At the end of January, Rotaractors from across Europe gathered in the Netherlands for the Rotaract European Meeting (REM) 2026, hosted this year in the historic city of Utrecht.

REM is one of the most anticipated gatherings in the Rotaract calendar. Each year, young professionals and students from dozens of countries come together to exchange ideas, strengthen friendships, and celebrate the spirit of service that connects Rotaractors across Europe.

The Utrecht edition offered participants a dynamic program that combined leadership, sustainability, culture, and fellowship.

A variety of workshops and discussions gave participants the opportunity to reflect on leadership, cooperation, and global challenges. Sessions included topics such as storytelling and leadership, building strategic partnerships within Rotaract, sustainable urban mobility through cycling infrastructure, and the role of water in peace and international cooperation.

In true Rotaract spirit, the program also included a social project with EndPlasticSoup, where participants learned about the impact of plastic pollution before joining a clean-up initiative across the city of Utrecht.

Beyond the workshops, the event also offered many ways to experience Dutch culture and connect with fellow Rotaractors. Participants explored Utrecht through guided city tours and canal boat rides, cycled through the Dutch countryside, and visited the famous windmills of Kinderdijk alongside a traditional cheese farm.

Other activities included a visit to the International Criminal Court, offering participants insight into international justice and the institutions that make The Hague the global city of peace and justice.

Of course, no international Rotaract gathering would be complete without moments of informal fellowship. From cheese tastings and Dutch beer tastings to cultural exchanges and late-night conversations, REM Utrecht created the kind of friendships and memories that make Rotaract truly international.

For our club, it was inspiring to see Rotaractors from across Europe gather here in the Netherlands. Events like REM remind us that while our projects may start locally, the Rotaract community stretches far beyond borders.

We are proud to share that the NATO Youth Peace Manifesto, to which Rotaract Den Haag-Scheveningen proudly contributed, has been officially handed over to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The presentation took place in The Hague, where the manifesto was delivered to the Dutch Ambassador for Youth, Education and Work, as well as the team of the Director for Security Policy. This moment marks an important step in ensuring that the perspectives and aspirations of young people are recognized at the highest levels of diplomacy. The Youth Peace Manifesto reflects the voices of more than 100 young participants from over 40 countries, all united by a shared belief in dialogue, empathy, and nonviolence as the foundation for a more peaceful world.

We sincerely hope the manifesto will not be left on a shelf to gather dust, but that both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NATO will continue to engage with the ideas and commitments it represents, amplifying the voices of a new generation determined to build peace through understanding and collaboration.

We are thrilled to announce that Sew to Flow has been awarded Best Social Project during the General Assembly of Rotaract Nederland! As part of this recognition, the project received a prize of €250, celebrating its meaningful impact and innovative approach to social change.

Our heartfelt congratulations to Warsha Somai, General Board Member, who represented the project and delivered a powerful pitch that helped secure the award. We’re incredibly proud of the work that went into Sew to Flow and of the recognition it has now received.

About the Project: Sew to Flow

Sew to Flow is a menstrual hygiene and empowerment project aimed at tackling period poverty while promoting health education. Developed in collaboration with the Rotaract Club University for Development Studies (UDS) in Ghana, Rotary Club Scheveningen, and other local Rotary and Rotaract partners, the project has already made a measurable difference.

Here’s what we’ve achieved so far:

• 55 girls trained in sewing reusable sanitary pads, giving them a sustainable and affordable solution.
• 100+ students educated on menstrual health and hygiene, helping reduce stigma and promote well-being.

This initiative aligns strongly with Rotary’s Areas of Focus, particularly maternal and child health, basic education, and community development.

A Global Effort, A Local Impact

What makes Sew to Flow especially powerful is the collaborative spirit behind it. By bridging local needs in Ghana with international support, the project is a shining example of how global partnerships can create sustainable, community-driven change.

We’d also like to extend our congratulations to the other inspiring projects pitched during the assembly—each one reflected a strong commitment to service and had a beautiful purpose.

Thank You!

To everyone who supported, contributed to, or believed in Sew to Flow — this award is for you. Let’s continue working together to break taboos, empower communities, and create lasting impact.