Seoul Sisters talk about RI Conference

As Dianne's first experience of attending international conferences, she was amazed at the number of people there - over 42,000.  The Kintex Centre where it was held is big enough to put the Domain Football Stadium inside it at least 4 times!  The Centre was in fact 2 buildings separated by an open area - where participants could move via travelator (actually 7 of them) between the 2 buildings.  One building was where most of the general sessions were held and the other housed the House of Friendship, where there was an amazing array of booths enabling Rotarians to meet up with each other to find out more about programs that are being run around the world; and to spend their money on products from all over the world.  As well, there was an area set aside for entertainment and a talent contest for Rotarians.

 

The quality of speakers was very high, and included Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations; the Prime Minister of Korea; the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka to name just a few.  Our own Australian of the Year, Rosie Battie was also speaking about the Never Alone Campaign she is championing since the violent death of her son Luke.

 

Rotary took the time to remind us that we are so close to eliminating polio from around the world and there are currently only 2 countries that still are battling the wild polio virus - Pakistan and Afghanistan. 

We were also reminded that next year marks the 100 years of The Rotary Foundation, so are urged to find ways to make this into one really big party around the world.

 

The entertainment provided was also spectacular with people from all over the world included in the concerts on each of the days of the conference.  Highlights included a young Korean lad who was a homeless orphan.  He entered a local talent contest and won with his amazing voice.  Another young 10 year old girl who won a talent show in Norway was also very impressive.  But none more so that Psy himself.  He came and performed several songs and finished with his hit "Gangnam Style". 

 

Bev added to Dianne's reflections saying that the Conference had become high tech - which enabled people to move in and out of sessions very easily; and the number of food stalls dotted around the conference centre meant that at meal times people had a lot of choice, and didn't have to wait in line very long to get something to eat.  It was a great opportunity to meet up with like minded people from all over the world.

 

Both Bev and Dianne have booked to head to Atlanta for next year's conference.