The Public Image & Polio Summit, harmonized with the historical fabric of Adana, brought together the most powerful voices of the Rotary world on March 13-14, 2026. The first day, which began with the energy of Master of Ceremonies PP Tijen Türeli, gained a cultural dimension with a trip to Tarsus and a meaningful group photo event at the historic Stone Bridge (Taşköprü). During the opening session, DG Can Çığırgan emphasized the determination of District 2430, while RI President Francesco Arezzo shared the global vision through a video message, and RID Daniel Tănase joined via a live virtual speech. Strengthened by messages from TRF Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro and Past TRF Trustee Aziz Memon, this segment also featured a video message from Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, underlining the importance of Rotary's greatest strategic partnership. Enriched by the addresses of PDG/RPIC N. Altan Arslan, PDG/EPNC Nikola Božić, and H.E. Amanul Haq, Ambassador of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to Türkiye, the first day culminated in a spiritually deep Whirling Dervish (Sema) ceremony, an Iftar dinner, and a musical recital by the Adana Choir Ensemble.
The second day of the summit continued with panels where strategic depth and field experiences were shared. In the morning session where TRF Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro presented a global perspective, the current state of the fight against Polio was discussed under the moderation of PDG/EPNC Nikola Božić. In the first panel focused on advocacy and strategy, PDG/RMC M. Hakan Karaalioğlu, alongside participants PDG Pasquale Pignataro, PDG Christos Kitsos, DGN Kemal Attila, and PDG/RRFC Ahmed Saada, discussed the importance of cross-border cooperation. The biography of Kübra Denizci Keskin and the "End Polio Team Journey" presentation by PP Aslı Selin Ariemre led to emotional moments, while in the second panel facilitated by PP Serdar Kelahmet, PDG/ARRFC Ayda Özeren, PP Bashar Asfour, PP/ARRFC Taştan Altuner, and Rtn. Bilgin Bilgili shared the ethical struggles of vaccinators and local leaders in the field. The program continued with Rtn. Diana Maria Pirga’s talk on digital communication, facilitated by ARPIC Nisa Çelebioğlu, followed by the "Fundraising Lab" panel where PDG/ARPIC Alaeddin Demircioğlu, Júlia Molnár, IPDG Kerem Muradi, PDG Gaye Binark, and PDG Maria Delivoria shared innovative resource development tools. Live virtual discussions with Melissa Corkum, UNICEF Pakistan Polio Chief, and Polio survivors Mr. Altaf Khan and Dr. Samreen Khan, reminded everyone of the human face of this mission.
In the afternoon sessions, the program began with PDG Dr. Urs Herzog and facilitator PCP Ayşe Mine Ergun’s emphasis on "We will defeat you, Polio," followed by ARPIC Maria Mastora’s launch of the "Power of Goodness" video competition. DGN Emre Kaynak and PP Serdar Aydın addressed digital storytelling, while a panel facilitated by PP/ARPIC Sertaç Gümüş—featuring PP Emil J. Moawad, PDG/AMC Erzsébet Kovácsné Gila, PDG/DRFC Gülperi Gürpınar, and PCP Kerem Yağdır—presented public image and visual identity strategies. The impact of climate change and migration on Polio was discussed by PP Yaşar Atacık and PP Cüneyt Evrüke, while the charter ceremony of the Rotary Club of Etik Teknoloji, conducted by MOC-PP Harun Çetin, brought fresh momentum to the summit. In a panel focused on the next generation, PP Sevcan Özatay, Caroline Alessandra Vorpagel Lopes, CPE Evrim Çelebioğlu, PDRR/DEPNC Borislava Dineva, and PDIR Alara Serdar analyzed the role of youth in this cause. Towards the closing, following hopeful messages from PDG Hasan Akbayrak and PP Aylin Özkan, upcoming international events were introduced by PDG/DRFC Gülperi Gürpınar, PP/AG Bekir Turgut, PP/AG Ayşe Almila Kafalı, and PP Alpay Turan Sezgin. The summit concluded with final remarks from PP/OCC Yaşar Yiğit, PDG/RPIC N. Altan Arslan, PDG/EPNC Nikola Božić, DG L. Can Çığırgan, and TRF Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, followed by a traditional Iftar dinner at Onbaşılar Kebap.
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