November/December 2003
Lead Stories

Introducing some of the world's Peacemakers at the University

A pioneering conference introducing peacemakers from around the world was held at the University recently. Rotarians and other business professionals from across the globe attended the 'Presidential Celebrations' to celebrate the work of the Rotary World Peace Scholars.

Currently on a two-year graduate programme at different Rotary Centres for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution, these extraordinary Scholars are united in their dedication to promoting world peace and to resolving conflict in war-torn countries throughout the world.

Right: The University's Department of Peace Studies' Professor Paul Rogers addressed current world conflict issues.

The University's Department of Peace Studies was selected from over 100 institutions around the world last year to become one of only seven of these Centres - providing 10 places on the programme. By 2008, the Department of Peace Studies will have hosted 60 or more Rotary World Peace Scholars.

This year marks the completion of the first year of study for the first cohort of Bradford Scholars after completing one of the University's internationally renowned MA courses in Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution, or International Relations and Security Studies.

After completing the MA course at Bradford, the Rotary World Peace Scholars then study for an MPhil by research in an area related to their occupation.

As part of the conference programme, the Rotary World Peace Scholars who have completed their first year gave audiovisual presentations including examples of field study work that they have undertaken.

Trainer and facilitator on non-violent conflict resolution and a founder of AHIMSA (Centre for Conflict Resolution and Peace), Monica Alfred from Sri Lanka, is one of the Bradford Rotary World Peace Scholars who presented at the conference.

Monica said: "Learning about peace is not as difficult as facing a war. But it is very important for me that I take the learning from Bradford to my fieldwork in Sri Lanka. The growth of violence in the world constantly challenges my efforts to help people combat violence. So the course is a good opportunity to upgrade my knowledge and skills on peace building."

US Air Force Captain Jeff Whitfield, another Bradford World Peace Scholar, also presented at the conference. He said: "With the development of the World Peace Scholarship programme, Rotary has sent a powerful message around the globe that they are prepared to dedicate their energy and resources toward affecting positive results in the struggle for peaceful resolution of conflict wherever it may arise."

Rotary International (RI) President Jonathan Majiyagbe opened the celebration and keynote speakers included RI Director David Morgan, Rotary Foundation Trustee John Kenny, and Celebration Chairman Allan Jagger.

The Presidential Celebrations also provided opportunities for networking and shared learning through plenary discussion and the University's Department of Peace Studies' Professor Paul Rogers addressed current world conflict issues.

Professor Rogers said: "The University's Department of Peace Studies is already the world's largest university centre for research and courses on peace studies and conflict resolution. "With Rotary World Peace Scholars having been carefully selected for their expertise and coming from all areas of the globe, they bring a wealth of global experience in conflict resolution, voluntary work and peace studies to the Department."

1. Bradford World Peace Scholars Monica Alfred and Jeff Whitfield with Rotary International President Jonathan Majiyagbe. President Majiyagbe opened the celebrations, which featured presentations by Monica and Jeff including examples of field study work that they have undertaken on the programme

2. (Back row, left to right) Bradford Scholars Mari Taalmann, Karen Bernstein, Ana Gatica, Amy Van Poperin, Thavia Robinson, Melissa Cattermole, Helga Thorolfsdottir, Gregory Mitchell, Amy Erickson, Monica Alfred, Helga Bara Bragadottir, RI President Jonathan Majiyagbe (centre) and Scholars Martha McManus, Wendi McMillan, Krishna Jhugroo, Chinta S. R. Reddy, Jeff Whitfield, Amritha Fernandes-Bakshi, Ximena Valente-Hervier, Toshiaki Komatsuzaki with Celebration Chairman Allan Jagger (far right) Front row: (Left to right) Bradford Scholars Yumiko Nogami, Elsje Fourie, Miho Kishitani and Stefani Angelopoulos

6 January 2004

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