On September 13, 2025, the representative halls of the Lobkowicz Palace in Prague hosted the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Rotary club in the territory of today’s District 2240 – the Rotary Club of Prague. The event took place under the auspices of the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel. The festive day connected history, the present, and a vision for the future, and became an exceptional occasion where Rotarians from the Czech Republic and Slovakia gathered together with distinguished domestic and international guests.
The program began with a flag ceremony. District 2240 Governor Jan Bílek welcomed the guests with an opening address, followed by greetings from David Wisner, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Matt Field OBE, British Ambassador to the Czech Republic, and DG Daniel Neuer from German District 1880.
The morning continued with a rich historical program highlighting the 100-year journey of Rotary in our region:
PDG Milan Roch presented the main milestones of Rotary’s activities over the century since the founding of RC Prague.
Milan Lášek spoke about the historical connection between Rotary and Scouting.
Jan Patera shared a living message from his great-grandfather J.Podhajský, Rotary Governor in 1947/1948.
PDG Roman Gronský reflected on the revival of Rotary after World War II and its subsequent persecution following the 1948 communist coup.
PDG Ivan Belan concluded the block by recalling the re-establishment of our independent district after 1989.
After a short break, the program continued with a focus on vocational service, business ethics, and Rotary’s future:
Vojta Bednář opened a discussion on corporate social responsibility.
Olga Girstlová, Chairwoman of the Czech Management Association (ČMA), presented the association’s mission and goals.
PDG Irena Brichta emphasized the importance of ethics and the strength of Rotary.
Jan Školník highlighted the connection between entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and Rotary in regional development.
Jiří Střelec from the consulting company Vlastní cesta addressed ethics in the business environment.
PDG Katarína Čechová underlined the need to open Rotary to younger generations and new professions.
The highlight of this segment was the signing of the Declaration of Cooperation between the Czech Management Association and District 2240.
The program also included a press conference with Governor Jan Bílek, PDG George J. Podzimek, RC Prague President Peter Uher, and representatives of ČMA. The afternoon continued with a meeting of the Governor’s Council and a joint lunch.
The culmination of the day was a magnificent Gala Evening, held once again under the auspices of the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel. Following a welcome drink and ceremonial opening, three concert performances enriched the evening: students of the Prague City Music School, guitarist Mark Zemliansky, and the duo of soprano Lucie Silkenová and harpist Hedvika Mousa Bacha.
The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by a charity auction, a private museum tour, a wine tasting from the Cibulka Family Organic Winery, a dance performance by the Evil Dancers with a subsequent dance lesson, and free entertainment accompanied by the Jazz Ensemble of the International Conservatory in Prague.
The celebration of 100 years of Rotary in our region was not only a look back at history, but also an inspiration for the future. It reminded us that Rotary in the Czech Republic and Slovakia has strong roots, solid values, and a clear vision of how to contribute to a better society in the decades to come.
PDG Katarína Čechová
Rotary Club Bratislava International
