Rotary International Convention Kicks Off with 'House of Friendship' Showcasing Taipei's Historic District

TAIPEI (Central News Agency, reporter Wu Hsin-yun, May 13) — The 2026 Rotary International Convention kicked off today with the 'House of Friendship' exhibition, unveiling nearly 100 Rotary humanitarian projects and recreating the image of a 'historic Taipei district' to showcase Taiwan’s traditional cultural heritage.

Rotary International holds its annual convention in a different city each year. This year’s event runs from May 13 to 17 in Taipei, marking the city’s second time hosting the global gathering since 1994. Over 37,000 Rotarians and attendees from more than 140 countries have gathered at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center and the Taipei Dome.

The 'House of Friendship' exhibition opened the convention with an inauguration ceremony held today at the Nangang Exhibition Center. Hsieh San-lien, Chair of the Taiwan Host Organizing Committee, told a joint media briefing that according to Rotary International rules, a city must wait 20 years after hosting a convention before it can host again. Taiwan was originally scheduled to host in 2021 but had to cancel due to the pandemic, leading to this year’s rescheduled event.

The 'House of Friendship' features nearly 100 Rotary humanitarian projects, with exhibition zones including the Rotary Peace Park, Rotary Village, Environmental Protection Zone, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Zone, and Disease Prevention and Treatment Zone. Themes cover polio eradication, malaria, HIV/AIDS, poverty, hunger, illiteracy, global water scarcity, and other pressing global challenges.

The Rotary Peace Park is an interactive exhibit highlighting the achievements of Rotary Peace Fellows and how Rotary clubs contribute to peacebuilding. It includes interactive installations and video documentary booths featuring perspectives and stories from Peace Fellows and Rotary leaders.

The Rotary Village and Disease Prevention and Treatment Zone showcase the latest progress in Rotary’s global polio eradication efforts, as well as successful mental health-focused projects and resource tools aimed at reducing stigma and expanding access to mental health services.

The Environmental Protection and WASH Zones display successful initiatives and toolkits, exploring critical issues related to water access and sanitation.

Hsieh noted that this year’s 'House of Friendship' differs from past editions not only in its larger venue and expanded display of Rotary service projects but also in the special recreation of a 'historic Taipei district.' Featuring calligraphy, tea tasting, painting, and massage booths, the area allows international visitors to experience Taiwan’s unique cultural traditions firsthand.

Hsieh also emphasized that amid Taiwan’s current diplomatic challenges, hosting the Rotary International Convention offers a vital platform for international engagement. It not only promotes Taiwan’s global image but also brings significant tourism benefits and enhances Taiwan’s international visibility. (Edited by Chang Ming-kun)