Throughout its history, Rotary International has collaborated with many civic and humanitarian organizations as well as government agencies in its efforts to improve the human condition.
Cooperative efforts continue to be a key element of Rotary service today. Rotary clubs in Switzerland and Germany, for example, have helped victims of anti-personnel mines in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross limb-fitting center in Battambang, Cambodia, and the component factory in Phnom Penh. Rotary clubs raised more than US $1.5 million dollars to support the effort.
Rotary International's Public and External Relations Department was developed to help maintain and improve the collaboration that has fueled world-changing programs like PolioPlus. External Relations focuses on extending Rotary's outreach to the international community by:
 | Supporting Rotary's Representative Network with the United Nations and other organizations |
| Promoting Rotary programs and activities by organizing keynote speeches, panel presentations, and exhibits at major international events |
| Educating the United Nations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) about community-level cooperative relationship opportunities with Rotary |