Peace on course, thanks to Rotary Peace Fellows
Peace on course, thanks to Rotary Peace Fellows
Peace experts, supported by Rotary, are demonstrating their skills to all on Saturday 27th October at the University of Bradford, one of seven Rotary Peace Centres across the world.
Rotary Peace Fellows are selected from hundreds of applicants every year and given the opportunity to undertake peace studies at Rotary Peace Centres. The graduates go on to careers in national and international cooperation, peace and the successful resolution of conflict.
At the seminar, each member of Class X (2011/12) will give a presentation about their international experiences in the pursuit of peace. It will also be possible to meet next year’s intake of students, all of whom are committed to working hard to bring conflict resolution and restore harmony.
They are being joined by keynote speakers including Neil Wilkinson who, for 25 years, thought he had killed a flying ace in the Falklands War, but he is alive and well and Neil and Mariano Velasco are now friends. Neil will speak about their inspiring reconnection. Lt Col Rob Piper is an officer in the British Armed Forces. He will be presenting a candid account of his experiences in UN and NATO operations in the Western Sahara, Bosnia and the Middle East.
Chris Bown, host area coordinator to the University of Bradford, says the peace conference is a very significant event: “The annual Bill Huntley Memorial seminar recognises and celebrates our peace fellows. Their studies will take them to conflict affected areas where they will have to use their skills to influence key decision-makers. There are many challenges ahead, they must understand the many issues and cultural conflicts involved as well as persuade those involved that peace is the positive way forward for all.
“It is thanks to their dedication and the excellent programme here at the University of Bradford that these students are able to bring us closer to a world without conflict.”
Bill Huntley, after whom the annual seminar is named, was a past Rotary International and Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland president. He led the creation of the Rotary Peace Centres and related programmes. A year after his death in 2006, an endowment fund was created to honour Bill’s memory and provides opportunities for future Peace Fellows.
If you would like to apply to be a Rotary Peace Fellow, please contact your local Rotary club.
Friday, 26 October 2012