President Taye Atske Selassie Receives Rotary International President

Addis Ababa, January 28, 2026 (FMC) — President Taye Atske Selassie today welcomed Francesco Arezzo, President of Rotary International, at the National Palace, highlighting the longstanding partnership between Ethiopia and Rotary’s global network.

The two leaders discussed areas of mutual cooperation, including health, education, and peacebuilding. Arezzo commended President Taye for his steadfast support, describing him as a key partner in advancing Rotary International’s mission in Ethiopia.

President Taye highlighted the organization’s long-standing work in the country, particularly in polio eradication, peace initiatives, and other community-focused programs. Ending polio remains Rotary International’s top priority, Arezzo emphasized.

“Finishing polio eradication is our final goal,” he said. “It is also a step toward peace, because every time we send a child to school, provide access to clean water, or protect the environment, these are small but meaningful steps toward building peace.”

Arezzo noted Ethiopia’s exemplary performance in implementing polio campaigns, praising the country’s high effectiveness and accuracy. He also underscored Ethiopia’s success in remaining polio-free and in preventing outbreaks that affected other parts of Africa in recent years.

The containment of the Marburg virus was also recognized as a major achievement, with Arezzo congratulating the Ethiopian government for its efforts. He reaffirmed Rotary International’s ongoing commitment to supporting peacebuilding initiatives through its local clubs.

Both sides stressed their shared vision in promoting health, development, and peace, with polio eradication identified as a unifying goal.

Rotary International, a global service organization with over 46,000 clubs worldwide, engages in humanitarian work, peace promotion, and community development. In Ethiopia, local Rotary clubs operate in Addis Ababa, Mekelle, Gondar, Jimma, and Awassa, implementing projects focused on health, clean water, and peacebuilding.