UNITAR Online Catalogue
Peace in the Contemporary World: What to Expect from Peace Centers?
People
Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Centre, Bahçeşehir University, CIFAL Istanbul
Antecedentes
At a time when global conflicts are increasing, democratic values are being challenged, and trust in international institutions is declining, the role of peace centers becomes more important than ever. Institutions focused on peace education, dialogue, and training future peacebuilders create an important bridge between academia, civil society, and international cooperation. At the same time, questions remain about how much impact these centers create and how they respond to today’s complex challenges.
The Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center at Bahçeşehir University is one of the Rotary peace centers around the world that works to educate and support future peacebuilders through academic programs and international fellowship exchanges. This panel brings together institutional leaders and scholars to discuss the role, impact, and future of peace centers in a rapidly changing world.
Objetivos del evento
The event aims to:
- Examine the current state of peace and conflict dynamics globally, and the challenges facing peacebuilding institutions;
- Explore the distinctive roles that peace centers play in building sustainable peace;
- Facilitate dialogue between institutional leaders, academics, and practitioners on best practices, shared challenges, and opportunities for collaboration;
- Strengthen the visibility and network of the Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center within the broader peacebuilding community.
Contenido y estructura
The event is structured as a moderated panel discussion held over two hours, bringing together three distinguished speakers for opening remarks followed by a facilitated exchange and Q&A.
The discussion addresses several key themes, including how the concept of peace evolves in the face of contemporary conflicts and increasing geopolitical fragmentation. Panelists reflect on the role of peace centers within the broader peacebuilding ecosystem, discussing both their contributions and their limitations, while emphasising that greater investment in peace education and peacebuilding initiatives is urgently needed. The conversation also highlights the idea that peacebuilders emerging from within their own communities are often best positioned to create meaningful and lasting local impact. Another important focus is how peace education translates into practical change at the local, national, and international levels. In addition, the discussion underlines the importance of institutional sustainability and cross-sector partnerships in strengthening and advancing the mission of peace centers.
Metodología
The format prioritises substantive dialogue over formal presentations and encourages speakers to engage directly with each other's perspectives and with questions from the audience.
Público objetivo
Rotary fellows, faculty members, students, and invited guests from civil society.