Dear
Rotarians and Rotaractors,
As I begin
my new role, it is a pleasure and honor to warmly welcome you to the Rotary
year 2025/26. I look forward to working closely with you and our partners to
bring Rotary’s vision to life - through unity, collaboration, and impact under
the themes “Unite for Good” and “Team Up.”
The Rotary
wheel continues to turn, stronger and perhaps even quicker than ever. Many of
our first clubs, among the oldest in Europe, are now celebrating their
“grandparent” years. These proud pioneers have inspired generations of clubs,
with many now marking their 50th to 75th anniversaries, and even younger clubs
celebrating 10 to 40 years of service. I am proud of what our past district
governors and the entire district leadership have accomplished. Today, we stand
in an enviable position: with healthy clubs, strong leaders, and impactful
projects. My thanks go to all my predecessors who have laid such a solid
foundation, enabling continuity and growth. However, we must not rest. To
remain relevant to society and attractive to new members, we must continue to
innovate, grow, and lead with purpose.
It is truly
humbling to step into this role. After two years of preparation, learning, and
presenting at the President Elect Learning Seminar (PELS) in Rheinfelden and
the District Conference in Lugano, I now look forward to visiting clubs across
the district. I’m eager to learn more about your projects, your processes, and
your unique club cultures.
This Rotary
year also brings changes in leadership: club presidents are beginning their
terms, and Rotary International welcomes a new president, Francesco Arezzo.
Francesco has stepped in with remarkable agility following the unexpected
resignation of President Elect Mário César Martins de Camargo due to personal
and business reasons. Just days after his election, Francesco addressed the
international convention in Calgary with clarity and passion. His willingness to serve at short
notice speaks volumes about the strength and resilience of Rotary’s leadership.
Together with the Board, he ensures the continuity of our mission and goals
under the banner “Unite for Good.”
I have the
privilege of succeeding iPDG Christoph Blaser as District Governor. A bit about
myself: I live in Riehen (near Basel) with my wife Ute, and we have two adult
sons, Julian and Philip. I spent many years with Novartis in various leadership
roles across multiple countries. Today, I teach Digital Business and Supply Chain Management at
the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and run my own supply chain
consulting firm. Rotary has been an important part of my journey - it helped me
integrate locally and confirm my identity as a proud “Wahl-Schweizer”.
At PELS and
the District Conference, I outlined six goals for the year - yes, perhaps
ambitious, but if you don’t aim high, you’ll never soar:
- Stronger Together – “Team Up”
Projects:
I want to promote joint initiatives - projects and events initiated,
supported, and executed by multiple clubs working together. While not new,
this remains vital to increasing our impact.
- 3-Year Club Planning Tool:
We’ve introduced a planning tool to support continuity within clubs during
leadership transitions. This tool is a resource - not a requirement - and
aims to strengthen continuity as well as strategic development of clubs.
- Support ROMI (Rotary Mental Health Initiative):
Together with DGE Urs F. Meyer and DGN Rolf Tresch, I ask each club to
contribute CHF 1,500 per year to support ROMI. This long-term initiative -
launched in honor of Rotary Switzerland-Liechtenstein’s 100th anniversary
- benefits from leadership continuity and aims to build external
partnerships. I thank Urs and Rolf for their commitment to this shared
goal.
- Rotary Foundation Engagement:
Over the next few years, we will collaborate at district and zone levels
to raise awareness about the Rotary Foundation. We encourage direct member
contributions, targeted project donations, and legacy planning through
wills and estates. Also this is a shared goal with my successor Urs Meyer.
- Enhance Rotary’s Public Image:
We must continue to strengthen Rotary’s visibility—especially through
digital channels and social media. Our projects and values deserve broader
recognition.
- VISITE Membership Growth:
I will continue the important work begun by Christoph Blaser in expanding
our Rotary Verein VISITE network.
As always,
Rotary International highlights global focus areas each month. July is
dedicated to Maternal and Child Health. Rotary supports women around the
world, through cancer prevention campaigns and child vaccination initiatives.
While healthcare access may be taken for granted by many of us in our part of
the world, it remains a daily struggle for millions. We can make a difference -
locally and globally - by ensuring better health for mothers and children. The Rotary Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health
(RMCH) Schweiz-Liechtenstein is also devoted to this cause. Rotary Action Groups are independent, Rotary-affiliated
groups made up of people from around the world who are experts in a
particular field and offer their technical expertise and support to
help clubs plan and implement projects to increase our impact, one of Rotary's
strategic priorities.
Lastly, I
would like to highlight the upcoming Rotary Institute “Fusion” taking place in Brussels at the end
of September 2025. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the
international Rotary community and shape our collective future.
Wishing you
all a fulfilling and impactful Rotary year - especially to those of you taking
on new roles. I look forward to working with you.
Warmest
Rotarian regards,
Unite for Good – Team Up
John
