In a world increasingly fractured by political, social, and economic divides, Rotary International President-Elect Mario Cesar Martins de Camargo has urged Rotarians to rise above polarisation and “unite for good.”
Speaking during his first official visit to Ghana, de Camargo made a passionate appeal to members of the global service organization to embrace their unique ability to connect people across lines of faith, race, and ideology.
“Rotary knows no boundaries,” he said. “We have no political affiliation. We have no religious affiliation. We talk to all politicians. We talk to all religions. We talk to all races, to all colours.”
De Camargo, who officially takes office on July 1, 2025, said his theme for the upcoming Rotary year, “Unite for Good”, was born out of concern for the rising global trend of division and extremism.
“We see it’s probably true here, I’m not familiar with the political environment, but I see that in a lot of countries, political environments are growing more and more divided,” he said. “Issues that should unite us are dividing us. And we all of a sudden become bitter enemies because one thinks differently from the other.”
He emphasised that differing perspectives should not be a cause for hostility.
“Thinking differently is not bad—it’s good, provided you think with respect for the opposing side,” he added. “We must look at other perspectives with tolerance, with a good eye, with a positive input. It’s not a personal battle, it’s not a motive for aggression. That’s why I adopted the theme Unite for Good.”
The president-elect’s visit to Ghana also focused on two strategic goals for Africa: expanding Rotary’s membership and strengthening its partnerships with government institutions.
“We should increase our numbers,” de Camargo said. “But also, we must bring the concept of partnership—partnership between Rotary and the government, with public institutions like hospitals, schools, environmental and microeconomic agencies. Those are our areas of focus.”
He noted that Rotary must be a force not just of charity, but of structured, sustained action.
“We have an agenda of positive actions. That’s what I’m here for: to stimulate growth and explore new possibilities of collaboration.”
For de Camargo, the Rotary motto—Service Above Self—is not a slogan, but a philosophy.
“If we only think of ourselves, Rotary will die,” he warned. “Rotary will only be good when it exercises a purpose outside of itself. When we look around and see people in need—people who are handicapped, illiterate, poor, addicted—that’s the kind of people we must look after.”
Rotary Zone 22 Director Daniel Tanase echoed the need for transformation, especially in attracting younger members.
“We are doing good with membership—not only in numbers, but also in age,” Tanase said. “We have over 60,000 Rotaractors. They are young, very involved, highly motivated, and skilled.”
But beyond numbers and age, Tanase said Rotary must keep its moral compass clear.
“It’s not about the money we have in our pockets,” he said. “It’s mostly about our hearts.”
The visit also celebrated local efforts to raise funds for service. Rotary District 9104 launched a nationwide raffle aiming to raise one million Ghana cedis for community projects.
District Governor Florence Maame Hagan said the initiative stirred excitement even if the financial target wasn’t fully met.
“We thought a raffle prize of 10 Ghana cedis would help us reach our goal,” she said. “We didn’t quite hit the mark, but the enthusiasm grew as the draw date approached.”
In a surprising twist, the raffle winner turned out to be Assistant Governor-designate Kafui, a new father.
“About eight months before, he told me he’d become a father for the first time,” Maame Hagan shared. “He used to send me photos of his baby pushing a cart, saying, ‘future driver of the car.’ I think God was listening.”
“This is a fortuitous occasion,” she added, turning to the Rotary dignitaries present. “I’d be most appreciative if you could help me hand over the keys to the deserving winner.”
As global crises from conflict to climate change test the limits of solidarity, Rotary leaders say the organisation’s values are more relevant than ever.
“Rotary will only survive when we look beyond ourselves,” de Camargo said. “In a divided world, let’s unite for good.”
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