What is 4-7-8-17?

The 4-7-8-17 Global Success Program is a framework designed to ensure projects are not only impactful, but sustainable and ethically sound. The program is grounded in four key principles that guide every initiative, aligning them with Rotary’s values, global goals, and sustainable development efforts.

Pass the Four-Way Test

The Four-Way Test is Rotary’s ethical compass, ensuring that every decision made in a project aligns with the highest standards of truth, fairness, goodwill, and benefit for all. Every project must pass this test:

  • Is it the truth?

  • Is it fair to all concerned?

  • Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

  • Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

If a project doesn’t align with these principles, it may need to be adjusted or rethought. The Four-Way Test serves as the foundation for building trust and fostering relationships within the community and the world.

Align with Rotary's Areas of Focus

Rotary’s 7 Areas of Focus help ensure that every project addresses a critical global challenge. Projects must align with at least one of these focus areas to be eligible for the 4-7-8-17 framework:

  1. Peace & Conflict Prevention

  2. Disease Prevention & Treatment

  3. Water, Sanitation & Hygiene

  4. Maternal & Child Health

  5. Basic Education & Literacy

  6. Economic & Community Development

  7. Supporting the Environment

Aligning with these focus areas ensures that projects contribute directly to Rotary’s long-term goals of fostering peace, health, education, and sustainable development.

Advance the Pillars of Positive Peace

The 8 Pillars of Positive Peace form the cornerstone of sustainable peacebuilding. These pillars represent the fundamental elements required to create lasting peace, justice, and resilience within societies. Every 4-7-8-17 project must demonstrate how it contributes to these pillars:

  1. Well-functioning Government

  2. Sound Business Environment

  3. Equitable Distribution of Resources

  4. Free Flow of Information

  5. Good Relations with Neighbors

  6. High Levels of Human Capital

  7. Low Levels of Corruption

  8. Access to Justice for All

By incorporating these pillars, projects are better equipped to build strong institutions and foster peace in local and global communities.

Support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established by the United Nations, are a universal blueprint for tackling the world’s most urgent challenges. Every 4-7-8-17 project must contribute to at least one of the SDGs, ensuring that it is aligned with the global sustainability agenda. The SDGs include goals such as:

  • Affordable and Clean Energy

  • Quality Education

  • Clean Water and Sanitation

  • Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • Climate Action

By supporting these goals, projects ensure their contributions to a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous world.

How to Rate Your Project Using 4-7-8-17

If you are looking to evaluate or create a project based on the 4-7-8-17 framework, follow these simple steps:

Evaluate Your Project Using the Four-Way Test

Ask yourself the four questions. If any of the answers are "no," your project may need to be adjusted to ensure ethical alignment.

Align with Rotary’s Areas of Focus

Determine which of Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus your project supports. If your project does not align with any of these, consider broadening its scope or adjusting its objectives.

Advance the Pillars of Positive Peace

Identify how your project will contribute to the 8 Pillars of Positive Peace. If it does not contribute to at least one pillar, make adjustments to ensure it supports peacebuilding.

Support at Least One UN SDG

Ensure your project aligns with at least one of the 17 SDGs. This guarantees that your project is contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Get Involved

Invite your leadership team to rate current projects with 4-7-8-17.

Identify easy upgrades that align with more Areas of Focus & SDGs.

Plan a visit or virtual exchange with The Panama Project or Democracy in a Box.

Scroll to Top