Athens Peace & Friendship Summit – ICC and Public Image
Building Bridges Across Borders: The ICC & Public Image Summit in Athens
From 13 to 16 November 2025, the historic city of Athens became the center of Rotary’s international cooperation as it welcomed leaders from 31 countries for the Intercountry Committees (ICC) & Public Image Summit. Hosted by Rotary District 2475, the summit brought together Rotary Coordinators, ICC Chairs, governors, Rotaractors, and specialists dedicated to peacebuilding, visibility, and global service.
The gathering served as a timely reminder that while the world grows more complex, Rotary’s mission—to create lasting change—remains powerful when delivered together.
Uniting Under One Purpose
The summit opened with an unforgettable Flag Parade, a visual celebration of the diversity and unity of the Rotary world. National anthems resonated through the hall as representatives carried the flags of their countries, setting a tone of mutual respect and shared purpose.
Senior Rotary leaders delivered welcoming remarks, including RPIC N. Altan Arslan, ICC Executive Council Chair PDG Nathalie Huyghebaert, District Governor Stefanos Anastasopoulos, and RI Director Daniel Tanase. A video message from President-Elect Francesco Arezzo emphasized Rotary’s ongoing commitment to international collaboration.
Guest speakers Pavlos Marinakis and Petros D. Kapsaskis inspired participants with reflections on civic engagement, leadership, and the expanding influence of service organizations in times of global uncertainty.
The evening concluded with the ICC Agreement Signing Ceremony and vibrant cultural performances, reinforcing the friendships and goodwill that lie at the heart of Rotary’s global network.
A Day Dedicated to Ideas and Innovation
The summit’s second day unfolded as a dynamic exploration of Rotary’s future—how it communicates, collaborates, and leads in a rapidly changing world.
Youth at the Center
The program opened with a panel on youth engagement, highlighting how Interact and Rotaract programs strengthen Rotary’s public image and local influence.
PDG Güneş Ertaş delivered the keynote address, sharing insights on the role of social media, libraries, and storytelling in shaping modern public image strategies.
Stories that Inspire Action
The “People of Action” session filled the room with powerful testimonies from across the region. District governors, past governors, and young leaders shared real-life stories of impact—from humanitarian responses to innovative community projects—illustrating Rotary’s capacity to transform lives.
Peace, Refugees, and Inclusion
A keynote presentation on positive peace and refugee integration addressed one of Rotary’s most pressing global issues. Speakers outlined practical ways Rotary clubs can support displaced populations while promoting dialogue and resilience.
This was followed by a masterclass in cross-cultural communication from trainer Nina Hazhala, who offered tools for navigating multicultural environments—a necessity in ICC collaborations.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
One of the most thought-provoking discussions examined whether Artificial Intelligence can support peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and Rotary’s public image work.
Panelists highlighted the opportunities AI presents for communication and analysis, while emphasizing the need for ethical and responsible use.
Recommitting to Polio Eradication
A deeply motivating conversation between RIDE Katerina Kotsali-Papadimitriou and PDG/EPNC Nikola Bozic revisited Rotary’s decades-long fight against polio. Their message was unmistakable: Rotary’s leadership remains essential until eradication is achieved worldwide.
Fellowships and International Learning
The afternoon sessions spotlighted the importance of Rotary Fellowships, as well as regional approaches to conflict resolution, project development, and collaborative service.
A Look Toward the Future
Beyond presentations and panels, the summit served as a preview of Rotary’s upcoming global gatherings. Highlights included announcements for:
Zone 21 Institute – Antalya (November 2026)
Public Image & Polio Summit – Adana (March 2026)
ICC Summit – Dubai (March 2026)
UNESCO partnership event – Paris (March 2026)
Rotary International Convention – Taipei (June 2026)
One of the standout presentations introduced “A Revival of the Colossus of Rhodes — A Universal Symbol of Peace,” a visionary project linking ancient heritage with Rotary’s modern peace mission.
Closing Reflections
As the summit drew to a close, PRID Katerina Kotsali-Papadimitriou led a thoughtful Q&A session with Rotary leaders and experts in Public Image and ICC initiatives. Discussions reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to visibility, cooperation, and global citizenship.
The final evening’s Farewell Dinner was a warm celebration of the friendships formed, the ideas exchanged, and the renewed energy participants carried back to their home countries.
Strengthening Rotary’s Voice in a Changing World
The ICC & Public Image Summit in Athens succeeded not only in connecting leaders across borders, but also in redefining how Rotary communicates, collaborates, and inspires.
From youth empowerment to digital innovation, from peacebuilding to cross-cultural understanding, the summit underscored a simple truth:
Rotary thrives when people and nations come together.
As participants departed Athens, they carried with them new partnerships, strengthened networks, and a shared vision of peace—ready to amplify Rotary’s story and impact in every corner of the world.
