News Release

For immediate release 

Contacts:
Howard Chang (US): +1 847-866-3408, howard.chang@rotary.org
Katie In (Korea): 82 2 2022 8271, katie.in@edelman.com
Kate Yun (Korea): +82 2 2022 8271, kate.yun@edelman.com

 From protecting the environment to eradicating a paralyzing disease, Korea's Rotary clubs are addressing humanitarian challenges facing the world today

GOYANG CITY, Korea (26 May 2016) – As Rotary members gather from 160 countries in Korea (28 May – 1 June) for the humanitarian service organization's annual convention, they will enjoy the hospitality of a host country where Rotary clubs have helped improve lives and bring positive, lasting change for 88 years.

Seoul is home to the first Rotary club established in Korea, chartered in 1927. Today, Korea is the fourth largest Rotary club country with 1,625 clubs and 64,149 members who support an array of local and international service initiatives, including:

• Helping infants and toddlers with critical illnesses or chronic conditions in partnership with Seoul National University Children's Hospital;
• Teaming up with environmental experts and the government of Mongolia to help prevent the adverse health effects caused by the yellow wind dust storms from the Gobi desert;
• Bridging cultures among recent immigrants by opening a children's library near KINTEX where convention participants will donate illustrated children's books in multiple languages.
• Providing educational opportunities for nearly 500 children with autism and other intellectual and emotional challenges in partnership with Andong Youngmyung Special Education School.
• Making global health history by supporting Rotary's top philanthropic goal of eradicating polio. Since 1985, Rotary has contributed more than KRW 1.4 trillion (US$1.5 billion) and countless volunteer hours toward ending the paralyzing but vaccine preventable disease, with Korean Rotary clubs donating more than KRW 146 million (US$14.6 million).

About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. To access broadcast quality video footage and still photos go to: The Newsmarket.

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ニュースリリース

お問い合わせ:

Howard Chang (米国): +1 847-866-3408, howard.chang@rotary.org,
Katie In (韓国): 82 2 2022 8271, katie.in@edelman.com,
Kate Yun (韓国): 82 2 2022 8271, kate.yun@edelman.com

地元にもたらす経済効果、推定2,925億ウォン（280億円）

韓国、高揚市（2016年5月11日付）
2016年5月28日～6月1日、ソウルの北西に隣接する高揚市で、ロータリーの第107回国際大会が開催されます。毎年世界中のロータリークラブ会員やその家族などが集まって行われるイベントで、今年は160カ国から50,000人以上の出席が予想されています。

5月2日現在、地元韓国からの登録者数は23,698名となっており、日本からも既に約7,000名が登録しています。韓国観光公社によると、地元経済への影響は推定2,925億ウォン（280億円*）で、1,800件の雇用が創出されます（* 金額はロータリーの為替レートに基づいて算出）。また、大会の開催に伴い、飲食業、ホテル、サービス、小売店の分野で1,200件の仕事が新たに必要とされるとのことです。

文化的多様性と規模の大きさから「ミニ国連」とも称されるロータリー。その国際大会では、さまざまなテーマの分科会が開かれ、世界中の会員が、支援を必要としている地域社会に変化をもたらすためのアイデアを話し合います。また、本会議では特別講演も行われ、講演者には次の著名人が含まれます。

• ラニル・ウィクラマシンハ：スリランカ首相
• ゲーリー・ネル：ナショナルジオグラフィック協会会長
• デナジャヤ・ヘティアラッチ：パブリックスピーキング世界チャンピオン
• レベッカ・マーチン：米国疾病対策センター、世界保健センター責任者
• PSY： 韓国のポップスター

中央政府を含む政府機関もサポートしている今大会では、韓国文化を学ぶ機会も多彩です。韓国観光公社によると、政府は観光と国際会合を国の重要課題と捉えており、それだけに力を入れているとのことです。また、地元ロータリー会員による特別行事も予定されており、その一つ「3キロ平和行進」（5月28日）では、インドのサリーから西アフリカのケンテに至る民族衣装をまとった参加者が、ソウル市庁舎前から行進し、世界平和のための連帯を訴えます。行進の最終部ではロータリーの活動を紹介する写真が展示されます。行事の詳細はこちら

＜韓国のロータリーについて＞

• 韓国初のクラブ： ソウル・ロータリークラブ（1927年加盟）
• クラブ数： 1,625
• 会員数： 64,149名（世界4位）
• 奉仕活動： 地元と海外で多くの活動を実施し、最近では重病を患った幼児の保健プロジェクト、多言語対応の図書館活動、黄砂による環境被害を緩和する取り組みなどを実施
• その他： ロータリー最優先課題である、ポリオ（急性灰白髄炎）を撲滅する活動のために、海外予防接種活動のほか、これまでに約1億4600万ドル（160億円）を寄付

＜ロータリーについて＞
世界200以上の国・地域に34,000以上のクラブがあり、120万人の会員から成るグローバルネットワーク、ロータリーは、世界各地で人道的活動を行っています。地元での支援活動から世界的なポリオ撲滅活動にいたるまで、社会貢献をめざす職業人と市民リーダーがスキルや知識を生かして活動しています。詳しくは、Rotary.orgからご覧ください。ロータリー関連のビデオや画像はこちらから。

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보도 자료

문의처:

Howard Chang (US): +1 847-866-3408, howard.chang@rotary.org, 
Katie In (Korea): 82 2 2022 8271, katie.in@edelman.com, 
Kate Yun (Korea): 82 2 2022 8271, kate.yun@edelman.com

국제적인 비영리단체의 세계대회 2,925억 원의 경제 효과를 수반

한국 고양시 (2016년 5월 11일) – 벨리즈에서 짐바브웨에 이르기까지 160여개 국가에서 5만 명 이상이2016년 5월28일부터 6월1일 고양시에서 개최되는 국제적인 비영리단체인 로타리의 제 107차 세계대회에 참가할 것으로 예상된다.

다음은 5월 2일 현재 외국 국가들 중 가장 많이 2016 한국 세계대회에 등록한 나라와 회원 수이다: 일본(7,000), 미국(2,500), 대만(2,300), 필리핀(1,100), 인도(730), 방글라데시(540), 네팔 (390), 호주(370), 캐나다(280). 그리고 한국에서는 지금까지 2만 3,698명의 회원이 등록하였다.

한국 관광공사는 로타리 세계대회로 인한 경제적인 효과가 2,925억 원 (292,492,284,583원)에 이를 것이며, 1,800개의 일자리가 창출될 것으로 추산하고 있다. 아울러 로타리 세계대회와 관련, 식당, 호텔, 서비스, 도소매업 등의 분야에서도 거의 1,200개의 새로운 일자리가 생겨날 것으로 예상된다고 밝혔다. 매년 각 국가를 순회하며 개최되는 로타리 세계대회는 지구촌 곳곳에서 참가하는 회원들이 봉사 프로젝트에 대한 아이디어를 나누고 동료애와 결속을 다지는 대규모 국제행사로서 대회 성격과 다국적 참여라는 점에서 '미니 UN (mini-United Unions)'으로 불리기도 한다. 대회장인 킨텍스는 소외된 이웃들의 삶을 긍정적으로 변화시켜 온 로타리 회원들의 다양한 문화와 에너지, 칼라, 열정의 도가니될 전망이다.

대회 참가자들은 워크숍을 통해 새로운 정보를 공유하고 다음과 같은 본회의 초정 연사를 포함해 유명 연사들의 공연과 감동적인 연설을 듣게 된다.

• 싸이(PSY), K-팝스타
• 라닐 위크레미싱게(Ranil Wickremesingne), 스리랑카 총리
• 게리 넬(Gary Knell), 내셔널 지오그래픽 소사이어티(NGS) 회장 겸 CEO
• 다난제이야 헤티아라치(DANANJAYA HETTIARACHICHI), 세계 연설대회 우승자
• 레베카 마틴(REBECCA MARTIN), PhD, 미국 질병통제예방센터(CDC)의 소아마비 퇴치 활동을 이끌고 있는 CDC의 글로벌 헬스 센터(CGH) 디렉터

한국 로타리 회원들로 구성된 한국의 조직위원회(HOC)의 지원으로 국제로타리(Rotary International)가 개최하는 이번 세계대회는 한국 정부는 물론 경기도 및 고양시의 전폭적인 지원을 받고 있다. 대회 참가자들은 궁궐, 박물관, 쇼핑 센터, 식당, 강남 등 한국 및 서울의 매력은 물론 한국인 회원들의 친절한 환대도 경험하게 될 것이다. 참가자들은 비무장지대(DNZ)를 비롯해 세계유산으로 등록된 서울의 여러 궁궐과, 강남 패션 거리를 주로 찾을 것으로 예상된다.

윤상구 조직위원장은 "160 여 개 국가에서 5만 명의 회원이 2016 한국 세계대회에 등록할 것으로 예상되어, 이번 대회는 '세계 평화를 위한 인도주의 봉사'라는 기치 아래 모인 글로벌 공동체의 영향력을 목격하게 될 것"이라고 강조했다.

특히, 5월28일(토) 오전 8시30분에 시청 앞 광장에서부터 광화문에 이르는 3Km 구간을 행진하면서 인류 평화를 기원하는 '3Km 평화의 행진'이 계획되어 있다. 이 행사 참가자들은 각 나라의 고유 의상을 입고 행진에 참여한다. 이와 더불어 로타리의 인도주의 봉사 역사를 한눈에 볼 수 있는 로타리 사진 전시회도 펼쳐진다. 3Km 평화의 행진이 끝나면 이 사진 전시회는 6월 1일부터 코엑스 동문 광장으로 옮겨진다.

정창수 한국관광공사(KTO) 사장은 로타리 세계대회와 관련하여, "한국 정부는 관광과 MICE(Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition: 국제회의와 관광을 결합한 산업 분야)를 고부가 가치 산업으로 개발하는 전략을 세우고 있다"면서, "이 행사를 통해 KTO는 한국의 미와 매력을 전 세계 로타리안들에게 보여줄 수 있도록 최선을 다할 것이다"라고 강조하였다.

한국의 첫 로타리클럽은 1927년 서울에서 창립되었다. 오늘날 한국은 1,625개의 로타리클럽과 6만 4,149명의 회원을 보유한 세계 네 번째의 로타리 강국이다. 한국의 로타리 회원들은 선천성 질병을 앓는 영유아들의 보건 증진 프로그램, 이민 가정의 한국 적응을 돕는 다문화 아동 도서관 건립 그리고 황사 피해를 줄이기 위한 방풍림 조성 프로젝트 등 다양한 국내외 봉사 프로젝트를 실시해 왔다.

한국의 로타리클럽들은 지구상에서 소아마비를 퇴치하기 위한 로타리의 최우선 인도주의 프로젝트를 지속적으로 지원하고 있다. 로타리는 소아마비 퇴치를 위해 1985년 이래 1조 4,000억 원(미화 15억 달러)을 기부한 외에도 수많은 회원들이 면역활동 현장에 자원봉사자로 봉사해 왔다. 한국 로타리 회원들도 미화 1억 4,600만 원(미화 약1,460만 달러) 이상을 기부하였으며, 소아마비 발병국에서의 면역 활동에 적극 참여하고 있다.

로타리 소개
로타리는 가장 심각한 인류의 당면 문제 해결을 위해 노력하는 자원봉사자들의 글로벌 네트워크로서, 전세계 200개 이상의 국가와 자치령에서 120만 회원들이 활동 중입니다. 이들은 자신들이 소속된 지역사회의 소외된 가정 돕기에서부터 소아마비없는 세상 만들기에 이르기까지, 국내외 지역사회에서 소외된 사람들의 삶을 개선하기 위해 활동하고 있습니다. 이러한 활동에 대한 동영상이나 사진을 The Newsmarket에서 보실 수 있습니다.

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News Release

For Immediate Release 

Contacts:
Howard Chang (US): +1 847-866-3408, howard.chang@rotary.org
Katie In (Korea): 82 2 2022 8271, katie.in@edelman.com
Kate Yun (Korea): 82 2 2022 8271, kate.yun@edelman.com

Most multi-cultural, non-profit gathering in Korea will bring KRW 292.5 billion

GOYANG CITY, Korea (11 May 2016) – From Belize to Zimbabwe, Rotary's 107th annual international convention 28 May–1 June 2016 is expected to attract more than 50,000 Rotary club members from over 160 countries – making it the most multi-cultural (non-profit) gathering in Korea.

As of 2 May, the top countries where most attendees will travel from include Japan (7,000), the United States (2,500), Taiwan (2,300), the Philippines (1,100), India (730), Bangladesh (540), Nepal (390), Australia (370), and Canada (280). More than 23,698 Korean Rotary members will attend.

The Korea Tourism Organization estimates that the Rotary convention will bring KRW 292.5 (₩292,492,284,583) to the local economy and create 1,800 jobs. In connection with the Rotary convention, the restaurant, hotel and lodging, service, wholesale and retail sectors are expected to add nearly 1,200 new jobs. Often described as a "mini-United Nations" because of its global scope and cultural diversity, the Rotary convention will transform KINTEX into a kaleidoscope of energy, color and excitement where Rotary members will exchange ideas for how to improve lives and bring positive, lasting change to communities around the world.

At KINTEX, Rotary members will engage in a full agenda of workshops and hear from world class speakers, including:

• PSY, K-POP superstar
• Ranil Wickremesingne, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
• Gary Knell, President and CEO, National Geographic Society
• Dananjaya Hettiarachichi, Toastmasters International World Champion of Public Speaking
• Dr. Rebecca Martin, PhD, Director of the Center for Global Health at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the effort to end polio worldwide.

Organized by Rotary International in conjunction with the Seoul Host Organization Committee comprised of local Rotary members, and with significant support from the Central Government as well as local governments, the convention will provide registrants with ample opportunities to savor Korea's myriad attractions, including an expansive number of parks, museums, shopping centers, restaurants, and the now-famous Gangnam district. Most popular tourist attractions to be visited by the Rotary convention participants include DMZ, World Heritage Palace, and Gangnam Fashion Street.

"With up to 50,000 Rotary members from over 160 countries expected to register for the 2016 Rotary international convention, Korea can expect to witness the impact of a global village gathered under the banner of service to humanity with a vision for a peaceful world," said Sangkoo Yun, Host Organizing Committee chair.

In Seoul, Rotary members in their traditional cultural attire – from Indian Saris to West African Kente – will walk in solidarity for world peace. The Rotary 3K Walk for Peace will start at 8:30 a.m. on 28 May at City Hall Plaza with entertainment and remarks at City Hall Plaza, then proceed along the main thoroughfare to Gwanghwamun Square – where the Rotary Way Photo Exhibit will provide a visual representation of Rotary's humanitaran work in Korea and around the world. Following the 3K walk, the photo exhibit will be moved to Co-Ex East Plaza until 1 June.

Meanwhile, in light of the Rotary International Convention, Chang Soo Jung, Korea Tourism Organization's CEO, stated that, "The government administration considers tourism and the MICE industry (MICE: Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition) as one of its major projects and is pushing to develop this high-value convergence type of tourism." He further emphasized that, "Through this event, KTO will exert its best to showcase Korea's beauty and charm to Rotarians from all over the world."

Seoul is home to the first Rotary club established in Korea, chartered in 1927. Today, Korea is the fourth largest Rotary club country with 1,625 clubs and 64,149 members who support an array of local and international service initiatives, including; health programs for infants and toddlers with critical illness and chronic conditions, a multilingual library for children to help bridge local cultures, and environmental projects to help reduce the adverse health effects of Yellow Wind dust storms.

Rotary clubs in Korea also continue to support the organization's top philanthropic goal of eradicating polio. Since 1985, Rotary has contributed more than KRW 1.4 trillion (US$1.5 billion) and countless volunteer hours, with Korean Rotary clubs donating more than KRW 146 million (US$ 14.6 million) to polio eradication. In addition to contributing funds, Korean Rotary members have traveled at their own expense to immunize children against polio in India.

About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. To access broadcast quality video footage and still photos go to: The Newsmarket.

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News Release

For immediate release

Contact: Audrey Carl, (847) 866-3424, Audrey.Carl@rotary.org

Evanston, Ill. (May 11, 2016) – Rotary will recognize five members of Congress for their support of the humanitarian service organization's top priority to eradicate polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that still paralyzes children in parts of the world today.

The following lawmakers will be presented with Rotary's Polio Eradication Champion Award during an event at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. on May 11, 2016: Sen. Roy Blunt (MO.), Sen. Jeff Merkley (OR.), Sen. Brian Schatz (HI), Rep. Tom Cole (OK), and Rep. Dave Reichert (WA).

These five lawmakers serve as advocates for securing U.S. government funding for polio eradication activities through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). As key allies, they influence both their constituents at home and congressional colleagues to support a polio-free world.

Polio affected scores of Americans during epidemics in the 1950s, but has since been reduced by 99.9 percent worldwide. Rotary launched its PolioPlus program in 1985 and in 1988 became a spearheading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since the initiative launched in 1988, the incidence of polio has plummeted from about 350,000 cases a year to just 74 cases 2015. Though eradicated in the U.S. in 1979 and from most of the world today, polio remains endemic in two countries; Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Rotary's main responsibilities within the initiative are fundraising, advocacy, and social mobilization. To date, Rotary has contributed more than $1.5 billion and countless volunteer hours to fight polio. Through 2018, every dollar Rotary commits to polio eradication will be matched two-to-one by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation up to $35 million a year.

Significant progress has been made in the past year. In September 2015, Nigeria was declared polio-free and was removed from the endemic list, and no single case of polio has been reported on the African continent since August 2014. And Pakistan, which accounted for nearly 90 percent of the world's polio cases in 2014, reported just 54 cases in 2015. Between 17 April and 1 May, approximately 150 countries participated in a switch from the trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (tOPV) to bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) in a massive, synchronized effort representing the largest withdrawal of one vaccine, and associated roll out of another vaccine in history.

As the world's largest funder of polio eradication, the U.S. government has contributed more than $2.8 billion since the mid-1980s. To support the final push to end polio, Rotary and its partners are asking for $234 million in U.S. funding in 2017 through the CDC and USAID.

Rotary established the Polio Eradication Champion Award in 1995 to recognize heads of state, health agency leaders and others who have made a significant contribution to polio eradication.

Past recipients of the Rotary award include Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany; Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and 43 current members of the 114th Congress previously recognized by Rotary as Champions.

About Rotary

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Visit rotary.org and endpolio.org for more about Rotary and its efforts to eradicate polio. Video and still images will be available on the Rotary Media Center.

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COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

Contactar con: Stéphanie Tobler-Mucznik, +41 (44) 387-7116, Stephanie.ToblerMucznik@rotary.org

El Papa Francisco agradece a Rotary por su compromiso con la erradicación de la polio y pide a los socios a continuar con la vacunación 

Ciudad del Vaticano (30 de abril de 2016) — Por invitación del Papa Francisco, alrededor de 9.000 socios de Rotary de diversos países asistieron a la Audiencia del Jubileo que tuvo lugar el 30 de abril de 2016 en la Plaza de San Pedro.

Después de la Audiencia, el Papa Francisco recibió a una comitiva de Rotary encabezada por el actual presidente de Rotary International K.R. Ravindran, donde el Pontífice alabó los esfuerzos de Rotary en la erradicación de la polio y los instó a continuar con las campañas de vacunación.

Al igual que sus antecesores, Pablo VI y Juan Pablo II, el Papa Francisco coincide con el compromiso de Rotary para lograr un mundo donde reine la paz y la compasión.

"Fue un gran honor haber sido recibido por el Papa Francisco", dijo Ravindran. "La bondad, humildad y compasión demostrada por el Papa Francisco han servido de inspiración a hombres y mujeres de todo el mundo, independientemente de su religión. Su llamado a aliviar las causas de la pobreza extrema y el sufrimiento humano transcienden las barreras religiosas, nacionales y políticas. Rotarios de todas las religiones, nacionalidades y creencias comparten la visión de compasión y misericordia expresada por el Papa, lo cual nos inspira a actuar decididamente para solucionar los problemas más acuciantes que afectan a la humanidad", acotó.

Ya sea luchando contra las enfermedades, promoviendo la erradicación de la polio, suministrando agua salubre, apoyando la educación, protegiendo a madres e hijos o desarrollando las economías locales, los socios de Rotary mejoran las condiciones de vida en comunidades de todo el mundo generando así cambios permanentes.

Rotary y sus socios en la Iniciativa para Erradicación Mundial de la Polio están a un paso de marcar un hito histórico en la salud mundial con la eminente eliminación de la poliomielitis, la segunda enfermedad en la historia de la humanidad que será erradicada. Los casos de esta paralizante enfermedad, prevenible mediante vacunación, han disminuido en más de 99,9 por ciento, de 350.000 casos anuales en 1988 a 74 confirmados en 2015. Desde la institución del programa PolioPlus en 1985, Rotary ha contribuido más de US$ 1.5000 millones de dólares e innumerables horas de trabajo voluntarios a fin de proteger contra la polio a 2,500 millones de niños en 122 naciones. Gracias a tales esfuerzos, 13 millones de personas llevan una vida normal, quienes de lo contrario hubieran quedado paralizadas a causa de la polio.

Durante su visita a México el pasado mes de febrero, el Papa Francisco vacunó a un niño contra la polio. En sus años como arzobispo de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, el Papa Francisco fue nombrado socio honorario de Rotary, siendo el único pontífice en pertenecer a un club rotario.

Acerca de Rotary

Rotary une a una red mundial de líderes voluntarios comprometidos que abordan los problemas más acuciantes que afectan a la humanidad. Rotary cuenta con 1.200.000 socios en más de 35.000 clubes en 200 países y regiones geográficas, quienes juntos mejoran las condiciones de vida en sus comunidades, siendo su mayor objetivo vivir en un mundo libre de polio. Para más información sobre Rotary y la iniciativa para erradicar la polio, visitar Rotary.org y endpolio.org. Para videos y fotografías de calidad profesional, ingresar a http://rotary.thenewsmarket.com/.

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COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

Contact: Stéphanie Tobler-Mucznik, +41 (44) 387-7116, Stephanie.ToblerMucznik@rotary.org

 El Papa Francisco agradece a Rotary por su compromiso con la erradicación de la polio y pide a los socios a continuar con la vacunación

Ciudad del Vaticano (30 de abril de 2016) — Por invitación del Papa Francisco, alrededor de 9.000 socios de Rotary de diversos países asistieron a la Audiencia del Jubileo que tuvo lugar el 30 de abril de 2016 en la Plaza de San Pedro.

Después de la Audiencia, el Papa Francisco recibió a una comitiva de Rotary encabezada por el actual presidente de Rotary International K.R. Ravindran, donde el Pontífice alabó los esfuerzos de Rotary en la erradicación de la polio y los instó a continuar con las campañas de vacunación.

Al igual que sus antecesores, Pablo VI y Juan Pablo II, el Papa Francisco coincide con el compromiso de Rotary para lograr un mundo donde reine la paz y la compasión.

"Fue un gran honor haber sido recibido por el Papa Francisco", dijo Ravindran. "La bondad, humildad y compasión demostrada por el Papa Francisco han servido de inspiración a hombres y mujeres de todo el mundo, independientemente de su religión. Su llamado a aliviar las causas de la pobreza extrema y el sufrimiento humano transcienden las barreras religiosas, nacionales y políticas. Rotarios de todas las religiones, nacionalidades y creencias comparten la visión de compasión y misericordia expresada por el Papa, lo cual nos inspira a actuar decididamente para solucionar los problemas más acuciantes que afectan a la humanidad", acotó.

Ya sea luchando contra las enfermedades, promoviendo la erradicación de la polio, suministrando agua salubre, apoyando la educación, protegiendo a madres e hijos o desarrollando las economías locales, los socios de Rotary mejoran las condiciones de vida en comunidades de todo el mundo generando así cambios permanentes.

Rotary y sus socios en la Iniciativa para Erradicación Mundial de la Polio están a un paso de marcar un hito histórico en la salud mundial con la eminente eliminación de la poliomielitis, la segunda enfermedad en la historia de la humanidad que será erradicada. Los casos de esta paralizante enfermedad, prevenible mediante vacunación, han disminuido en más de 99,9 por ciento, de 350.000 casos anuales en 1988 a 74 confirmados en 2015. Desde la institución del programa PolioPlus en 1985, Rotary ha contribuido más de US$ 1.5000 millones de dólares e innumerables horas de trabajo voluntarios a fin de proteger contra la polio a 2,500 millones de niños en 122 naciones. Gracias a tales esfuerzos, 13 millones de personas llevan una vida normal, quienes de lo contrario hubieran quedado paralizadas a causa de la polio.

Durante su visita a México el pasado mes de febrero, el Papa Francisco vacunó a un niño contra la polio. En sus años como arzobispo de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, el Papa Francisco fue nombrado socio honorario de Rotary, siendo el único pontífice en pertenecer a un club rotario.

Acerca de Rotary
Rotary une a una red mundial de líderes voluntarios comprometidos que abordan los problemas más acuciantes que afectan a la humanidad. Rotary cuenta con 1.200.000 socios en más de 35.000 clubes en 200 países y regiones geográficas, quienes juntos mejoran las condiciones de vida en sus comunidades, siendo su mayor objetivo vivir en un mundo libre de polio. Para más información sobre Rotary y la iniciativa para erradicar la polio, visitar Rotary.org y endpolio.org. Para videos y fotografías de calidad profesional, ingresar a http://rotary.thenewsmarket.com/.

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PRESSEMITTEILUNG

Contact: Stéphanie Tobler-Mucznik, +41 (44) 387-7116, Stephanie.ToblerMucznik@rotary.org

Papst Franziskus dankt Rotary für die Bemühungen im Kampf gegen Polio und bittet die Rotarier, mit Impfkampagnen weiter zu machen.

Vatikanstadt (30. April 2016) — Auf Einladung von Papst Franziskus nahmen am 30. April 2016 rund 9.000 Mitglieder von Rotary aus aller Welt an einer Audienz des Papstes aus Anlass des Heiligen Jahres auf dem Petersplatz teil.
Zum Ende der Audienz traf Papst Franziskus eine Delegation von Rotary, geleitet von Rotary Präsident K.R. Ravindran. Der Papst betonte die Wichtigkeit von Polio-Impfungen und bittet Rotary, nicht nachzulassen.

Papst Franziskus folgte dem Vorbild seiner Vorgänger Paul VI und Johannes Paul II, die vor ihm bereits Rotary dazu aufgefordert hatten, sich für eine friedvollere und mitfühlendere Welt einzusetzen.

„Es ist eine sehr große Ehre, Teil dieser Audienz zu sein", sagte Ravindran. „Papst Franziskus inspiriert Männer und Frauen in aller Welt – egal welchen Glaubens – mit seinen bescheidenen Handlungen der Güte. Sein Aufruf, die Ursachen extremer Armut und menschlichen Leides zu beseitigen, geht über Religion, Alter, Nationalismus und Politik hinaus. Die Mitglieder von Rotary haben die verschiedensten Religionen und Glaubensbekenntnisse und vertreten die verschiedensten Nationen und sie alle teilen Papst Franziskus Geisteshaltung der Gnade und des Mitgefühls. Er inspiriert uns dazu, beherzt zu handeln, und die schwierigsten Herausforderungen anzugehen, denen unsere Welt heute gegenüber steht".

Die Mitglieder von Rotary setzen sich ein für Frieden, die Bekämpfung von Krankheiten, die Ausrottung der Kinderlähmung, die Schaffung von Zugang zu sauberem Trinkwasser, die Förderung von Hygiene, die Unterstützung von Bildung, den Schutz von Müttern und Kindern und den Ausbau lokaler Wirtschaft. Sie verbessern die Lebensumstände anderer Menschen und sorgen für nachhaltige, positive Veränderungen in Gemeinwesen in aller Welt.

Rotary und seine Partner in der Global Polio Eradication Initiative stehen kurz davor, Geschichte zu schreiben und die Kinderlähmung als zweite menschliche Krankheit für immer auszurotten. Seit 1988 konnte die Anzahl der Fälle dieser Krankheit, die durch eine Impfung verhindert werden kann, um 99,9 Prozent gesenkt werden. Von jährlich 350.000 Fällen weltweit auf 74 bestätigte Fälle in 2015. Seit Beginn des PolioPlus Programms in 1985 investierte Rotary bereits 1,5 Milliarden US-Dollar in den Kampf gegen die Kinderlähmung und die Mitglieder von Rotary engagierten sich in zahllosen Einsatzstunden, um in 122 Ländern der Erde 2,5 Milliarden Kinder gegen die Krankheit zu impfen. Über 13 Millionen Menschen können heute dank dieses Einsatzes gehen und wurden durch die Impfungen vor einer Lähmung verschont.

Papst Franziskus impfte im vergangenen Februar persönlich ein Kind in Mexiko gegen die Kinderlähmung. Als Erzbischof Jorge Mario Bergoglio von Buenos Aires, wurde Papst Franziskus als Ehrenmitglied in Rotary aufgenommen – er ist damit der erste Papst, der eine Einladung zur Mitgliedschaftn in Rotary erhielt und annahm.

Über Rotary
Rotary ist ein globales Netzwerk aus engagierten Menschen, die sich weltweit den wichtigsten humanitären Anliegen widmen. Die 1,2 Millionen Mitglieder von Rotary organisieren sich in 35.000 Rotary Clubs in über 200 Ländern und geografischen Regionen. Durch Ihren Einsatz – der von der Hilfe für bedürftige Familien bis zur globalen Bekämpfung der Kinderlähmung reicht – verbessern sie das Leben von Menschen in aller Welt. Weitere Informationen über Rotary und unseren Kampf gegen die Kinderlähmung sind bei rotary.org und endpolio.org erhältlich. Video und Bildmaterial bei http://rotary.thenewsmarket.com/.

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News Release

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Stéphanie Tobler-Mucznik, +41 (44) 387-7116, Stephanie.ToblerMucznik@rotary.org

Pope Francis thanks Rotary for its efforts to end polio and urges Rotary members to continue vaccination campaigns

Vatican City (30 April 2016) — Nearly 9,000 members of Rotary from across the globe attended the Jubilee Audience at the Vatican in St. Peter's Square on 30 April 2016 at the invitation of Pope Francis.

At the end of the Audience, a delegation of Rotary members - led by Rotary International President K.R. Ravindran - met Pope Francis where he emphasized the importance of vaccinations against polio and urged Rotary to continue.
Pope Francis follows Paul VI and John Paul II in connecting with Rotary to encourage their support of a more peaceful and compassionate world.

"It is a tremendous honor to be part of this Jubilee Audience," said Ravindran. "Pope Francis has inspired men and women throughout the world – regardless of their faith – with his humble acts of kindness. His call to alleviate the root causes of extreme poverty and human suffering transcends religion, age, nationalism and politics. Rotary members from every religion, nation and creed share Pope Francis' spirit of mercy and compassion, which inspires us to act boldly to address the most difficult challenges facing our world today."

By promoting peace, fighting disease, ending polio, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene, supporting education, saving mothers and children and growing local economies, Rotary members are improving lives and bringing positive, lasting change to communities around the world.

Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative are on the brink of making global health history as polio is slated to become the second human disease ever to be eliminated. Cases of this paralyzing but vaccine preventable disease have plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year in 1988, to 74 confirmed in 2015. Since launching its PolioPlus program in 1985, Rotary has donated US$1.5 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect 2.5 billion children in 122 countries from polio. More than 13 million people are able to walk today, who would otherwise have been paralyzed from polio.
Pope Francis personally vaccinated a child against polio in Mexico this past February. While he was Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Pope Francis was named an honorary member of Rotary – making him the first known pope to receive and accept a Rotary club membership.

About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Visit rotary.org and endpolio.org for more about Rotary and its efforts to eradicate polio. Video and still images will be available at http://rotary.thenewsmarket.com/.

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News Release

For immediate release 

Contacts: Chanele Williams, +1-847-866-3466, Chanele.Williams@rotary.org

EVANSTON, Ill. (Jan. 19, 2016) — Rotary has tapped non-profit management expert Michele Berg to help lead the day-to-day operations of the humanitarian service organization's headquarters, which includes 525 associates based in Evanston, Ill., and 275 located in seven international offices, and a shared services center in India.

As deputy general secretary, Berg will work alongside Rotary General Secretary John Hewko to ensure effective internal operating policies and implement strategies and programs. She will also assist in managing the US$140 million annual operating budgets of Rotary International and its charitable arm, The Rotary Foundation, which have more than US$1 billion in combined assets.

In her previous role as chief programs and member services officer for Rotary, Berg led a team of more than 150 that supported membership development, learning and development, and Rotary Foundation programs. She came to Rotary in 2001 from SmithBucklin, where she managed and marketed training opportunities for nonprofit associations.

"Michele is an outstanding leader who has been instrumental in ensuring that we provide high-quality services to our members – all volunteers committed to making the world a better place through humanitarian service," said Hewko. "As deputy general secretary, she will play a vital role in helping Rotary continue to evolve, grow and bring lasting change to communities around the world."

Berg looks forward to cultivating a high-performance workplace at Rotary. "I feel strongly that creating the right conditions for associates, including workplace flexibility, professional growth opportunities, and empowerment is the best way to attract and retain talented people who take pride in their work and deliver outstanding service to Rotary members," Berg said.

"It is an exciting time in Rotary's history," Berg added. "This year, we achieved the highest contributions to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund, increased support for our humanitarian projects by 20 percent, and we are literally on the brink of eradicating polio. The staff and volunteers are looking for ways to ensure this success continues."

Originally from La Grange, Ill., Berg is an alumna of Loyola University Chicago. She graduated with a major in Italian and earned her MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a dual specialization in marketing and international business. Berg, a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP), is a member of the Association Forum of Chicagoland, the American Society of Association Executives, the Industry Advisory Board for the Master of Science in Communication Program at Northwestern University, and the Rotary Club of Evanston.

About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Visit rotary.org and endpolio.org. Video and still images will be available on the NewsMarket.