Visit of RIPE Mario Cesar Martins de Camargo

The Rotary Club of Shanghai was honoured to host Rotary International’s 2025-26 President, Mário César Martins De Camargo, during the meeting held on the evening of January 5. In his inspiring speech, Camargo highlighted the importance of rejuvenating Rotary, assigning meaningful tasks to new members, and cultivating an environment of fun and camaraderie, points that resonated deeply with our guests, representing over 15 nationalities.

Our president, Christian M. Göttker, lauded the President-Elect as an exemplary leader, highlighting his ability to listen attentively during his three-day visit to Shanghai. On behalf of the club, Christian recited a poem he wrote to wish the future Rotary International president success. The poem ended with the moving words: “We proudly follow you!” Surprised and touched, Camargo revealed that he had never received a poem.

The meeting ended with a toast to Rotary International President-Elect Mario, in which Christian reiterated that his friends in Shanghai are ready to support him in his journey as President.

Among the night’s highlights were the induction of our new club member Elias Fabian Maier, and a short speech by Michael Sheldrick, co-founder and chief of Policy, Impact, and Government Affairs at Global Citizen, presenting Mario with a special birthday gift. Michael presented Mario with a signed copy of his latest book as a gesture of recognition and admiration.

The evening celebrated friendship and commitment to Rotary values, leaving a message of unity and inspiration for all attendees.