Program

GELS & GNLS, September 1st-3rd

ROTARY ACTION SUMMIT PALANGA, September 3rd-6th

Thursday 3rd: take part in one of the Forums on Foundation, Membership, Action Planning, Conflict prevention, and Creating Impact.

Friday 4th: listen and learn for a day in the Rotary Plenary Sessions and party at the White dinner.

Saturday 5th: march in the parade and compete in one sport in Rotariada. Learn and share in one of 16 different Workshops. End the day in the Rotariada concert.

Tickets 485.- Euro (all the above included)


During the 2026 International Assembly in Orlando, Palanga Action Summit Conveners RID Christine Buering and RIDE Soffía Gísladóttir have invited an exceptional group of Rotary senior leaders from around the world to engage with participants from across the Rotary family.

In the intimate and collaborative environment of Palanga, attendees will have the unique opportunity to connect personally, listen, learn, and exchange ideas with:

  • RI PE Yinka Babalola (Nigeria)
  • PRIP Stephanie Urchick (USA)
  • PRIP Holger Knaack (Germany)
  • Trustees AnnBritt Åsebol (Sweden) and Venky Venkatesh (India)
  • RI Directors Jennifer Scott (Australia) and Suzan Stenberg (Sweden)
  • As well as Christine Buering and Soffía Gísladóttir themselves

In addition, Finance Committee member Claudia Hendry (Switzerland) and DEI Committee member and renowned leader Brian Rusch will be participating.

Participants will also hear from Peace Fellows from the Uppsala Peace Center and other institutions, and—most importantly—engage with the many bright, positive, and passionate members of the Rotary family: you.

Also joining the program are Peace Fellows from the Uppsala Peace Center and other institutions, together with the many bright, positive, and passionate members of the Rotary family: you.

Program Highlights:

RI President 2026/27 Yinka Babalola will

  • Debrief District Governors, IPDGs and PDGs
  • Present his vision for Rotary’s investment in young people during a plenary session,
  • Cohost a seminar on Creating Lasting Impact, and
  • Engage participants during an informal session featuring questions and M&Ms.

Past RI President Stephanie Urchick will

  • Lead the Foundation Seminar together with Trustee AnnBritt Åsebol,
  • Host High Tea with Stephanie,
  • Cohost the Major Donor Dinner with AnnBritt, while
  • AnnBritt Åsebol introduces Peace Fellows from Uppsala and presents their ongoing work.

Past RI President Holger Knaack will

  • Lead a panel discussion on International Cooperation, highlighting BASRAN as a model, and
  • Participate in an informal meetandgreet, High Five with Holger.

Trustee and Past DEI Committee Chair Venky Venkatesh, together with DEI leader Brian Rusch, will

  • Lead the Membership Seminar, focusing on the needs of today’s professionals and on diversity as a catalyst for membership growth.
  • Brian Rusch will also conduct a workshop on How to Do Innovative Fundraising.

Vinita Venkatesh, founder and current president of a new club in Chennai, India, will

  • Share her insights into club creation and
  • Lead a handson workshop titled How to Start a New Club?

RI Director Suzan Stenberg (Sweden) and Regional Plan Team Lead Claudia Hendry (Switzerland) will

  • Lead a seminar devoted to strategy, planning, and forwardthinking leadership.

RI Director Jennifer Scott (Australia) will

  • Focus on conflict prevention and resolution,
  • Cohosting both a seminar and a practical Howto workshop together with Peace Fellows.