On the 6 Sept we listened to International Institue for Economic and Peace (IEP) Peace Ambassador and District 9800 Peace building chair, Gabe Hau tell us all about Peace in the world or the lack of it.
 
Joining us a guests we had three members from the Caroline Springs RSL, Ken Whitham, Ross Wiltshire and Andy Marshall and Homecourt Nathan Peeters.
 
In his presentation Gabe showed us the Global Peace Index 2023 and spoke about IEP who pioneers the research and insight for Peace. He gave us insight in Negative and Positive Peace and how Johan Galtung, a Norwegian sociologist who is often referred to as the father of peace studies, defined two concepts of peace that are used in this research: negative and positive peace.
 
 
Installation of Peace Pole at Stevenvilles Primary - St Albans

 
Negative peace is the ‘absence of violence’ or ‘absence of fear of violence’. This definition takes into account the security of states but also interpersonal security. It is the conceptual foundation of the Global Peace Index. So for instance – when a ceasefire is signed, negative peace ensues. That said, negative peace doesn’t really tell us what is necessary for a peaceful society. Whereas positive peace refers to the attitudes, institution and structures that statistically correlate to lasting peace.
 

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 ambassadorsHelp 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:

•E-Club of Melbourne, Melbourne, Kangaroo Flat, Brighton North, Carlton, Caulfield and Albert Park, Woodend, Wyndham, Hoppers Crossing
•Also Sydney, Adelaide, Bundaberg Central and Riccarton
 
Other Peace Projects:
 
  • 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