The international peace conference organised by the Rotary Club of Londonderry in collaboration with the University of Ulster International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE) was an outstanding success which made tangible progress in bringing peace to the world. On the theme ‘from peacemaking to peacebuilding – journeys towards reconciliation’, the programme discussed conflict and reconciliation both locally and internationally.
The conference was opened by Rotary International President, Sakuji Tanaka, who said: “To me this conference in our year of Peace through Service is a dream come true.” He added that it was a dream he had harboured since the age of six when he heard Emperor Hirohito on the radio the day Japan surrendered in World War II.
Progress in Northern Ireland was discussed by local commentators and politicians including the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Martin McGuinness. The Theatre of Witness and the International Cultural Arts Network showed delegates how they help individuals to address past confrontations through artistic expression, including plays and monologues.
The international dimension included the experience of building modern South Africa, developing the Basque case, Columbian peace negotiations and the relationship between gender and peace from a personal experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Legacies
A number of legacies were established from the weekend: A chair was created in memory of Nobel Laureate, John Hume at the University of Ulster and the Rotary Club of Londonderry announced they are supporting two international peace students at INCORE. A highlight was the presentation of peace proposals based on the Good Friday Agreement to representatives of the government of Columbia.
The peace dividend in Northern Ireland – including economic recovery and improvements in educational opportunities for young people – was discussed and Rotarians will be working in this area as part of the on-going legacy.
RIBI President, John Minhinick said: “The Rotarians, students, local and international commentators and academics at the conference, all witnessed an outstanding event that in future will be remembered as contributing to peace in a number of places around the world.”
