Members of Rotary District 5280 Peace Committee were among the 800+ passionate Rotarians and friends, who gathered in Vancouver 2/9-11 to learn about the challenges and seize the opportunities to create a more peaceful world through environmentally sustainable efforts.
Sculptor - Peter Lattey with "Peace". The sculpture was auctioned to support Rotary Peace Centers
RI President Ian Riseley, and Environmental experts such as Dr. David Suzuki, (recipient of UNESCO’s Kalinga Science Prize and the UN Enviornment Program Medal etc); Dr. Jonathan Patz, (lead author for the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the org. co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007); and Maria Rodale (CEO of Rodale Institute, a nonprofit working farm that specializes in agricultural research), among others, enthusiastically urged us to improve environmental conditions now as a fundamental component of fostering peace within all communities.
A highlight of the conference was a session on “Positive Peace” which includes the attitudes, institutions, and structures that create and sustain peaceful societies. The Global Peace Index measures the state of peace based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators. The 8 pillars of positive Peace are: sound business environment; high levels for human capital; good relations with neighbors; acceptance of the rights of others; low levels of corruption; free flow of information; well-functioning government and equitable distribution of resources.
Our own District 5280 PDG Paul Netzel Trustee Chair, gave a luncheon update on our Rotary Peace Centers which enable 100 Peace Fellows annually to earn degrees in Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution.
Hawthorne Rotarian Steve Goldsmith facilitated a breakout session on “No Sustainability No Peace” and DTLA Rotarian Peter Lattey created a “PEACE” sculpture that was auctioned off for $1900, proceeds going to the Rotary Peace Centers.
Additional 5280 Rotarians in attendance were: Len Bonilla of El Segundo Rotary; Mikiko Nakasone from Woodland Hills Rotary; 5280 sponsored Peace Fellow Scott Martin; and Redondo Beach Rotarian PDG Vicki Radel, 5280 Overall Peace Chair and Community Peace Ambassador.
Each of the six Presidential Peacebuilding Conferences in 2018 will link Rotary International’s five other areas of focus including, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water and Sanitation, Maternal and Child Health, Basic Education and Literacy, and Economic and Community Development, with Peace.