22/08/2026
As I write this, my thoughts are with Ukraine and its people, who continue to endure the devastating consequences of Russiaâs full-scale invasion. More than four years on, the suffering continues, with civilians and critical infrastructure still being targeted. Yet, in the midst of this terrible situation, the courage, resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people remain deeply inspiring.
Since February 2022, Rotary in Sweden has come together across our districts to support Ukraine. So much valuable work has been carried out by Rotary clubs and Rotarians throughout Sweden, and that commitment continues. Looking back on my year as District Governor, which ended on 30 June, I feel especially grateful that we, the 2025â2026 District Governors, were able to take concrete steps towards a closer, more structured and lasting partnership with Rotary in Ukraine.
One of the most memorable highlights of the year was the celebration of Rotary in Swedenâs 100th anniversary in Uppsala, where Ukraine was very much at the heart of the programme. During those special days, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Rotary in Sweden and Rotary in Ukraine â an important milestone in strengthening the ties between our two Rotary communities.
What I will remember most, however, are the people and the friendships. The great joy of meeting our Ukrainian colleagues; Olha Paliychuk, Lesya Klonova, Rostyslav Lukach any many other, already at the informal gathering on the evening before the conference, and then sharing the conference and gala dinner together, created memories that will stay with me for a long time. There was warmth, laughter, friendship and a strong sense that we were not simply working together â we were standing together.
We were also honoured to have our 2025â 2026 Rotary International president Francesco Arezzo with us during these memorable days. His inspiring words at both the conference and the gala dinner, where Ukraine was once again very much in focus, added great meaning to the occasion. Having Francesco Arezzo with us made those moments even more special.
A second historic step followed on 25 June 2026, when the ICC SwedenâUkraine Charter Document was signed in Kyiv, at Saint Sophiaâs Cathedral. With this, the ICC SwedenâUkraine, Swedish Section was formally established, creating a clear framework for continued cooperation between Rotary in Sweden and Rotary in Ukraine.
An Inter-Country Committee (ICC) is about much more than joint projects. It is about creating lasting friendships and personal connections, developing sister-club relationships, encouraging Rotary and youth exchanges, and opening doors to joint projects and many other forms of cooperation. It gives us a framework through which Rotaryâs Service Above Self can grow into long-term international friendship and partnership.
From the Swedish side, Erik Lundqvist was appointed Chair of ICC SwedenâUkraine, following the endorsement of the 2025â26 District Governors. During our year, we also began mapping the Ukraine-related projects and initiatives taking place across the Swedish districts, creating an important foundation for the work ahead.
I am proud that our Governor team was able to contribute to these two important and historic steps â the MoU in March and the ICC Charter Document in June. But above all, I am deeply grateful for the friendship, trust and commitment that made them possible.
Now the work continues. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that what was initiated during 2025â26 receives a strong, well-supported and sustainable continuation in the years ahead.
For me, this is what Rotary is truly about: people coming together across borders, building friendships, supporting one another and turning Service Above Self into something real.
The photographs attached to this post will tell the rest of the story â of friendship, fellowship, commitment and hope. đžđȘđșđŠ
