Peacebuilding and conflict prevention

Today more than 70 million people are displaced as a result of conflict, violence, persecution and human rights violations. Half of them are children. We refuse to accept conflict as a way of life. Rotary projects provide training that fosters understanding and gives communities the skills to resolve conflict.

Rotary creates environments where peace can happen

As a humanitarian organisation, peace is the cornerstone of our mission. We believe that when people work to create peace in their own communities, that change can have a global effect.

Through service projects and peace scholarships, our members take action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education and unequal distribution of resources.

Our commitment to peacebuilding today answers new challenges: how can we achieve the greatest possible impact, and how can we reach our vision of lasting change. We approach peace with greater cohesion and inclusiveness, widening the scope of what we mean by peacebuilding and finding more ways to involve people.

Purpose and goals

The Rotary Foundation promotes peacebuilding and conflict prevention through:

• Strengthening local efforts for peace
• Training local leaders to prevent and mediate conflict
• Supporting long-term peacebuilding in areas affected by conflict
• Helping vulnerable populations affected by conflict, especially children and young people
• Supporting studies related to peace and conflict resolution