Creating peace in the world

An ambitious goal, put into action by Rotary

The spike in regional and local conflicts around the world has underscored the need for professionals skilled in creating peace. Rotary created the Rotary Peace Centers in 2002 to develop the capacity of peace and development professionals or practitioners to become experienced and effective catalysts for peace. Seven Rotary Peace Centers at eight prestigious universities throughout the world offer Rotary Peace Fellows a rigorous program of study and applied field experience in areas relating to peace and conflict resolution. The Rotary Peace Centers draw from Rotary’s long, unwavering commitment to peace, seen in projects that address the root causes of conflict. Promoting peace is one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world.

The Rotary Peace Centers program is made possible through the generous support of dedicated Rotarians and friends of Rotary whose major gifts and commitments will help endow the program.

In 1999, The RI Trustees approved the plan to partner with universities to establish the Rotary Centers for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution. The Rotary Peace Centers committee considered more than 100 universities and made their selections based on criteria such as geographic diversity, superior faculty and an established two-year master’s degree program with a core curriculum in international relations, peace, and conflict resolution.

Rotary Peace Fellows are committed to the advancement of peace, serving as leaders in a range of international, national, and local organizations. They promote national and international cooperation, peace, and the successful resolution of conflict in their lives, in their careers, and through their service activities.