Rotary ICC Conference in Poland highlights global cooperation and peacebuilding

This month, Rotary leaders and Intercountry Committee representatives from across Europe and beyond gathered in Lublin, Poland, for the ICC Regional Conference “Peace for Ukraine”, an international event focused on peacebuilding, humanitarian cooperation, cultural understanding, and strengthening relationships between nations through Rotary.

Hosted in the historic city of Lublin from 15 to 17 May 2026, the conference brought together representatives from countries including Poland, Ukraine, Japan, Moldova, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Germany, Slovenia, North Macedonia, France, Romania, Belgium and South Africa. Discussions centered around humanitarian response initiatives, international Rotary partnerships, peace initiatives, and best practice models for effective ICC collaboration.

The programme included presentations on ongoing Ukraine support projects, cross-border Rotary cooperation, charter agreements between ICC committees, and collaborative peace initiatives currently being developed across Europe. A further highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between District 9400 and Poland, strengthening the relationship between Southern African and Polish Rotary leadership.

South Africa was represented through Intercountry Committee in the ICC discussions and conference programme, reflecting the growing role Southern African Rotary leaders continue to play within international Rotary networks.

During the event, ICC EC President Annemarie also handed over two books to DG Greg and Past ICC EC President Andrzej, marking a meaningful moment of exchange and friendship between Rotary leaders.

Beyond the formal sessions, the gathering reflected the deeper purpose of Rotary’s Intercountry Committees: building friendships between nations that create opportunities for meaningful service and long-term cooperation. Moments shared between delegates from multiple countries, particularly in support of Ukraine, highlighted the powerful role Rotary relationships continue to play during times of global uncertainty.

One of the most moving moments ICC EC President Annemarie encountered during the conference was a deeply symbolic piece of art connected to Ukraine. Past ICC EC President Andrzej Ludek was photographed holding what first appeared to be beautifully painted artwork, but the pieces were in fact fragments of shrapnel from bombs that had fallen in Ukraine.

“For me, this was one of the most special and meaningful things I came across,” ICC EC President Annemarie reflected. “These children take pieces of destruction and turn them into something beautiful. It is such a powerful reminder that even in devastation, hope, creativity and humanity can still rise.”

What had once been part of war and destruction had been transformed by children into gifts, standing as a quiet but powerful testimony to resilience and the human capacity to create beauty from pain.

The visit also includes meetings with Rotary clubs in Warsaw, district leadership engagements, cultural exchange opportunities, and participation in the District 2231 Conference in Toruń later in the programme.