Saturday September 21 is the United Nations international day of peace, Peace One Day, a worldwide day dedicated to resolving conflict and promoting peace. This year, the Rotary Club of Cambridge South is marking the event by holding three days of peace debates and workshops for sixth formers from local schools.
The event, which will be hosted by peace experts, is the brainchild of Rotarian Mike Smith, who was inspired to organise the peace talks after hearing Peace One Day founder Jeremy Gilley, speak at a Rotary International Peace Conference.
Debaters include conflict resolution expert, Doctor Britt Baillie-Warren from the University of Cambridge and Bradford University Rotary Peace Scholar, Rich Allison from Liberia.
Subjects for discussion include whether punishing wrongdoers is fundamental to securing lasting peace, the justification of military intervention in civil war and anti-social behaviour in young people.
Mike Smith of the Rotary Club of Cambridge South, said: “These are all incredibly relevant issues in the 21st century which will impact on the lives of our young participants and future generations. It is their future and we hope that through focussing their thoughts on the perils of war and social unrest and considering ways of resolving conflict and promoting peace, they can help make the world a safer place in years to come.”
RIBI President Nan McCreadie said: “Rotarians have been campaigning for peace for over a hundred years, so we are delighted that the Rotary Club of Cambridge South is supporting Peace One Day by organising this event for youngsters. We are also pleased to continue supporting students at our peace centre at the University of Bradford, as part of our ongoing endeavours to promote peace.”
Last year, Peace One Day reached 280 million people in 198 countries, representing 4% of the world’s population. Notably, in 2007, Peace One Day focused on Afghanistan to help develop and document preparations for life-saving activities across the country. A ceasefire allowed UN agencies and the Afghan government to give polio vaccines to 1.4 million children in Afghanistan.
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