The city of Taipei, Taiwan, became a hub of hope, service, friendship and global leadership. Over 35,000 Rotarians and Rotaractors from around the world gathered for the 117th Rotary International Convention held from June 13 to 17, 2026. The theme was "Build connection in Taipei." This event was significant as it was the second time Taipei hosted the convention, the first being in 1994. Taipei was chosen for the 2021 convention, but it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The annual convention is one of the largest meetings of volunteer leaders and humanitarian advocates globally. It brought together representatives from over 200 countries to celebrate Rotary's mission of "Service Above Self." In his opening speech on Sunday June 14, outgoing Rotary International President, Francesco Arezzo, said Rotary conventions are "powerful moments of unity … to spark new ideas for a healthier, more peaceful future."
Taiwan President, Lai Ching-te, met with Rotary International leaders and showed support for the convention's vision of peace.
Events took place at two main venues: Farglory Dome/Taipei Dome for the Opening, Closing and General Sessions, and Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre/TaiNEX 1 and TaiNEX 2 for Breakout Sessions and House of Friendship.
The Taipei Convention will be remembered for a key moment in Rotary's history: Nigerian Rotarian Olayinka Hakeem Babalola was presented on the world stage as the incoming President of Rotary International for the 2026-2027 Rotary year, starting July 1, 2026.
Rotarians from across Africa wore different colors of the same fabric. Nigerians proudly donned our green and white outfits, waving miniature Nigerian flags. This brought joy to other delegates and formed part of a "cultural mosaic" that brightened the Taipei Dome.
This was a moment of pride and inspiration for Nigeria, Africa, and the global Rotary family.
The 2026 Rotary International Convention in Taipei is known for blending old traditions with new ideas. It is famous for its semiconductors. Delegates met at the Taipei Dome and the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre, taking part in plenary sessions, leadership forums, exhibitions, cultural showcases and networking events.
The convention highlighted that Rotary is one of the world's most influential humanitarian organisations. Rotary focuses on projects about peacebuilding, education, disease prevention, environmental sustainability, maternal and child health, economic empowerment and community development, impacting millions worldwide.
During the five days, delegates shared ideas, made connections, celebrated successful projects and looked for innovative solutions to big challenges. The atmosphere showed Rotary's ability to bring together diverse people united by a common goal: making the world better.
A memorable highlight of the convention was the official introduction of Olayinka Hakeem Babalola as the incoming Rotary International President for 2026-2027. This took place on the last day during the General Closing Session between 3.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. local time. Babalola presented his family, his wife, Percy, his 83-year-old mother, two daughters, son and sister-in-law, after being introduced by Francesco Arezzo.
As delegates from around the world watched, Babalola was introduced as the leader who will guide the organisation into a new chapter starting July 1, 2026. His rise is not just a personal achievement but also a recognition of Nigeria's growing influence in global Rotary leadership. Another Nigerian, Pearl Ijeoma Okoro, is a Trustee of The Rotary Foundation for four years (2024-2028).
Babalola is a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi in Rivers State, Nigeria. He has dedicated decades to Rotary service. His leadership roles include serving as District Governor, Rotary International Vice President and a member of the Rotary International Board of Directors. He has helped in Rotary’s global efforts to eradicate polio and improve community development.
His presentation in Taipei was not just about a leadership change; it showed the increasing significance of African leadership in global discussions and humanitarian actions.
Babalola's rise to the presidency is special because he is only the second African to lead Rotary International. The first was Nigerian Rotarian Jonathan Majiyagbe, who served as Rotary International President in 2003-2004. More than twenty years later, another Nigerian has reached the highest office in Rotary, showing Nigeria's long history of contributing to global service and leadership.
His election has been celebrated across Rotary districts in Africa and beyond. For many African Rotarians and Rotaractors, it shows that hard work, skill and service can bring recognition at the highest levels.
Beyond Rotary, this development connects to wider discussions about African representation in international bodies. Babalola's rise shows that African professionals and leaders are gaining prominence in organisations that shape global humanitarian and development agendas.
As the incoming president, Babalola has shared a vision focused on sustainable change and real results. Earlier this year, he released his presidential message: "Create Lasting Impact."
This message tells Rotary members worldwide to go beyond short-term solutions and focus on initiatives that create lasting benefits for communities. It stresses leadership, innovation, partnerships and accountability as key parts of sustainable development.
Babalola says "change" is good, but "impact that lasts" is better. This theme matches current global challenges. Today, communities need solutions that tackle root problems, not just temporary fixes. Whether addressing poverty, illiteracy, health issues or environmental problems, Rotary’s future under Babalola’s leadership will aim for lasting change.
For many delegates in Taipei, this theme was meaningful as it reflects Rotary’s evolving role in a quickly changing world.
The presentation of Babalola in Taipei also highlighted the importance of soft power in international relations.
Nigeria is often talked about in global discussions regarding population, business, entertainment, sports and economic potential. But leadership positions in respected global organisations offer another way for nations to build influence and respect.
Babalola's rise offers a positive story about Nigerian excellence, integrity and global citizenship. It shows Nigeria's ability to produce leaders who earn international respect and unite people from different cultures and nations.
For younger Nigerians, especially those involved in service groups, volunteer work and community development, his success is a strong example of how local service can lead to global influence. Babalola was a Rotaractor.
The Taipei Convention also showed Rotary’s lasting importance in a world that is more connected.
Despite technology changes and global tensions, the need for trust among networks that promote dialogue, friendship and cooperation is still essential. Rotary fills that role by bringing together people committed to service and peace.
The organisation’s efforts to end polio, its support for education and health, and its growing focus on environmental sustainability show its ability to adapt while staying true to its founding values.
As the convention wrapped up, delegates left Taipei with new ideas, renewed energy and stronger global connections.
When Olayinka Hakeem Babalola officially takes office on July 1, 2026, he will lead one of the world’s most respected humanitarian and fellowship organisations. His presidency comes at a time when communities worldwide are looking for hope, collaboration and practical solutions to shared challenges.
For Nigeria, his leadership is a proud moment in the nation's interaction with global institutions. For Africa, it marks another significant step in the continent’s rising influence. For Rotary International, it shows continuity, renewal and a commitment to making a lasting impact.
The 2026 Rotary International Convention in Taipei will be remembered not just for its inspiring talks and international fellowship, but also as the time the global Rotary family welcomed a Nigerian leader to its highest office and celebrated a vision of service that can change communities worldwide.
As delegates returned home from Taipei, one message stood out: service knows no borders, leadership knows no nationality, and through Rotary, ordinary people continue to make a big impact.
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