President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) met with 2025-2026 Rotary International President Mario Cesar Martins de Camargo this Wednesday. De Camargo, a member of the Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil Rotary Club, says he hopes to boost Rotary’s public image by working from the top down. Lai emphasized that Taiwan is a force of good in the world, and a trustworthy partner for global peace and prosperity.
Lai began his speech by congratulating de Camargo on his nomination and affirming Rotary International’s long-term commitment to eradicating poverty, empowering women, and pursuing environmental sustainability. He also thanked Taiwanese Rotarians for lending a helping hand when disasters have struck both locally and abroad.
The annual Rotary International Convention will be held in Taiwan for the second time since 1994 in June 2026. Lai said he welcomes the estimated 30,000 guests from over 150 nations to Taiwan, and that the government will actively assist with various convention tasks.
Lai expressed that he has witnessed the ever-positive and progressive spirit of Taiwanese society being alive and well during his travels around the nation. He stated that he has seen everyone striving to contribute to society, and he thinks this is why Taiwan is a good force in the world. Lai said he looks forward to continuing to work with other nations on the road to promoting world peace and sustainable development.