May 2015 - RI President's Message

Gary C.K. HuangOne of my favorite parts of a Rotary convention is the House of Friendship. In Chinese, we say: 有朋自遠方來，不亦樂乎. "To have friends come together from faraway places is a wonderful thing."

At the 106th annual Rotary International Convention, 6-9 June, the House of Friendship will reflect the excitement and the diverse blend of cultures of São Paulo, the host city.

In between general sessions, you can relax and enjoy all that Brazil has to offer – sample the cuisine, browse locally made gifts, and take in top-quality entertainment. You also can get ideas for service and find partners at booths showcasing Rotary projects and Rotarian Action Groups.

And best of all, you'll have the opportunity to spend time with old friends and make many new ones.

The House of Friendship is a wonderful place to bring your convention guests – your family and your friends from home. By attending conventions with me, my family experienced the true internationality of Rotary. Eventually my wife, Corinna, and all three of my children joined Rotary clubs.

You and your guests will want to be sure to come early for World Water Summit 7, on 4 June, sponsored by the Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group, or for the Rotary Peace Symposium, 4-5 June.

This year we are honored that Dr. Oscar Arias, former president of Costa Rica, will be the keynote speaker at the Rotary Peace Symposium. Arias received the Nobel Peace Prize for brokering a peace agreement that ended the brutal civil wars in Central America.

Other events 4-5 June include the Rotaract Preconvention Meeting, the International Institute, and the Youth Exchange Officers Preconvention Meeting.

When the convention is over, spend time exploring all that Brazil has to offer – pristine beaches just a few hours away, the excitement and glamour of Rio de Janeiro, and the wonders of the Amazon rain forest.

Every year, I return from the Rotary convention inspired to do more, to give more in Rotary service throughout the year. Register today at www.riconvention.org. I look forward to seeing you in São Paulo!