PATTAYA, Thailand – More than 1,200 delegates from 24 countries have registered for the 2026 Pattaya Rotary Institute, which will bring senior Rotary leaders, Rotarians and members of the wider Rotary family to the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH), Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Pattaya, from November 20–22.
Held under the theme “Discover, Unite and Act,” the Institute will combine leadership development, international service, humanitarian giving and fellowship. Preparatory leadership seminars beginning November 18 will extend the overall programme to five days.
Serving Rotary International Zones 1B, 9 and 10, whose participating region encompasses 17 countries and geographic areas across Asia, the gathering has attracted registrations from an even wider international community.
Leading the visiting dignitaries are Rotary International President Olayinka Hakeem Babalola and Past Rotary International President and The Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Jennifer Jones. The updated programme schedules President Babalola to deliver both the opening keynote and closing address, while PRIP Jennifer Jones will address delegates, contribute to The Rotary Foundation workshop and moderate a discussion on creating lasting impact.
President Babalola, a Nigerian engineer, businessman and leadership consultant, serves as Rotary International president for 2026–27. His presidential message, “Create Lasting Impact,” encourages members to turn strong relationships and collective action into sustainable improvements in people’s lives.
Speaking about his priorities upon taking office, President Babalola emphasised Rotary’s contribution to understanding and peace. “Rotary gives people the opportunity not only to make a difference in their communities, but also to grow through meaningful relationships,” he said.
He also highlighted collaboration, respect for different perspectives and community-led solutions as essential to helping societies overcome division and uncertainty. These priorities provide a broader context for the Institute’s emphasis on international partnerships and service.
PRIP Jennifer Jones, a Canadian communications executive, made history as Rotary International’s first woman president in 2022-23 and now chairs The Rotary Foundation for 2026-27. Her work has combined humanitarian fundraising with efforts to show the public how Rotary projects change lives.
The Institute is led by Rotary International Directors Jennifer Scott and Kenichi Nakaya as co-convenors, with Past District Governor Jason Lim of District 3350 as Institute Chair. Their welcome messages emphasise learning across cultures, strengthening friendships and translating shared ideas into meaningful community service.
The opening ceremony on Friday, November 20, will include an address by Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, followed by President Babalola’s keynote. Past Rotary International Director Professor Dr. Saowalak Ratanavich will also take a prominent ceremonial role.
The welcome dinner will feature the Royal Thai Navy Symphony Orchestra, a masked dance performance, recognition of sponsors and the presentation of funds raised for PolioPlus through the End Polio Now Pattaya Open 2026. Regional Rotary Foundation awards will recognise contributions to Rotary’s humanitarian work.
Saturday’s programme offers a broad range of discussions. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, is scheduled to speak on “Together, We Unite to Create Lasting Impact.” Past President Claire Chiang will discuss business and volunteering in a session moderated by Jennifer Scott.
The fight against polio will feature in a presentation by Past District Governor Andy Li and Past Foundation Trustee Aziz Memon. Other sessions will examine Rotary’s changing membership landscape, service projects and its future vision.
Delegates will be able to join English- and Chinese-language breakout workshops on membership, Foundation grant integrity and public image. Further presentations include Rotary International’s five-year financial forecast by Chief Financial Officer Julie Burke, Rotary in the artificial intelligence era by Past President Simon Liang, and peacebuilding involving the next generation.
A further highlight will be the scheduled signing of a Taiwan–Thailand Intercountry Committee agreement during Saturday’s lunch, strengthening a framework for friendship and cooperation between Rotarians in both places.
The International Cultural Night on Saturday will welcome Supawan Teerarat, President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau. Entertainment will include Rolf’s Six Men Band, the Alcazar Show, a Thai traditional string-tying ceremony and performances representing Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Myanmar and Pakistan.
Sunday’s programme will give younger participants a voice through a discussion involving Interact, Rotaract and Rotary Youth Exchange, moderated by Past District Governor Dr. Nick Krayacich. Workshop reports and PRIP Jennifer Jones’s panel discussion will lead into the closing session.
Past District Governor Pratheep S. Malhotra of District 3340, Chair of the Findings and Proceedings Committee, will present the Institute proceedings before President Babalola delivers his closing address. The programme will conclude with the handover of the Institute flag to the organisers of the 2027 Hong Kong Rotary Institute, followed by a farewell lunch.
Before the main gathering, Governors-Elect and Governors-Nominee Learning Seminars will take place on November 18–19, with a District Learning Facilitators Seminar on November 19. A Regional Rotary Foundation Seminar, District International Service Seminar, and Arch Klumph Society induction and Major Donors Luncheon are scheduled for November 20.
With its combination of senior leadership addresses, practical workshops, cultural performances and international networking, the Institute will offer delegates opportunities to develop service partnerships and return to their communities with fresh ideas.
As the published registration deadline has passed, prospective participants should contact the secretariat directly about availability. Specialist seminars carry separate fees, and accommodation is booked independently.
Further information is available at www.2026pattayarotaryinstitute.org, by email at [email protected], or by telephone on +66 81 881 3206. Programme arrangements remain subject to change.
