Peace Building Across the South Pacific

Rotary’s peacebuilding work is grounded in a simple belief:
When communities choose dialogue over division, peace becomes possible.

Rotary and Rotaract members are creating environments where understanding, safety, and collaboration can grow.
 
Rotary believes that local action creates global change. When concerned citizens work together to build peace in their own communities, they contribute to a more stable and compassionate world. Clubs throughout the South Pacific help promote meaningful dialogue across cultures and empower both adults and young people to lead in conflict prevention and resolution.
 
By carrying out service projects and supporting peace fellowships and 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.

Peace Building Programs

Peace Poles: Symbols of Hope and Unity

 

Peace Poles carry the universal message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” and serve as visible reminders of our commitment to peace. Clubs install Peace Poles in:

  • Schools and universities

  • Community centres and gardens

  • Cultural and sporting precincts

  • Places of reflection and reconciliation

  • Parks and recreational facilities

These installations spark conversations about respect, diversity, and shared responsibility for peace. They remind us that peace begins with us, in our hearts, our homes and in our communities.

Further information

Rotary Action Group for Peace

The Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP) connects peacebuilders around the world and provides tools, training, and networks to strengthen local peace initiatives.

RAGFP supports clubs to:
  • Become Peacebuilder Clubs
  • Access peace education resources
  • Provide resources to develop service projects
  • Collaborate with global partners committed to nonviolence and dialogue
Its mission is to empower people to engage in positive, sustainable peacebuilding within themselves, their communities, and the world.

Rotary Peace Fellowships

Rotary Peace Fellowships develop leaders who become catalysts for peace worldwide. Each year, up to 170 fully funded fellowships support emerging and experienced peacebuilders to study at one of Rotary’s global Peace Centres.

These fellowships:

  • Strengthen skills in conflict transformation, negotiation, and community development

  • Support master’s degrees or professional certificates

  • Build a global network of peace and development professionals

Since 2002, more than 1,800 fellows have graduated and now work in over 140 countries, including many across Rotary South Pacific.

Course: Learn about Peace Building and Conflict Resolution

 
The Rotary International Learning Center has a number of courses that can support you to deepen your understanding around peace building.
 
  • Forgiveness, Societal Healing, and Rotary
Learning plan description
Forgiveness is an essential component of creating environments of peace. These courses will provide members with resources to help reflect on the key concepts and practices of forgiveness at an individual level as well as a societal level, enabling us to incorporate them into our relationships and communities
 
  • All About Rotary Peace Fellowships
Course description
Learn about the Rotary Peace Fellowship program and how we train leaders in peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Also find out what kind of candidates we're looking for, how you can help identify them, and which universities host Rotary Peace Centres. You will also learn how you can get involved with the program as a member or with your club or district.
 
  • Resiliency
Learning plan description
These courses are for members interested in resiliency and peacebuilding. These courses were originally designed for Rotary Peace Fellows and and have been adjusted for members.
 

A Regional Commitment to Lasting Peace

Across Rotary South Pacific, clubs work together to:

  • Support refugees and displaced communities
  • Promote respectful relationships and community safety
  • Strengthen leadership in peace and conflict prevention
  • Collaborate with First Nations communities through Reconciliation Action Plans
  • Partner with peace-focused organisations across the region
  • Promote wellness and wellbeing in our community
This collective effort reflects Rotary’s belief that peace is not an abstract ideal—it is a practice, a partnership, and a promise.
Youth Peace Building Challenge
See the Young Change Agent's free-to-access National Youth Peace Building Challenge for our young people.