubs and districts can engage Rotary Representatives include:
- Invite a Representative to speak at a club meeting, district conference, or other event to learn more about their work and potential synergies.
- Explore the organizations that have an assigned Rotary Representative and think about which organizations align best with projects your clubs are engaged in.
- Consider whether a project could benefit from technical expertise or resources offered by an organization (e.g., background materials, relevant research, or subject matter expertise that could boost credibility and impact).
- Explore existing resources that have already been developed by members of the Rotary Representative Network (e.g., Rotary & UNICEF’s Local Collaboration Framework).
