In many parts of the world, people are from an early age conditioned to the old adage “There is no alternative to victory”, with ’victory’ being defined as the total destruction, physically and mentally, of the enemy. For Rotary, internationally, February is Peace and Conflict Prevention Month. So how can we, as “just everyday people”, make a difference? After all, would we have any influence on Putin, Trump, Xi? On the happenings at the UN, NATO and the myriad of other worldwide bodies and forums? Unlikely, you say.
Last week’s presentation by Bianca Saikale, in my humble opinion, highlighted the importance of Rotary’s many international programs: in this case, Youth Exchange (YE). Every year, in over 100 countries, approximately 8,000 young people are building relationships throughout the world. Eventually, some of these YE participants will be leaders; I’d guess the majority of them, including political leaders. “Our” federal MP for Moncrief, Angie Bell, is a good example of this: she was a YE student to Denmark. Today, she is a member of the Shadow Cabinet. Ask her how Rotary influenced her life.
It is in this light that we need to view the ever-increasing importance of Rotary’s various programs promoting peace and World Understanding. As one of the largest international organisations, non-political and independent of government financing, Rotary fosters the ideals of service, community and understanding. For example, did you know that there are ‘International Online Mega Meetings’ conducted frequently? The next one is on 23rd February 2026, at 09:30 am AEST (that is 08:30 Qld Time). You can participate – click here to register.
There are dozens more: Scholarships in Rotary’s seven areas of focus. Just two examples: some 170 scholarships are awarded by The Rotary Foundation every year, to study at eight peace centres. The University of Queensland is one of them. MUNA (Model United Nations Assembly) is held annually in our District and throughout Australia. For a day, Year 11-12 students act and debate in the role of various nations’ Ambassadors to the UN. Will it help? You’ll never know for sure. My view is that it certainly fosters young people’s understanding of “the world out there.” One might well have a new idea that prevents a war.