EndplasticSoup organized the online Synergy Europe seminar on 11th September with great presentations of Expert speakers and a panel discussion about the importance of a balance between Planet, People, Profit and Peace.
The seminar has been chaired by Moderator Annika Blanke, eClub of D1850, Marja Ritterfeld and Gert-Jan van Dommelen, board members of EndPlasticSoup, the global initiative for Rotary to solve and prevent plastic pollution.
Introduction online seminar
Introduction videos by Coen Hoencamp, DG D1570 Netherlands and Gerd Beckmann, DG D1850 Germany.
Keynotes
Keynotes were delivered by Jan Lucas Ket, immediate past Director of Rotary International, and Helen Reisman, first female President of RC New York in 2001 who memorized the 9/11 event. Her message “Shaping our Future together” about the power of people to serve and make a change when working together.
Four expert speakers have presented the theme Planet, People, Profit and Peace from four different angles related to Plastic Pollution. They have inspired us by using examples from their own personal experience.
- Planet: Our oceans, our planet by Gesine Meissner, German Country focal point for the UN Ocean Decade, addressed the importance of our Oceans and worldwide collaboration
- People: Inspiration and innovation by Marcella Hansch, CEO of Everwave, showed examples and benefits of Innovation and Artificial Intelligence
- Profit: Circular Economy by Ingrid Zeegers, expert and director of PRICE, the Field lab for Circular Economy, addressed the challenges of the new Circular Economy
- Peace: Gender Equity & empowerment by Dr. Janet Kabeberi Macharia, Head of the Gender and Social Safeguards Unit and Senior Gender Adviser in UN Environment, who addressed the importance of inclusiveness and much needed empowerment for girls to make the change in our societies and save our planet and economies.
A discussion with the four speakers completed this great seminar and they presented their view on Planet, People, Profit and Peace and the integrated perspective that is required.
First Young Ambassadors of EndPlasticSoup
Melati and Isabel Wijsen and the young leaders of Bye Bye Plastic Bags in 20 countries were recognized as Young Ambassadors of EndPlasticSoup.
Read more about these first Young Ambassadors.
Call to Action to End Plastic Soup
A call to action was made by Hosts Gert-Jan van Dommelen and Marja Ritterfeld to get in action for World Cleanup Day and World Rivers Day and a call to join EndPlasticSoup as a Supporter Club: see www.endplasticsoup.org or email us at endplasticsoup@gmail.com.
About Synergy Europe
Synergy Europe is the prestigious International Association of Rotary Clubs from various Rotary International Districts across many European countries and beyond in Africa, Asia and the Americas. Primary aim is to foster positive relationships and friendships across borders furthering world peace and thereby supporting and accelerating projects for the seven Areas of Focus in Rotary.
