Veliša Stamatović, Governor of Rotary District 2483
Today, when society increasingly forgets the power of solidarity, there are people and organizations that remind us that the strength of unity and humanity remains the driving force of the world. Veliša Stamatović, governor of Rotary District 2483 (Serbia and Montenegro) for the 2025/2026 term, is precisely one of those leaders. A member of the Rotary Club Budva for over 15 years, Stamatović does not see Rotary as just an organization, but as a philosophy of life that connects good people around the world with one goal: to leave the world better through their actions, than they found it. In an interview for our magazine, Stamatović talks about the importance of youth in the Rotary movement, cooperation with international organizations, key projects and priorities, and how local humanitarian efforts give rise to a global impact.
Mr. Stamatović, you are currently leading Rotary District 2483 (Serbia and Montenegro) for the 2025/2026 term. What attracted you the most to the Rotary organization and its values?
First of all, I would like to emphasize that Rotary for me represents a way of life . Since I have been an active member of the Rotary Club Budva for over 15 years and will take over the responsible role of Governor of Rotary District Serbia and Montenegro on July 1st, I can say that I fell in love with Rotary the moment I realized that the essence of this organization aligns with one of the strongest motives in my life – to help people and make them happy. It is difficult to put into words how much happiness, satisfaction, and energy a person can get and feel when they have the opportunity and ability to help someone, to do something good for someone, for their local community, for their country, or for specific target groups around the world. That concrete energy and emotion you receive through the gratitude shown by the people you have helped – through a kind word, a hug, a handshake, or even a tear – represents one of the strongest motivations for further work, progress, and creation. That energy is an invaluable treasure, a source of satisfaction and motivation that guides you through all your life directions, obligations, challenges, but also beautiful moments and successes. We share a similar system of values, and that is precisely what attracted me the most to Rotary. On the other hand, as a result of all the activities carried out, you gain priceless friendships with people who share a similar values , who have similar motives and needs, and thus you gain true and sincere friends not only in your city and country but in almost every part of the world. That wealth cannot be bought, even if you have all the money in the world.
Rotary is a global organization known for its humanitarian work and for connecting leaders from various sectors of society. How do you see the role of Rotary in the modern society of Serbia and Montenegro, and how does it adapt to today’s challenges?
The role of Rotary in the development of our society is multifaceted and continuous. We are a serious and stable partner both to our countries and to all organizations and individuals who aim to do something good for their people and help the progress of their country through various forms of activity-not only humanitarian but also those focusing on culture, mental health, education, youth development, ecology, innovation, and exchange of experiences aimed at improvement and progress. Rotary is an entirely apolitical organization, where no divisions of any kind are supported. On the contrary, our goal is to promote peace, kindness, cooperation, unity, and much broader goals than just the local or individual concerns that people are often burdened with. Rotary, as a movement with its strength and size, has been present in solving all natural and health disasters that have affected our world in the past 120 years. Through our global network of members-recognized experts from various fields, leaders in their professions, and selflessly helping people-we are capable of assisting in overcoming any issue troubling our society. This has happened when partners accepted us as sincere collaborators and when we approached certain topics jointly, analytically, strategically, and dedicatedly. When you have good and healthy intentions within you, that intention finds its way to manifest. Every era brings its own challenges, and so does today. Rotary, due to the diversity of its members, the diversity of cultures and ages, its experience and presence worldwide, can best share positive experiences that have already yielded results in other parts of the world under similar circumstances. That is our strength, which stands at the disposal of our countries.
Young people are increasingly drawn to activism and socially responsible initiatives, and Rotaract clubs are an excellent entry point into the Rotary community. How do you assess the role of the new generation of Rotaract members in shaping the future of the Rotary movement in this region?
Rotaract is a particularly important segment in the operation and development of Rotary. The role of new generations is invaluable in all aspects of our society, not just within Rotary. It is very important to establish a bridge of trust between mature and young people because we cannot achieve much without each other, but together we can achieve everything. That is the singular and true essence, and it is important to embrace it. It is crucial that we remain open to each other, listen to one another, understand, and accept each other as we are, because this is the only way to build genuine and stable bridges and generate the best outcomes that can come from different views on life, various perspectives, attitudes, and ways of thinking. It is extremely important that we approach all those differences-or better said, different perspectives-in a constructive manner, with positive faith and the best intentions, which will allow us to generate the best effects. In diversity lies the greatest chance for progress, and in those circumstances, wisdom must accompany us, so that alongside beauty, the continuous building of a better and more humane society is ensured. My goal during my mandate is to demonstrate the wealth of synergy that can be created from the cooperation between Rotaract and Rotary on a best possible way. Not so long ago, we were young ourselves, and we are aware of the challenges we faced back then in the struggle to be understood and accepted. With that awareness, and with openness and adaptability to all the new developments happening both here and worldwide, we can create additional value and ensure the continuous and sustainable development of both our organizations and its impact in the best light for society as a whole.
It is well known that Rotary is one of the founding organizations of the United Nations and the only non-governmental organization that has its own seat at the United Nations. What is the nature of your Rotary District’s cooperation with diplomatic missions and international organizations?
Since Rotary is a global organization and we are very well connected with each other, often visiting each other at various events around the world, I could say that we are truly citizens of the world. By the very act of joint action and helping one another, “today” the whole world comes together to support projects intended for our country, and “tomorrow” we all agree again to help someone else. This practice further connects us on all levels. Also, the fact that foreign diplomats often attend our events, wholeheartedly support them, and assist us in our work speaks to how developed their awareness and understanding are of the positive effects our activities have in society worldwide. Very often, a foreign diplomat is themselves a Rotary member in their home country or has close family members or friends who are Rotarians. This further brings good people closer together and builds bridges of peace, trust, and cooperation. I would also highlight the very serious and quality cooperation of the Rotary organization in Montenegro with the UNICEF office and the wonderful projects we have implemented together for our youngest members of society. Good cooperation with USAID in Serbia has enabled the provision of several million dollars in aid directed towards improving the healthcare system in certain cities, as well as education for youth through the provision of innovative methods for learning programming and various other useful disciplines in almost all primary schools in Serbia. The projects we have implemented in these areas, in cooperation with the aforementioned international institutions, have achieved the highest level of recognition and evaluation by Rotary International, our umbrella organization. Rotary marketing teams from America have visited our District to produce reports and features about these initiatives, with the goal of promoting the achievements of our movement on a global scale.
Over the years, your Rotary District has carried out a number of significant humanitarian projects – from supporting hospitals to backing education and environmental protection. Which projects would you highlight as the most important in recent times, and what are your priorities for the future?
I am proud to highlight that our District is a world leader in the number of implemented Global Grants – special projects carried out in partnership between Rotary clubs from different Districts. In Montenegro, our largest projects have focused on assisting and equipping hospitals, health centers, and faculties. It would not be right to overlook the smaller and medium-sized projects aimed at culture, mental health, and support for educational institutions and NGOs. We are proud of every initiative undertaken by each of the 8 Rotary clubs in Montenegro and the 62 clubs in Serbia. There have been many actions, some smaller, some very large in scope. It would be difficult to mention them all or even just some, as they are truly numerous. If we could quantify in monetary terms the total funds raised and invested to help local communities and our countries, we would be talking about tens of millions of dollars invested in the most sensitive projects – those that have saved many lives, enabled incredibly beautiful moments and emotions for people who had never known such feelings, but also those that have provided new knowledge, given new tools for development, and introduced new learning that helped individuals and organizations better raise awareness about important social issues. We are proud of this and it motivates us to be even better, stronger, and more dedicated to helping and developing our society. Our goal is to leave behind better base, a better and more humane society, and stronger pillars that will help future generations live easier and better lives. The very fact that the Rotary movement has eradicated 99.9% of childhood polio globally speaks to our commitment to doing good not only for our immediate environment but for all people of the world.