By Kwi-Young Song, Rotary Club of Hanseong, District 3650, Korea
I had been a Rotarian for 23 years, but before attending the 2023 Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, Australia, I never fully appreciated the global nature of our organization with more than 1.4 million members around the world. During the opening ceremony, I saw the 200 flags from Rotary countries and territories waving and the large arena seemingly overflowed with cheering people. Even my daughter, who attended the convention with me, was moved. “Rotary is truly an international organization!” she exclaimed.
As each country’s name was announced, the shouting and cheering resembled waves upon a vast ocean. Everyone mingled peacefully, regardless of nationality – Korean, American, Japanese, Ukrainian – embracing each other warmly, laughing, shaking hands, and greeting one another. It was truly moving.
I also found the content moving. The first speaker, a member of one of Australia’s Indigenous peoples, shared a story about the difficulties they have faced. The term “Aborigine” has been used to refer to Australia’s indigenous peoples, despite the fact that they were the land’s original inhabitants. They faced many discriminations in regard to their language, art, and customs. Even in death, they could not be buried in well-maintained Victorian-style cemeteries but had to be buried in remote areas. As a result, some Indigenous descendants don’t even know where their ancestors are buried.
But with the passage of time, people from all cultures have come together. Communication combined with education has led to reconciliation, and many cultures are embracing diversity. It gave me much to think about.
The reason for including this speaker became clear. 2022-23 Rotary International President Jennifer Jones’s message of expanding our reach through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion highlights how, as an organization of 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries, we need to come together to become “One Rotary.” In light of the plight of Indigenous peoples, I understood her initiative more fully.
I was also moved by the speech of Steve Dimopoulos, Australia’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, who emphasized that “diversity is the most important value in Melbourne’s history, where various races come together.” Francesco Arezzo, the chair of the International Convention Committee, further stated that “we must dream big,” with innovative ideas.
The highlight for me, though, was undoubtably seeing President Jennifer Jones on stage. As the first female president in Rotary’s history, she stood confidently in front of the Canadian flag, embracing everyone with a warm sincerity and passion.
By attending the convention, I gained a fuller understanding of the global reach of Rotary. I carry the cheers from the opening session in my heart, where they are engraved with the words, “Rotary is wonderful.”
Learn about the excitement that awaits in Singapore for the 2024 Rotary International Convention and register now.
https://blog.rotary.org/2024/01/22/touching-moments-from-the-melbourne-convention/