Gabe discussed the Global Peace Index and highlighted that overall, the world became less peaceful over the past 15 years due to factors such as increased military expenditure, terrorist impact, and external and internal conflicts. He also mentioned that some regions, like the Middle East, showed improvements, while Afghanistan remained the least peaceful nation.
Gabe discussed various topics including conflicts in Ukraine, Yemen, and Afghanistan, highlighting the increase in conflict-related deaths. He also mentioned the Rotary Peace Academy and the Rotary Peace Fellow Program as ways for Rotarians to learn about and promote peace.
Gabe discussed various projects and initiatives related to promoting peace, such as installing peace poles, organizing peace workshops, engaging with schools and local organizations, and encouraging acts of kindness. He emphasized the importance of involving young people and fostering peace within oneself and the community.
It was interesting to realise that rotary areas of focus tie in perfectly to the pillars of positive peace.
Having heard Gabe tell us all about peace, I strongly urge all Rotary Clubs and local communities to get Gabe to speak about Peace. There are several ways that we can do to encourage peace. Such as joining Rotary Academy for Peace, study to become IEP Peace ambassadors. Help identify and nominate candidates as peace fellows which are no cost to your club and do positive acts to make the world more peaceful by training future peacbuilders. Become a Peace builder club isn Distric 9800.
Current Peace builder clubs are:
- Installation of Peace Poles in Schools and around the Community. Peace Poles and More
- Engage Interact Clubs
- Celebrate International Day of Peace on 21st September
- Sleep for Peace
- YHA sleep for Peace
- Hold a Peace Essay Competition - partner with Wyndham Hardbour and connect with your school
- Attend Peace workshops at the IEP
- Smile for Peace - Everyday make someone smiles any way you can
- Peace Bell - like that at the 2023 Rotary International Convention in Melbourne\
- Get involved with the IEP