by Karen Kendrick-Hands, ESRAG Co-Founder
Barb Sheehan and Ambaree Majumder
We’re delighted to report that there will be many opportunities to learn and network about environmental projects at the 2024 Rotary International Convention in Singapore May 23–29. Use this guide and check for updates on our website to maximize your engagement with ESRAG members, and other strategic opportunities—in (mostly) chronological order. Here are the highlights:
- Volunteer: Sign up for a shift at ESRAG’s booth in the House of Friendship
- Meet and Greet: The RAGTime reception May 23 at the Parkroyal Collection
- Learn: The WASH World Water Summit on Sustainable Sanitation on May 24, and six RICON Breakout Sessions on May 27 and 28. ESRAG leaders are teaming up with Past RI President Ian Riseley on “Learn How Rotary Can Become Carbon Neutral by 2040” on Tuesday, May 28 at 13:30 in HIBISCUS 3706
- Eat: ESRAG Fellowship Dinner, May 25 at Eight Treasures
- Explore: Five ESRAG environmental talks at the WASH Hub in the House of Friendship, May 25–29
Thanks to Ambaree Majumder and her Singapore team for all the time and effort invested in planning this rich array of events.
VOLUNTEER with ESRAG in the House of Friendship
Open May 25–28 from 9 am–6pm; May 29 from 9–2 pm
Sign up to staff a shift at ESRAG’s Booth in the House of Friendship.
Look for the following booths in the House of Friendship: ESRAG (#511, EndPlasticSoup (#501), Community Action for Fresh Water (CAFW – #2613—notwithstanding the numbering, it’s very close to ESRAG) and the Rotary Fellowship of Vegans (#1510). You can find the House of Friendship booth map at this link.
Please drop by the Rotary Magazine Booth to thank them for covering the environment (#1523). If time permits, say hello to some other ESRAG Rotary Action Group partners: Water Sanitation & Hygiene (#2401), Community & Economic Development (#1628), Peace (#2422), Reproductive, Maternal & Child Health RAG (#2135), Menstrual Health & Hygiene (#2506), Basic Education & Literacy (#1622), and Disaster Network Assistance (#1629).
MEET & GREET: RAGTime at Singapore
Thursday, May 23, 2024, 7–9 pm
PARKROYAL COLLECTION HOTEL, 3 Upper Pickering Street. Singapore, 058289
Come and mingle with the esteemed leaders of Rotary and the 25 Rotary Action Groups. Let’s share experiences and explore opportunities for collaboration as we strive to enhance our service to Clubs and Districts in their sustainable, measurable, impactful projects. Enjoy global Rotary fellowship, delectable hors d’oeuvre, and soothing, light music. The cost is $90. Register here.
LEARN: WASH-RAG’s 16th Annual World Water Summit
Friday, May 24, 2024, 7 am–5 pm
World Water Summit logo
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road. Singapore, 199591
The theme, “We Can’t Wait” underlines the critical importance of sanitation in community health, economic growth, food security, and the alleviation of poverty. Join us in Singapore!
Non-WASH-RAG members are encouraged to join WASH-RAG to qualify for a discount. This is a hybrid event with the plenary and breakout sessions broadcast live. Use this registration link for both in-person and virtual participation. You must log in to get the member discount. Here are the costs:
- WASH-RAG member: $100 for in-person attendance, $10 for virtual
- Non-member: $125 for in-person, $25 for virtual
- Rotaractor: free! Sponsored by WASH-RAG.
For inquiries about your registration or the event, please email [email protected]
EAT: ESRAG Fellowship Dinner
Saturday, May 25, 2024, 6:30 pm
Venue: Eight Treasures, 282A South Bridge Road Singapore 058831
A delectable 8-Course Chinese plant-based menu as shown in the illustration.
Cost per person: S$67 in Singapore Dollars (US $49).
Preregister today—the head count is necessary to finalize the price.
For more information, contact [email protected].
EXPLORE: ESRAG’s offerings at the WASH Neighborhood in the HOF: ESRAG will present informally throughout RICON at the WASH Hub, coordinated by WASH-RAG Chair, PRID and PTRF Trustee, Mary Beth Growney-Selene with help from ESRAG’s co-founder, Karen D. Kendrick-Hands.
Community Action for Fresh Water: India – Rajendrakumar V Saraf; Saturday, May 25, 5:30–6 pm
Harnessing the Sun for Sustainability – Karen Kendrick-Hands and Liz Henke, MD; Sunday, May 26, 1:30–2:30 pm
Solar Safe Water: a Sunshine Story – Ludwig Kalthoff, MD; Sunday, May 26, 2:30–3 pm
Plant-Rich Diet and the Impact on WASH – Ambaree Majumdar & friends; Wednesday, May 29, 12–12:15 pm
Turning Waste into Upcycled Products with Income to Empower Women – Rajendrakumar Saraf; Wednesday, May 29, 1–2 pm
ENGAGE: ESRAG members gather
Monday, May 27, 2:30–4 pm, HELICONIA 3413
A moderated session to share stories: successes, solutions, and concerns. We are exploring options for virtual engagement. Alas, this conflicts with breakout sessions and the Major Donor Summit—life is full of choices.
LEARN: RICON Breakout Sessions
Monday, May 27
- Saving Endangered Species, from Mountain to Marine, Dr. Mina Venkataraman, 3–4 pm, MELATI 4011
- Community Action for Fresh Water, Dr. Mina Venkataraman, 3:30–4:30 pm, JASMINE 3912
(Note, alas, these breakouts overlap with ESRAG’s Member Gathering.)
Tuesday, May 28
- Measuring Results: Demonstrate Your Impact, 1–2:30, SIMPOR 4911
- Learn How Rotary Can Become Carbon Neutral by 2040, 1:30–2:30, HIBISCUS 3706. Panelists: PRIP Ian Riseley, DG David Alexander, ESRAG Past Chair Pat Armstrong, and DG Ludwig Kalthoff, and ESRAG Chair Yasar Atacik. Moderator: ESRAG Chair-Elect Yavuz Atila.
- Creating Hope to End Plastic Soup in the World, 3:30–4:30, MELATI 4011
- Rotary + Habitat: Local Collaboration Models for Impact, 4:00–5:00, JASMINE 3902. Elizabeth Henke, co-leader of the Million Solar Panel Challenge will help outline the elements of successful Habitat and Rotary partnerships, drawing on recent examples from Asia-Pacific.
For an additional overview of important events at the Rotary International Convention in Singapore, click the link to the April 18 Rotary Service in Action blog “Singapore Awaits.”
