♦ World Peace and Understanding Day 2025 is observed annually on February 23 to promote peace, empathy and cooperation between people of various origins and cultures.

♦ This day also marks the anniversary of Rotary International’s foundation.

♦ On February 23, 1905, Illinois-based attorney Paul P. Harris convened a meeting with three friends — Gustavus Loehr, Silvestor Schiele, and Hiram Shorey — in a Chicago office.

♦ This gathering laid the foundation for what would become the first Rotary Club in 1910.

♦ Today, Rotary International has a global presence with over 1.4 million members across 46,000 clubs in 200+ countries and regions.