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Bradford Peace Conference hailed a success

Bradford Peace Conference hailed a success

Photo: Peace Scholars enjoy meeting eachother at dinner. International peace experts met in Bradford University in October to talk about how a unique Rotary scheme is helping to promote world understanding and reduce conflict. Rotary’s Bradford Peace Conference took place at the John Stanley Bell Theatre on the campus to promote the work Rotary is […]

Photo: Peace Scholars enjoy meeting eachother at dinner.

International peace experts met in Bradford University in October to talk about how a unique Rotary scheme is helping to promote world understanding and reduce conflict.

Rotary’s Bradford Peace Conference took place at the John Stanley Bell Theatre on the campus to promote the work Rotary is doing for world peace and conflict resolution through its Peace Scholarship Programme.

21 Rotary World Peace Fellows were joined by 160 Rotarians from all parts of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland. Some of the guests are Rotarians from as far away as Holland and Pakistan. Discussions will focus on field experiences, humanitarian aid and peace building and also practical tips for international missions.

The Bill Huntley Memorial Seminar heard from from guest speakers including Gabrielle Rifkind, Human Security Consultant, who has worked extensively in the Middle East and is currently working on creating dialogue between the US, Israel and Iran; Francesca del Mese, barrister, who specialises in criminal and human rights cases. Francesca won the Rotary World Peace Scholarship in 2002; and Peace Scholars Murtala Tourey from The Gambia, Francis Kabosha from Zambia and Julia Smith of Canada.

Dick Hazlehurst, Host Area Coordinator to the University of Bradford, is thrilled the Peace Conference came to Bradford: “The Host Area committee is delighted that the annual Bill Huntley Memorial seminar was once again being held to highlight the excellent work achieved by the Rotary World Peace Fellows studying at the University of Bradford.

“Many past fellows are now working in areas of conflict, using the skills they learnt whilst studying at one of the Rotary Peace Centres. Rotarians and guests can see that funds raised for the Rotary Foundation Peace Scholarships have been well spent.”

Chris Bown, Host Area Committee member, is proud of the scholars: “Each year, up to 60 Rotary World Peace Fellowships are offered on a competitive basis at six Rotary Peace Centres around the globe, which operate in partnership with seven leading universities. Many past fellows have gone on to work in areas of conflict on the frontline and several have gone on to work with agencies such as the United Nations and the Red Cross.

 “All the Fellows have worked so hard to reach this point in their studies and we wish them every success on their chosen career path.”

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