Uppsala University in Sweden to host new Rotary Peace Center

By Arnold R. Grahl
Rotary International News – 27 April 2011

The Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees has selected Uppsala University in Sweden to host a new Rotary Center for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution. Photo coutesy of Uppsala University

Rotary International on Facebook

The Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees has selected Uppsala University in Uppsala, Sweden, to host a new Rotary Center for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution.

During their April meeting, the Trustees agreed to negotiate an agreement with Uppsala University to house the seventh Rotary Peace Center , which will join those in Asia, Australia, North America, South America, and the United Kingdom.

"We are excited about this new partnership with Uppsala University to take the Rotary Peace Centers program to the next level," says Foundation Trustee Chair Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar. "We are confident that our Rotary Peace Fellow alumni, actively engaged in peace-building and conflict prevention and resolution around the world, will agree that partnering with Uppsala University to host a Rotary Peace Center is a winning strategy."

In 2009, the Trustees began a search for institutions that met the Foundation's requirements for a Rotary Peace Center. More than 100 received inquiries, and 5 received site visits between January and March.

Uppsala University has an established two-year master's program in peace and conflict studies and a research program led by a large, internationally recognized faculty. The Uppsala Conflict Data Program is a leader in the field and will provide future Rotary Peace Fellows with the opportunity to combine informed theory with data-driven field research. The university is home to the Dag Hammarskjöld Library for peace research.

The Trustees also approved an extension to the application deadline for Rotary Peace Fellowships starting in 2012. Candidates have until 15 August 2011 to apply. The first class of peace fellows at Uppsala will begin their studies in September 2012.

The Rotary Peace Centers program offers individuals the opportunity to pursue either a master’s degree or certificate in studies related to peace and conflict resolution. Up to 110 fellowships are awarded annually. The existing centers are located at the University of Bradford, England; University of Queensland, Australia; International Christian University, Japan; Universidad del Salvador, Argentina; Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA; and Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, which offers a three-month certificate program.

More than 500 Rotary Peace Centers alumni worldwide are working with international organizations such as the World Bank, Organization of American States, and United Nations, as well as with local and national governments, nongovernmental organizations, and consulting firms.

The program receives support from donations to the Rotary Peace Centers Major Gifts Initiative. Paul A. Netzel, chair of the initiative, says it has obtained US$55.8 million in commitments, which surpasses the phase 1 goal of $55 million.

“This is an important milestone for the Rotary Peace Centers and great timing, given the exciting announcement of the new center at Sweden’s Uppsala University," says Netzel. "Now that we've reached $55 million, we've set our sights on a goal of $60 million by 30 June. We're well over halfway to our overall goal of $95 million by 2015."

For more information:

6 Comments:

At 12:41PM on 21 March 2012, RtnPP ProfGAN Bhukta wrote: The setting up of a Rotary Peace Center at Uppasala University in Sweden is a great and wise step taken by RI and should be applauded by each and every one who aspire for a very peaceful world with no conflicts and tensions. I am very happy that RI is doing such great endeavours and as a RF Alumni and Chartered President of one of the dynamic Rotary Clubs , nothing would make me more proud and cheerful. Long Live Rotary... Prof Gan Bhukta,New Jersey USA

At 10:32AM on 7 June 2011, Yashar Taheri-Keramati (Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar 2010 - District 5050) wrote: This is a truly exciting moment for Rotary, and for all those in our global community who are passionate about international justice and equality. Establishing this Rotary Peace Center in Sweeden strengthens Rotary's existing efforts to fosters peace and conflict resolution. Knowing how rare such initiatives are, everyone has to be very excited about the fact that in a matter of months Rotary will begin nurturing even more of tomorrow's leaders towards creating a better global community for all us. Surely the intellectual capital produced at this Rotary Peace Center will assist in ensuring that the human security of our most vulnerable fellow global citizens will be bettered addressed. Though the road to global justice is a long one, we ought not forget that the longest journey's begin with a single step. This, however, is a leap in the right direction. Thank you, Rotary; we look forward to the journey with you! Peace, Love, and Respect, Yashar Taheri-Keramati

At 11:31AM on 17 May 2011, stephanie stokes wrote: I am delighted to hear of this relationship with Uppsala University. In the 1970's my husband and I spent about 18 months living in Uppsala and we were students of Kersverksamhet - a language school affiliated with the University. It is a beautiful city with a superb cathedral and a lovely 'gamla stan' ( old town). I am certain that the quality of life offered to students will match the quality of this course. I highly recommend the University to anyone considering applying. From Rotary's perspective the new paradigm of life emerging in the current era calls for 'citizens of global empathy and peace awareness'. This Rotary initiative emphasises the thrust that we are taking as an organisation. It is one which will help us move forward into the 21st Century confident that those who follow us are equipped with the skills to make a difference on a global level. Stephanie M Stokes Bsc., M.A., M,Phil

At 11:29AM on 17 May 2011, Gert Danielsen (Rotary World Peace Fellow USAL 2004-05) wrote: I am excited to see that Uppsala has been chosen as the seventh Rotary Centre, for its excellent programmes and commitment to peace research. I would also like to remind the Board that most Universities now are situated in the Western Hemisphere (even if we include Queensland), and that we should truly consider establishing centres in the global "south" if we are to make a real impact. I understand that there are academic requirements and high standards to be met, but one outstanding institution with an excellent programme and reputation comes to mind - the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa, where they established the Centre for Conflict Resolution (CCR) a long time back. South Africa also offers an amazing breadth of opportunities for social work, Civil Society engagement, studies on Empathy, Truth and Reconciliation and Human Rights, partnerships with NGOs and foundations such as the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Dispute, and many, many more. I would strongly urge and encourage the Board to consider UCT and CCR as the next Rotary Centre. Let us, as fellows, help and support this important process as we build peace together, world-wide. Thank you! In peace, Gert

At 3:06PM on 16 May 2011, Gert Danielsen (Rotary World Peace Fellow USAL 2004-05) wrote: I am excited to see that Uppsala has been chosen as the seventh Rotary Centre, for its excellent programmes and commitment to peace research. I would also like to remind the Board that most Universities now are situated in the Western Hemisphere (even if we include Queensland), and that we should truly consider establishing centres in the global "south" if we are to make a real impact. I understand that there are academic requirements and high standards to be met, but one outstanding institution with an excellent programme and reputation comes to mind - the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa, where they established the Centre for Conflict Resolution (CCR) a long time back. South Africa also offers an amazing breadth of opportunities for social work, Civil Society engagement, studies on Empathy, Truth and Reconciliation and Human Rights, partnerships with NGOs and foundations such as the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Dispute, and many, many more. I would strongly urge and encourage the Board to consider UCT and CCR as the next Rotary Centre. Let us, as fellows, help and support this important process as we build peace together, world-wide. Thank you! In peace, Gert

At 10:14AM on 2 May 2011, Rtn. Prof. GSL Devra wrote: Yes, the opening of a new Rotary Peace center at reputed educational institution of Uppasala University, Sweden, is a milestone in the history of Rotary International Peace and Goodwill Movement. Rotary organization dedicated to the cause of human peace and understanding always remained engaged in searching such endeavors. Congratulations to all those Rotarians and Academicians who made this expansion possible. In fact, we require more such centers at the different places as the large and growing population of the world is today fiercely engaged in ethnical and sectarian struggles. Unfortunately, market forces do accelerated such tensions and leave little space for the reconciliation. Perhaps, non-governmental organizations, chiefly, Rotary International that had single service program of serving the humanity could fill and expand that space. Long Live Rotary. Rtn. Prof. GSL Devra (RC Kota North, RID 3050)

Add a comment

Your name * Your email * (non-public) Your comment * * indicates a required field

Every Rotarian, Every Year
Make your annual gift today

End Polio Now
Help Rotary meet the challenge

2013 RI Convention
Register early and save