By Past District Governor Dr Murray Verso
The Rotary Peace Symposium, held online April 21-22, was an outstanding event highlighting the work Rotary does globally to promote Peace and the key influence that Rotary, as an independent volunteer based global organisation, has on world forums.
There were superb presentations by Nobel Laureates, Rotary Peace Fellows, Rotary dignitaries and other peacemakers.
Each of the plenary speakers was outstanding from Tilman Ruff calmly but chillingly informing us of the real threat of nuclear weapons, to Dr Jose Ramos-Horta outlining his journey as a peacemaker in Timor-Leste and around the world. The engaging Emma Leslie told us of the 6 C’s of peacemaking and Natascha Hryckrow spoke about her impactful work for the UN In Somalia and elsewhere.
There were interactive sessions on Indigenous Reconciliation, Family Violence, Economics & Peace, Humanitarian Action, Business & Human Rights and What you can do for Peace.
The final session, chaired by the ABC's Ali Moore, and featuring an outstanding panel comprising Prof. The Hon. Gareth Evans AC, Dr Emma Leslie AM, Stephen Killelea AM and Past RI President Ian Riseley OAM conducted an engaging and thought provoking discussion addressing the significant global issues threatening peace today, but ending on an optimistic note for the future.
Feedback from participants:
“Great peace symposium this week - and what a call to arms! It was energising and inspiring, and I walked away feeling like peace is possible.”
“On Wednesday, I attended the Peace Symposium, which was superbly organised initially by Rob Helme and later by PDG Murray Verso. The workshops included an extraordinary array of guest speakers.”
“By listening, partnering and working together, Rotary and other partners involved in humanitarian action can build a safer and more sustainable peace with communities around the world.”
“The symposium was a wonderful platform, and kudos to the organisers for pulling off such an event, which is more challenging in a hybrid way then either online or in person!”
“It was stimulating to watch the conference unfold. The quality of the presentations was excellent. I hope that the lessons learnt by each of us about the issues and what can be done will gradually bear fruit during coming months and years.”
“In all my years in Rotary, the peace conference was the best two days I have ever spent.”
“I enjoyed the occasion and am pleased that the panel was well received by the delegates. I believe that a one-day Australian Rotary peace symposium every year would be an excellent addition to the calendar.”
The Rotary Peace Symposium was one of several special events planned throughout 2021 to mark the 100th anniversary of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand. Recordings from the symposium will be available on the conference website: The Future of Peace Leadership – Rotary Peace Building Symposium 2021