The President of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo, today delivered a powerful and inspiring message to Rotaractors and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) participants during his visit to the Lweza Training Centre, calling on young leaders to see themselves as the drivers of societal transformation.
Addressing a vibrant audience of emerging leaders, President Arezzo emphasized the central role of youth in shaping the future, noting that meaningful change in society cannot happen without their active involvement.
“You are the change of society,” he said. “Without you, we cannot fully understand or achieve the transformation our communities need.”
His message underscored the urgency of youth engagement, describing young people not only as participants but as essential partners in designing and delivering solutions to today’s challenges.
“We need you, not tomorrow, but now,” he added. “Your energy, your ideas, and your courage to act are what will define the future of Rotary and the world around us.”
President Arezzo also challenged the audience to embrace adaptability, noting that creating lasting impact requires an openness to evolve alongside changing societal needs.
“If we are to create lasting impact, then we must be willing to adapt. Society is changing, and so must we,” he said.
In one of the most memorable moments of his address, he described Rotary as a platform for turning aspirations into reality.
“Rotary is a dream machine,” he said. “You begin to die the moment you stop dreaming. So, continue to dream, always.”
He encouraged the young leaders to actively seek out networks that can help bring their ideas to life, pointing to Rotary and Rotaract as powerful ecosystems for collaboration, mentorship, and opportunity.
“Find a network that can realize your dream,” he urged. “And that network is Rotary.”
The engagement at Lweza highlighted Rotary’s strong commitment to youth development and leadership, with programs such as Rotaract and RYLA playing a key role in equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and platforms needed to lead.
Rotary leaders present noted that the session was not only motivational but also strategic, reinforcing the importance of integrating youth voices into Rotary’s future direction and impact agenda.
The interaction created a space for dialogue, reflection, and inspiration, leaving participants energised and more committed to using their leadership to drive meaningful change in their communities.
As President Arezzo continues his visit, the Lweza engagement stands out as a defining moment, a reminder that the future of Rotary lies in empowering young people to dream boldly, connect meaningfully, and act decisively.
Through its investment in youth, Rotary continues to build a pipeline of leaders ready to adapt, innovate, and transform society.
