Rotaract is often referred to as the future of Rotary, and thanks to the generous sponsorship of District 1420, I had the privilege of experiencing that future firsthand. From November 14-16, I was honoured to represent Rotaract Helsinki at Nordact 2025, the annual conference uniting Rotaract clubs from the Nordic countries and beyond
Nordact was held in our own district this year, in the historic and vibrant city of Tallinn, Estonia. Owing to Rotaract Tallinn’s hard work and driven leadership, the conference was a resounding success, and I am pleased to report on the weekend’s events.
Friday’s Welcome
The trip began on Friday, November 14th, with the Welcome Party at Magnet Lounge. This icebreaking activity set the stage for a weekend of fellowship and networking. Participants arrived from many different countries: Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and even New Zealand! To see so many international Rotarians and Rotaractors eagerly exchanging ideas was inspiring, and the level of enthusiasm for Service Above Self set a high benchmark for the weekend to follow.
Saturday’s Conference
The conference on Saturday, November 15th, was the core of Nordact. The sessions, which focused on professional development and Rotary/Rotaract activities in District 1420, were held at the Metropol Hotel.
The morning kicked off with high-impact talks:
- We heard a compelling presentation from Mirjam Nõmm, a marketing specialist at the North Estonia Verekesks (Blood Center), about the logistics and communication strategies behind vital public health campaigns. Rotaract Tallinn shared about their initiative to recruit donors, which saw significant increases from 2024 to 2025.
- In a presentation called “Becoming You”, Siim Raie shared his expertise on the topics of values, identity, and motivation. He also told us about his distinguished career in the Estonian public service and as founder of the Artrovert art gallery.
After a buffet lunch at the hotel, we heard from other fantastic speakers:
- The BASRAN representatives, Rotarians Hannele Kauranne and Marve Virunurm, discussed Baltic Sea conservation, the BASRAN network, and the Accessible Pärnu Beach project.
- Rotarian Urmas Kaarlep engaged us in an impactful, interactive workshop on the power of authentic listening, led by his belief that “if we could listen to other people a minute longer before we jump in with our own thoughts, the world will be a better place.”
The conference provided not just theory, but actionable knowledge, reinforcing Nordact’s role in supporting young professional development
Fellowship in the Old Town
Following the final session, we moved from the conference hall to the cobblestone streets of Tallinn for the Nordic Challenge. This scavenger hunt-style challenge involved navigating the streets of the Old Town to take creative photos of distinctive features and landmarks. International teams were formed by random assignment; mine came in second place! Overall, the Nordic Challenge was an excellent exercise in applied leadership, cross-cultural communication, and friendly competition.
The day concluded with a formal Dinner of modern Estonian cuisine at the beautiful Farm Restaurant. Sharing a meal together at the long restaurant tables, we reflected on the weekend’s events and exchanged contact details with a promise to keep in touch. This fostered deeper professional and personal connections, which I am sure will last for many years to come.
A Renewed Commitment
Returning to Helsinki, I carry not just a wealth of new contacts, but a renewed perspective on Rotaract’s role in the Nordics and in the global Rotary mission. The connections made and the lessons learned at Nordact 2025 are already fueling Rotaract Helsinki’s planning for service projects in the coming year.
Thank you for believing in and supporting Rotaract. We look forward to sharing how these international connections will translate into impactful local service.
Emma Arnell
President, Rotaract Helsinki
Photos: Jacek Świętochowski
