Global Challenges and the International Community. What role for Rotary International?

ROSL Public Affairs Series
Global Challenges and the International Community. What role for Rotary International?
The last couple of years has seen the world facing exceptional challenges. The global Covid pandemic continues to take its toll and the war in Ukraine has resulted in energy and food shortages and increased global uncertainty. At the same time the impact of climate change has seen record outbreaks of fires, severe flooding, droughts, and extreme weather conditions. All these factors have led to economic recession - with the lower income countries suffering the most.
The year 2023 marks the mid-point in the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the 17 interlinked objectives agreed upon by the UN General Assembly. These “Global Goals” are designed to serve as a “blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and planet.” However, as we take stock, progress toward the SDGs has been pushed increasingly out of reach by the multiple crises the world is facing. What can we do to help get the goals back on track?
Rotary International, a global humanitarian service organisation with 1.4 million members continues to address such challenges in all corners of the world. Aligned with the SDGs, Rotary’s Areas of Focus and humanitarian relief efforts have helped respond to Covid-19, eliminate 99.9 percent of polio worldwide, educate more than 1,600 peace professionals, and expand nature-based solutions to tackle climate change. Join President Jennifer Jones as she shares a vision for the power of civil society and its ability to fight disease, protect the environment, encourage economic development, and deepen world understanding and peace.
Jennifer Jones is the President of Rotary International 2022-23 and Founder of and President of Media Street Productions Inc., a twenty-five-year old, award-winning media company in Windsor, Ontario.
Jennifer is a leader in cultivating “experiential fundraising” opportunities such as Rotary’s Polio Golf Day with Jack Nicklaus in Jupiter, Florida, USA, which raised over $5.25 million for polio eradication in one day. Or, the innovative, virtual COVID-19 #RotaryResponds event that raised money for COVID-19 relief projects and showcased Rotary’s response across the globe. Working alongside political figures, celebrities and global leaders, she uses her voice to raise awareness and hundreds of millions of dollars to eradicate disease, support peace and provide clean water and sanitation in developing areas of the world. Her skill as an expert storyteller inspires hope and promise and motivates people to take action.