Dublin Conference 2011

As the sun set on the Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland Conference in Dublin, Rotary members walked away inspired and ready to take on new challenges in the coming year.

Delegates travelled from as far away as Sweden to experience this unique event which brought thousands to Dublin's RDS.

The Foundation Lunch, a frugal dinner of soup, bread and water, was very successful with diners joined by Betty Williams, Nobel Peace Laureate. Special guests, Dr Eric Motley, MD Aspen Institute, and Pam McConnell, President of Inner Wheel, addressed the delegates during the first Plenary Session, adding to the line up of excellent speakers.

One of the many highlights of this three day event were the RIBI Young Citizens Awards, which were presented live from the RDS on the BBC News Channel. Combined with energetic presentations by Rotary Peace Fellows and Rotaract Chair, Claire Mackie, the audience were left in no doubt just how important and how effective youth projects are for the future of Rotary.

In a Conference first, the Business Session was streamed live online and could be viewed on the RIBI website. This allowed members to see motions being discussed and decisions being made. If you missed it, you can see the Business Session here.

The Irish Music and Dance Extravaganza on Saturday night had everyone tapping their feet in time and being amazed at the fast footed and energy of the dancers. The evening continued in Bellini's Bar at the Conference hotel, the Burlington, where Rotary members enjoyed fellowship to the sound of traditional folk music, played by a live band.

The final day of the RIBI Conference focused on peace. Terry Waite spoke of the power of peace and how everyone has a role to play in stopping conflict, wherever it may be: "Do not be afraid to raise your voice in defence of peace and for those who are defenceless."

Jeremy Gilley, founder of Peace One Day, was given a rapturous welcome for his work in persuading the UN to offically adopt the 21st of September as an annual day of peace.

The 2012 RIBI Conference is in Bournemouth from the 13th to 15th April. Online registration will open later this year.