In Past President Holger Knaack's Rotary Foundation February 2026 Newsletter, he talks about Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month. a perfect time to reflect on The Rotary Foundation's mission to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace. Holger added that peace is at the heart of everything Rotary does and goes on to talks about the Rotary Peace centers and his recent trip to Columbia to see our latest Programs of Scale award, Pathways to Peace and Prosperity in Columbia and reacquainted himself with Brigitta von Messling, a German peace fellow I worked closely with in Berlin 13 years previous. He was pleased to heat aboutBbrigitta and her work with the World Food Program, Rotary's recent Program of Scale. He added that Rotary Peace Fellows are invaluable. They remind us that peace is built one person at a time. He adds that your support of The Rotary Foundation opens countless opportunities for transformation.........
Building Peace at Scale
February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month , a perfect time to reflect on The Rotary Foundation's mission to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace. Whether improving health, supporting education, or alleviating poverty, peace is at the heart of everything Rotary does.
Rotary Peace Centers bring our ideals into the world by training the next generation of peacebuilders. Since 2002, more than 1,800 Rotary Peace Fellows have become catalysts for peace in over 140 countries.
I am often asked whether our peace fellows continue working for peace after their studies. The answer is a resounding yes. many serve in United Nations agencies, governments, nongovernmental organizations and groups they have founded themselves.
Recently, I met with recipients of our latest Programs of Scale award, Pathways to Peace and Prosperity in Columbia. This $3 million partnership with the World Food Program is establishing 4 peace hubs that will train 1,000 people in conflict resolution and support 700 entrepreneurs in communities touched by conflict.
During the meeting, I thought I recognized one participant as Brigitta von Messling, a German peace fellow I worked closely with in Berlin 13 years ago. But so much time has passed I wasn't sure. When I asked Gladys Maldonado, a leader of the Columbia initiative, she confirmed it was Brigitta:
Brigitta is based in my city, Cucuta, and is an active member of my Rotary club. She does wonderful work with the United Nations as an observer of the 2016 peace agreement Columbia signed with the rebels. She even travels to remote locations in the Cacatumbo region, an area of northern Columbia that has experienced violence by armed groups.
She has my utmost admiration. I had the good fortune of meeting her three years ago. She's incredibly intelligent, with a gift of recognizing the strengths of others.
Brigitta is invaluable to my country, my city, and to my Rotary club. She connected with me with the World Food Program so we could build the Programs of Scale project, which has filled my city and country with hope.
What Gladys said about Brigitta echoes so many stories we hear about Rotary Peace Fellows worldwide: They are invaluable. They remind us that peace is built one person at a time.
Your support of The Rotary Foundation opens countless opportunities for transformation.
HOLGER KNAACK
Rotary Foundation trustee chair