Purpose
The Rotaract Peace Conference brings Rotaractors from the Rotaract Europe and Rotaract Mediterranean MDIOs together to discuss and develop peace project initiatives in countries recovering from inter-ethnic conflict, on the path towards youth inter-ethnic reconciliation, and to spread the values of tolerance, protection and freedom across the Rotary community.
The 2024 edition covered the following topics:
- Women’s role in conflict resolution
- Women’s empowerment and its contribution to peace
- Youth-led initiatives for peacebuilding
- Youth perspectives on building inclusive and peaceful societies
Programme — 20 April 2024
- 10:00 – 10:15 Start of conference and welcome words
- 10:15 – 10:45 “Peace Education and Action for Impact: Connecting and Supporting Young Peace Leaders around the world” — Phill Gittins
- 10:45 – 10:50 Q&A
- 10:50 – 11:00 Breakout rooms
- 11:00 – 11:30 Promoting Peace through the “Girls Empowerment” Presidential Initiative — Foteini Papadimou
- 11:30 – 11:35 Q&A
- 11:35 – 11:50 Breakout rooms
- 11:50 – 12:00 Practical information for next day and closing
Speakers
Phill Gittins, PhD
Education Director, World BEYOND War · Rotary Peace FellowPhill has over 20 years of leadership, programming and analysis experience in peace, education, psychology, youth and community development. He has lived, worked and travelled in over 60 countries across 6 continents; taught in schools, colleges and universities around the world; and trained thousands on peace and social change.
He has received multiple awards for his work, including a Rotary Peace Fellowship, a KAICIID Fellowship, and a Kathryn Davis Fellowship for Peace. He is a Positive Peace Activator and Global Peace Index Ambassador for the Institute for Economics and Peace. He earned his PhD in International Conflict Analysis, an MA in Education, and a BA in Youth and Community Studies, and is a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist as well as a certified project manager.
Phill can be reached at phill@worldbeyondwar.org.
Foteini Papadimou
Rotary Club Panorama & Rotaract Club Thessaloniki-East, District 2475, GreeceFoteini has a rich history of leadership, including roles as President of both her Rotary and Rotaract clubs as well as district-level positions, demonstrating a profound commitment to service.
She exemplifies dedication to fostering peace: as Zone 21b Ambassador for the “Girls Empowerment” Presidential Initiative she continues to make a significant impact. Recognised with a Paul Harris Fellowship and holding positions as pDRR and pADG, Foteini embodies exemplary leadership and dedication to Rotary’s mission.