What is an ICC in Rotary? The Ultimate Guide to Inter-Country Committees
Rotary is a global organization built on the foundation of connection. While Rotary Clubs act locally, their strength is magnified when they collaborate across borders. This is where the Inter-Country Committees (ICC) come into play.
What is an ICC?
An Inter-Country Committee (ICC) is a network of Rotarians and Clubs from two or more countries working together to promote cooperation, goodwill, and understanding.
It is not a “club” in the traditional sense, but a formal facilitator. Operating under the umbrella of Rotary International, an ICC acts as the “diplomatic mission” of Districts to strengthen bilateral relations.
The Mission of the ICC
The mission of ICCs is to encourage Rotarians to visit each other’s countries, exchange ideas, and develop joint humanitarian projects. In the case of ICC Greece – Romania, the focus is on linking District 2475 (Greece) with District 2241 (Romania – Moldavia).
Who Participates in the ICC?
The ICC is open to all who wish to serve beyond their national borders:
- Rotary Clubs: Seeking international partners for Global Grants or sister-club relationships (twinnings).
- Individual Rotarians: Who have professional or personal ties to the other country.
- Rotaract & Interact: The new generation looking to build international networks.
- District Governors: Who approve and support the formation and sustainability of the committee.
Each ICC consists of two National Sections. For example, ICC Greece–Romania comprises the Greek Section and the Romanian Section, each led by its own National Coordinator.
Why is the ICC Essential?
Why should a Rotarian engage with an ICC instead of acting independently?
- Credibility: The ICC provides an official framework recognized and encouraged by Rotary International.
- Continuity: Relationships built through an ICC persist beyond the annual change of club leadership.
- Resources: The ICC maintains a database of contacts to find the right partner for the right project.
- Regional Stability: By fostering cooperation between Greece and Romania, we strengthen the social fabric of Southeast Europe.
Where do the Actions Take Place?
The work of the ICC is hybrid and borderless:
- On the Ground: Site visits to humanitarian projects in both Greece and Romania.
- At Rotary Conventions: Representing the bilateral bond at international gatherings.
- Digital Platforms: Through this official website and webinars that bridge the physical distance between members.
How does an ICC Work?
Operation is based on four strategic pillars:
- Club Twinning: The ICC facilitates formal “Sister Club” agreements.
- Humanitarian Projects: Assisting with the logistics and partnership requirements for Global Grants.
- Vocational Exchanges: Connecting members with similar professional backgrounds for mutual growth.
- Youth Support: Organizing joint initiatives for Rotaract and Interact clubs across both Districts.
Benefits for the Rotarian and the Club
Participating in the ICC offers:
- Global Visibility: Your club gains international recognition within the Rotary world.
- Enhanced Impact: Projects become larger, more sustainable, and more effective.
- Lifelong Friendships: Meeting people with shared values in another culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
An Inter-Country Committee is an official body within the Rotary International framework that connects Rotary clubs from two or more countries. It serves as a structured channel for communication, joint humanitarian action, and cultural exchange between national Rotary Districts. The first ICC was founded in 1950 between France and Germany as a symbol of post-war reconciliation — today there are hundreds of ICCs active worldwide.
Greece (District 2475) and Romania–Moldova (District 2241) share deep historical, cultural, and geographic ties. The ICC was established to transform those existing bonds into organized Rotary action — enabling clubs from both sides to collaborate on humanitarian projects, apply jointly for Global Grants, and build lasting personal friendships between members. The founding agreement was signed on November 14, 2025.
Our projects span a wide range of humanitarian areas aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus, including education, health, poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, and peace promotion. Current priorities include club twinning for joint Global Grant applications, youth exchange programs between Rotaract and Interact clubs, and cross-border vocational training initiatives. As the ICC grows, the project portfolio will expand based on the needs identified by member clubs.
A Twin Club relationship is a formal partnership between a Rotary club in Greece and a club in Romania. Twin clubs share knowledge, co-organize events, and — most importantly — can apply jointly for Rotary Foundation Global Grants, which fund large-scale international humanitarian projects. The ICC facilitates the matchmaking process, helping clubs find compatible partners and guiding them through the application process. To get started, simply reach out through our Contact page.
A Global Grant is a major funding tool from The Rotary Foundation, supporting sustainable international humanitarian projects. To qualify, a project must involve at least two Rotary clubs in different countries — which is exactly what Twin Club partnerships enable. The ICC Greece–Romania helps member clubs identify the right partners, align their project ideas with Rotary’s areas of focus, and navigate the grant application requirements.
Youth are central to our mission. The ICC actively encourages collaboration between Rotaract clubs (for members aged 18–30) and Interact clubs (for members aged 12–18) across both Districts. This includes joint service projects, leadership development events, and cross-border exchanges that give young Rotarians international experience and a sense of belonging to a wider global movement.
Our ICC operates within the broader framework overseen by the ICC Executive Council, the global governing body for all Inter-Country Committees. This means ICC Greece–Romania benefits from shared best practices, global visibility, and participation in international events — such as the annual ICC Forum at UNESCO in Paris and the ICC Dinner at the Rotary International Convention.
The ICC is co-led by representatives from both Districts — a structure that ensures equal voice and shared ownership. Each national section operates with its own leadership while coordinating closely with the other. This bilateral governance model keeps the committee agile, representative, and aligned with the priorities of clubs on both sides.
Any Rotary club within District 2475 (Greece) or District 2241 (Romania–Moldova) can engage with the ICC. Involvement can take many forms: joining as a Twin Club, participating in joint meetings and events, contributing to active humanitarian projects, or simply staying informed through our News & Announcements section. Individual Rotarians interested in contributing are warmly encouraged to reach out via the Contact page — every hand strengthens the bridge.
English (UK)