PACKAGES
Why Pompeii?
Holding the peace conference in Pompeii is a symbolic and meaningful choice, especially since Pompeii is where Rotaract Mediterranean was first established. This historic city not only offers a rich cultural and historical backdrop but also represents the foundation and enduring legacy of Rotaract Mediterranean. By hosting the conference in Pompeii, we honor the origins of our organization and celebrate the journey we have undertaken since its inception. Pompeii’s ancient ruins and historical significance provide an inspiring environment for discussions on peace and unity.
The city’s resilience and ability to withstand the test of time mirror the resilience needed in peace-building efforts. Moreover, the location ties directly into the theme of “The Magic of Rotary,” as it highlights the magic of preserving history while fostering a future of peace and collaboration. In addition to its symbolic importance, Pompeii’s central location in the Mediterranean makes it accessible for participants from various countries, facilitating greater regional collaboration. The historical significance of Pompeii, combined with its connection to Rotaract Mediterranean’s origins, creates a unique and inspiring setting for a conference dedicated to peace and healing in a divided world.
Speakers
PATRICIA SHAFER
Patricia is Executive Director of the international nonprofit organization NewGen Peacebuilders and the associated Youth & Peace in Action initiative. She also serves as Senior Fellow for Peace Education at Washington, DC-based Alliance for Peacebuilding and Global Ambassador with the Institute for Economics & Peace. In these roles, Patricia’s focus is on leadership for the design and delivery of peace education, training and mentoring programs that integrate leadership development, project management, and conflict resolution and sustainable peacebuilding.
Patricia is also one of 1,500+ Rotary Peace Fellows, with her selection based on extensive nonprofit and consulting accomplishments across East Africa. For her work in South Sudan, Patricia was nominated for a UNESCO prize for girls’ and women’s literacy. In 2022, Patricia was a recipient of the Melanie Greenberg Award for Excellence in US Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding. Previously, Patricia held senior positions in change management and communications in two global Fortune 100 companies. She holds a MSc in Consulting and Coaching for Change – a joint-venture of Oxford University, UK, and HEC France; MBA, Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management; and MA in Journalism from The Ohio State University.
Sanela is a former Bosnian refugee living in Switzerland, she carried the burden of war and trauma for many years. After embarking on a reconstruction journey of healing, she was inspired to share her experience, contribute to the resilience process, peacebuilding, and positive change in the country. This dream created SANCHILD, an organization that promotes harmonious growth and helps a new generation move past the heritage of transgenerational conflicts. She is an experienced HR Consultant and coach, specializing in HR Transformation, change management, and process automation for Multinational companies.
She is actively mentoring young students at Ecolint (La Châtaigneraie CH), in various projects such as Weinnovate, Entrepreneurship Lab’s or GEL Summit at UN, Geneva.
