Rotary International Zone 1B (Pakistan – Bangladesh – Indonesia) successfully hosted the Rotary Regional Leadership Seminar 2023 from July 21 to 23, 2023, at Hilton Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka. This highly informative seminar brought together prominent leaders and delegates from the region to discuss key issues and strategies to enhance Rotary’s impact in their respective communities.
The seminar’s organizing team, led by Muhammad Faiz Kidwai, Director, Rotary International, and Aziz Memon, TRF Trustee, worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success. The Chair of the event was Rotary Coordinator (RC), PDG. Ishtiaque Zaman, who was supported by Co-Chairs, Rotary Public Image Coordinator (RPIC), PDG. Eva Kurniaty, and Rotary Regional Foundation Coordinator (RRFC), PDG. Dr. Mansoor ul Haq.
Notable speakers and attendees included Past Rotary International President, K.R. Ravindran, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker. He delivered an inspiring speech on the topic “Good Strategy is the key to great performance,” emphasizing the importance of collaborations, strategic alliances, and meaningful projects that create a positive impact.
Muhammad Faiz Kidwai highlighted the immense potential for growth in membership and strategic alliances within the combined population of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, which exceeds 670 million individuals.
Aziz Memon shared valuable insights into grants, with a special focus on the Program of Scales Grant. He also stressed the need for increased contributions to the foundation and encouraged applications for global grants. He expressed optimism about the eradication of Polio with the dedication of a committed team working towards this goal.
Over the course of three days, the seminar hosted several vital sessions, covering topics such as the Three-Year Business Plan, Goal Setting, Ethical Standards, Stewardship, Regional Adaptability, Effective Service Projects, End Polio Now, Creating Momentum, Importance of Public Image, Membership Development, Global Grants, and the Joy of Giving, among others.
The breakout sessions focusing on membership, public image, and foundation were remarkably engaging, with enthusiastic participants actively contributing their valuable insights. PDG. Eva Kurniaty, the Rotary Public Image Coordinator (RPIC), expressed profound appreciation for the exceptional presentations delivered by Syed Kashif Rafi and Imran Ghaznavi, who are Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinators (ARPICs). In the same vein, PDG. Dr. Mansoor ul Haq, the Rotary Regional Foundation Coordinator (RRFC), lauded the efforts of Assistant Rotary Regional Foundation Coordinator (ARRFC) Dr. Aftab Imam and Ch. Saifullah Ejaz. Furthermore, PDG. Ishtiaque Zaman, the Rotary Coordinator (RC), held high regard for the contributions of Assistant Rotary Coordinators (ARCs) Abdul Jabbar Shaikh, Durdaana Arshad, and Lubna Khalid, expressing admiration for their dedication and work during the sessions.
One of the prominent sessions that garnered significant attention was the Rotary Youth Advisory Council Zone 1B, hosted by the dynamic Rotaractor, Zainab Khan. In her session, Zainab Khan shared visionary plans to engage the youth and help them build better careers while fostering a sense of belonging within the Rotary community.
Rotary Public Image Coordinator, PDG. Eva Kurniaty highly appreciated the presentations made by ARPIC’s Syed Kashif Rafi and Imran Ghaznavi.
The host district for the seminar was District 3220 Sri Lanka & Maldives, skillfully led by District Governor, Jerome Rajendram.
The Rotary International District 3271 contingent was actively represented at the seminar, led by Muhammad Faiz Kidwai and Aziz Memon, along with esteemed members including Muhammad Hanif Khan, District Governor, Rizwan Adhia, District Governor Elect, Shakil Kaim Khani, District Governor Nominee, PDG. Dr. Aftab Imam, Assistant Rotary Regional Foundation Coordinator (ARRFC), Syed Kashif Rafi, Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinator (ARPIC), Assistant Rotary Coordinators, Abdul Jabbar Shaikh, Durdaana Arshad, and Lubna Khalid.
All attendees expressed their profound appreciation for the organizing team, led by RRLS Chair, PDG. Ishtiaque Zaman, and Co-Chairs, PDG. Eva Kurniaty, and PDG. Dr. Mansoor ul Haq. The seminar was hailed as an incredible learning experience for everyone present.
The Rotary Regional Leadership Seminar 2023 concluded on a high note with the distribution of shields and certificates to sponsors, organizers, and participants. As a gesture of gratitude, the event culminated with an enriching city tour of beautiful Colombo, allowing participants to further appreciate the cultural and scenic wonders of Sri Lanka.
