PHOTO: LEFT TO RIGHT: Vlada Matic, Marko Mitrasinovic, Hamsa Thota, Gordon Owens, Vladan Mijailovic (speaker), Todd Freesemann, Bobby Hildreth, Bob Hagan, and Janice Davis.
Rotary Districts in Georgia Sign Historic Intercountry Committee Agreement with Serbia on Jekyll
Island
Landmark partnership aims to promote peace, cultural exchange, and joint service projects across
borders
(JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga.) In a landmark step toward promoting international goodwill and peace, Rotary District Governors from Georgia’s Districts 6900, 6910, and 6920 signed an Intercountry Committee (ICC) agreement with Serbia during a special ceremony at the Rotary United District
Conference on Jekyll Island.
This pivotal agreement connects Rotary clubs in Georgia with their counterparts in Serbia, forming a cross-cultural partnership aimed at enhancing cooperation, fostering dialogue, and launching joint
service projects. The signing marks a significant milestone in Rotary’s ongoing mission to build peace and understanding across borders.
District Governor Todd Freesemann of District 6920, District Governor Gordon Owens of District 6900, and District Governor Bobby Hildreth of District 6910 led the initiative, alongside District Rotary Foundation Chair Hamsa Thota, Past District Governor and ICC Section Chair for D6920.
Thota is the first chair of the Georgia-Serbia ICC Section for 2025. The Georgia ICC Section has 43 members.
The Serbian delegation was led by District Governor Vladan Mijailovic of District 2483 and ICC National Coordinator Marko Mitrasinovic. Also representing Serbia were Past District Governor Vladimir Matic, Section Chair for D2483, and Janice Davis and Bob Hagan, Section Chairs for
D6910 and D6900, respectively.
“Rotary has always been about ‘Service Above Self,’ and this ICC agreement is a testament to our shared dedication to creating lasting, positive change worldwide,” said Freesemann. “By working
together, we can bridge divides and build a future grounded in mutual respect and cooperation.”
Intercountry Committees (ICCs) are one of Rotary International’s most impactful tools for international collaboration. First established in 1950 by French and German Rotarians to heal post- war wounds, ICCs have since expanded globally, especially across Eastern and Central Europe after the fall of communism. These committees promote peace by strengthening relationships between nations through service, cultural exchange, and dialogue.
The Georgia-Serbia ICC agreement builds upon this legacy and creates new opportunities for projects addressing global issues such as poverty, health disparities, education, and youth engagement. Upcoming programs include youth exchange opportunities, community service
initiatives, and cross-cultural leadership development.
“In 1946, Georgia Rotarians came together to support peace through education via GRSP,” said Thota. “Today, we continue that legacy by forming this powerful partnership with our friends in Serbia.”
The agreement was also signed by Rotary ICC Chair Nathalie Huyghebaert of Belgium, who oversees ICC operations internationally, and Claudine Schooley, ICC National Coordinator, USA.
Rotary International’s broader network also supported the collaboration, which is expected to serve as a model for future intercountry partnerships.
About Rotary International
Rotary International is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite to take action and create lasting change — across the globe, in communities, and in ourselves. Rotary’s mission includes promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water,
supporting education, and growing local economies.
USA MEDIA CONTACT:
Marjorie Young
Rotary Club of Savannah
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
912-844-9990
SERBIAN MEDIA CONTACT:
Nataša Lozović
Rotari klub Pančevo
lozovic10@gmail.com