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Presidential Peacebuilding Summit
SPEAKERS BRIEF
The Event

In June 2018, Rotarians from all corners of the globe will gather in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for
Rotary’s annual International Convention. Thousands of professional, business and community
leaders will be treated to one of Canada’s great cities.
 
Prior to the start of the convention, a Presidential Peacebuilding Summit will be held with the mandate
of increasing awareness about Rotary’s role in fostering world peace and creating action steps to
further its continued development. This event is the culmination of six Presidential Conferences that
were held in Vancouver, Beirut, Coventry, Sydney, Chicago and Taranto, Italy.
 
These conferences took a comprehensive look at each of Rotary six areas of focus and how they
relate to peace. They included water and sanitation, disease prevention, economic and community
development, maternal and child health and basic education and literacy. There was also a special
emphasis on environmental sustainability.
 
This day and a half event in Toronto, sponsored by The Government of Canada, Rotary International
and The Rotary Foundation (Canada) will feature world-class speakers, panel discussions, interactive
activities and dynamic entertainment. A special focus will be placed on gender equity and we are
pleased to share that Dr. Tererai Trent of Zimbabwe is the Honourary Chair of the event. She is a
leader in opening doors and creating opportunities for women in the most oppressive environments.
 
This year, Rotary International President Ian Riseley from Australia is focusing Rotarians on
environmental initiatives – specifically the planting of trees. This event provides an additional forum for
discussion on the environment. A tree will be planted in honour of each of our speakers.

Our Objectives

The objectives of the Summit are designed to help participants:
 
  •  Understand Rotary’s use of the areas of focus to prevent conflict
  •  Identify conflicts and their root causes in their own communities and worldwide
  •  Develop action steps toward creating peace, including strategies for their communities
  •  Connect with others interested in working toward peace
Our Audience

The topic of peace resonates with people of all ages and demographics. The target audience for the
peacebuilding summit is Rotarians, youth, and community members.
 
Specifically, hundreds of the attendees will be Rotaractors between the ages of 18-30. We will be
reaching out to local high schools to include 250 local students from vulnerable communities.
Attendance will also be open to the community at large.
 
It is expected that we will have approximately 1,500 delegates in attendance.
 
Key Rotary Leaders attending

Ian Riseley (Australia), Rotary International President, 2017-18
Paul Netzel (California), Trustee Chair, The Rotary Foundation
The Rotary International Board of Directors, members of The Rotary Foundation Trustees, and Past
Presidents of Rotary International
John Hewko, General Secretary, Rotary International
 
Rotary International and Peace

Rotary has long played a role in promoting world peace. In 1921, Rotary International adopted the
following as one its objectives: “the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace
through a worldwide fellowship of business and professional leaders united in the ideal of service”.
 
At Rotary’s 1940 convention in Havana, Cuba, delegates adopted the “Respect for Human Rights
Resolution,” which was the precursor to the UN’s 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation have made valuable investments in the field of peace
and conflict education through the creation of Rotary Peace Centres. In just over a decade these six
international centres have trained more the 1,000 fellows for careers in peace. Many of them are
serving as leaders in national governments, NGOs, the military, law enforcement and international
organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.
 
What is Rotary?

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers that come
together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad.
 
Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary members
have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy
and peace to water and health, we are committed to solving the world’s most pressing challenges.
 
Together we`ll explore how we can create peace in our communities and inspire others to take action.
 

Friday, 22 June, 09:00-19:00 — includes lunch, a coffee break, and a reception (Youth Day)
Saturday, 23 June, 09:00-12:30 — includes a coffee break
The program will be presented in English, with simultaneous interpretation in French and Spanish.