A major event from one of the world’s leading humanitarian service organisations is coming to the North East.

With more than 33,000 volunteer members in Great Britain and Ireland, and more than 1.2 million around the world, Rotary has been championing good causes and changing lives in communities for almost 125 years.

Now members from across the country are descending on the region as Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland hold their Action Summit in the heart of Newcastle’s Stephenson Quarter from November 8 to 11.

The summit will be a vibrant showcase of the humanitarian activity Rotary has been undertaking around the world, across their seven ‘Areas of Focus’ - promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies and protecting the environment.

The event has attracted a host of high-profile speakers, including two of Rotary International’s most influential senior leaders, General Secretary/CEO John Hewko, and Brazilian Mário César Martins de Camargo, who will take up the role of Rotary International President in July next year.

John Hewko, General Secretary of Rotary InternationalJohn Hewko, General Secretary of Rotary International

The Action Summit will also feature a world-renowned art collection, Icons on Ammunition Boxes, as part of Rotary’s commitment to peacebuilding. Supported by Rotary clubs in Ukraine, the project features 14 religious icons painted onto real wooden ammunition boxes recovered the war’s front line by medical volunteers.

Funds raised from the project are helping to support those impacted by the war. The icons will also be on show to the public at Newcastle Cathedral until November 7.

Elsewhere on the programme, visitors will hear from Jasmine Harrison, a Rotary member from Thirsk, who is set to embark on an epic round-the-world solo trip in 2025.

Jasmine Harrison, from ThirskJasmine Harrison, from Thirsk (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Having already become the youngest female to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, she’s taking part in the Mini Globe Race, a 14-month sailing competition.

Eradicating polio remains Rotary’s number one humanitarian goal. Although it's considered a thing of the past in the UK, hundreds of thousands of children worldwide remain at risk of contracting the disease, which can cause paralysis and even death.

Rotary launched their End Polio Now campaign in the in 1980s, and since then have helped to vaccinate over 2.5 billion children in 122 countriesRotary launched their End Polio Now campaign in the in 1980s, and since then have helped to vaccinate over 2.5 billion children in 122 countries

Sona Bari, from the World Health Organization, will be speaking about the latest developments and challenges for the End Polio Now campaign, reflecting on Rotary’s pioneering role and their work with other NGO partners in protecting children around the world.

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"We’re so excited to be hosting this event in our region. We have a thriving Rotary presence here which is making a real impact to people’s lives through community projects and events," said Joy Palmer Cooper, District Governor for Rotary in North East England and a member of Rotary in Alnwick.

"In the same way our members come together from around the country to learn and inspire one another, we also want to give them a flavour of what the North East has to offer when it comes to our food, culture and stunning scenery."

To find out more about Rotary, and get involved in your area, visit the website at rotarygbi.org/community