Peace and Conflict Resolution

Armed conflict, political instability, and economic turmoil tear nations and communities apart, increasing the difficulty of meeting basic human needs - food, water, shelter, health care, literacy, jobs, and human rights.   It is often the failure to provide for these needs that is the root cause of conflict.   Left unresolved, conflict generates even greater needs.

Trained peacemakers are critical to breaking the cycle of devastation and despair.   Through the Rotary Peace Centres program, The Rotary Foundation gives future world and community leaders the necessary professional training and experience.

Rotary Peace Centres at universities around the world welcome up to 110 Rotary Peace Fellows each year, offering them the opportunity to pursue a master's degree or professional development certificate in international studies, peace studies, conflict resolution, or a related field:

• University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire, England
• Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
• Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
• International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan
• University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
• Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

From myriad countries and cultures, they study subjects such as international relations, public health, international law, public policy, journalism, political science, and peace and conflict prevention and resolution.   The fellowship covers tuition, living and travel expenses, and internship and conference funding.   The first Fellows graduated in 2004.

42% of alumni work for NGOs and UN agencies, 15% for government agencies, 16% in academic study or research, and 8% as teachers / professors.   It is apparent that the programme is making a real impact across the world.

The Bill Huntley Peace Seminar

Club members take a keen interest in the Peace Studies programme and regularly attend seminars at Bradford University in which the Peace Fellows play a major role.