President's Message February 2023
February 2023
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
February is a Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month.
Reflecting back on my message last February it would have been hard to imagine the
impact the invasion of the Ukraine would have on the global economy, and the
humanitarian suffering it has produced.
Millions of people all over the world are currently displaced by armed conflict or
persecution. In fact, 90% of casualties in armed conflicts are civilians, half of which are
children. Through service projects and Rotary programs, the Rotary family is committed
to pursuing projects that address the structural causes of conflict, including poverty,
inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of
resources.
Rotarians train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict, and aid
refugees who have fled dangerous areas. During February, Rotary Peace and Conflict
Prevention/Resolution Month, we’re celebrating our commitment to build peace and
Rotarians train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict, and aid
refugees who have fled dangerous areas. During February, Rotary Peace and Conflict
Prevention/Resolution Month, we’re celebrating our commitment to build peace
and mitigate conflict.
Rotary creates environments of peace
As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of our mission. We believe
when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global
effect.
By carrying out service projects and supporting peace fellowships and scholarships, our
members take action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty,
discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of
resources.
Our commitment to peacebuilding today answers new challenges: how we can make
the greatest possible impact and how we can achieve our vision of lasting change. We
are approaching the concept of peace with greater cohesion and inclusivity, broadening
the scope of what we mean by peacebuilding, and finding more ways for people to get
involved.
Rotary creates environments where peace can happen.
Rotary’s four roles in promoting peace, Rotary and its members are:
Practitioners:
Our work fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, improving the health of
mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies directly builds
the optimal conditions for peaceful societies.
Educators
Our Rotary peace centers have trained over 1,300 peace fellows to become effective
catalysts for peace through careers in government, education and international
organisations.
Mediators:
Our members have negotiated humanitarian ceasefires in areas of conflict to allow polio
vaccinators to reach children who are at risk.
Advocates:
Our members have an integral role as respected, impartial participant’s during peace
processes and in post-conflict reconstruction. We focus on creating communities and
convening groups that are connected, inclusive and resilient.
All of these areas will need greater effort in the coming months and year as
potential global hot spots are growing around the globe.
Phil Lawrence
President 2021/22
