DG NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024

Peace is everyone’s duty

February is recognized as Peace and Conflict Resolution Month by Rotary International, a time dedicated to highlighting the organization’s commitment to fostering peace and resolving conflicts around the world. RI President Stephanie had stressed the importance of Rotary’s work in peacebuilding, as it is the only way to heal this divided world. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of our peacebuilding efforts, even in regions like Hong Kong, Macau, and Mongolia that may appear relatively stable comparing to the rest of the world.

維護和平人人有責

國際扶輪將二月的主題定為促進和平與化解衝突，特顯國際扶輪以在世界各地締造和平和化解衝突為己任。國際扶輪社長Stephanie强調，扶輪在締造和平方面的工作非常重要，因爲這是將這個世界從分化邁向融合的唯一方法。本月正好提醒我們，即使身在比世界其他地方穩定的香港、澳門和蒙古，我們仍然有使命為締造和平出一分力。

Rotary’s long history in Peacebuilding around the world

Rotarians from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada proposed before Rotary Convention in 1914 that the International Association of Rotary Clubs (now RI) shall lends its influence to the maintenance of peace among the nations of the world.

In 1921 Convention in Edinburgh, Rotarians amended the association’s constitution to include the goal “to aid in the advancement international peace and goodwill through a fellowship of business and professional men of all nations united in the Rotary ideal of service”.

扶輪在世界各地締造和平由來已久

遠在1914年的扶輪國際年會之前，加拿大安大略省咸美頓的扶輪社員已提出，扶輪社國際協會（即國際扶輪的前身）應發揮自身的影響力，在國際間維護和平。

在1921年愛登堡舉辦的年會中，扶輪社員修訂了組織的章程，將“扶輪社的宗旨，是透過扶輪崇高的服務理想作招徠，吸納世界各地志同道合的商界橋楚和專業人士，透過促進彼此間的友誼和鞏固信譽，以達致世界大同”納入其中。

Rotary’s Involvement in the United Nations Charter

Rotary International played a pivotal role in the establishment of the United Nations. In 1945, Rotary was one of 42 organizations invited to serve as consultants at the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco, where the UN Charter was drafted. Many Rotary members participated as delegates, contributing to discussions that shaped the foundation of the UN and its mission to promote peace and cooperation among nations.

扶輪參與訂立聯合國憲章

國際扶輪在聯合國的組成充當了關鍵的各色。1945年，國際扶輪是42個獲邀機構之一，並以顧問身份參與在三藩市舉行的聯合國國際組織會議，而聯合國憲章便在此時草擬。許多扶輪社員當時亦以顧問代表團身份參與其中，討論聯合國的建構以及其推廣國際和平和促進各成員國協作的使命。

Rotary’s Work on Peace and Conflict Resolution

In District 3450, Rotary clubs have been actively engaged in peace and conflict resolution initiatives. While many may believe that peace is not a pressing issue in this vibrant city, Rotary is not an organisation that can stop an ongoing war, but it is definitely evert Rotarians duty to help maintain an environment where positive peace can be sustained. Over the years, we have developed various youth leadership program, like Peer Mediation Secondary School Competition, aimed at developing leadership skills among young people. These programs often include training in conflict resolution and negotiation, equipping youth with the tools they need to navigate disputes constructively and promote peace within their communities.

In light of the growing cases of stress and anxiety in the post-covid era, Rotary clubs have also supported mental health initiatives. By providing resources and support for mental well-being, these programs contribute to a more peaceful society by addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting emotional resilience.

扶輪在和平和化解衝突中的工作

儘管許多人認爲在這個朝氣蓬勃的城市根本沒有迫切需要推動和平。在3450地區，各扶輪社一直積極參與和平和化解衝突的工作。扶輪雖然無法平息戰爭，但肯定能讓扶輪社員在可推動和平的地方履行維護和平的責任。多年來，我們組織了各種不同的青年領袖計劃，如旨在培養年輕人領導能力的中學朋輩調解比賽。這些計劃通常會涵蓋化解衝突和談判的訓練，讓年輕人裝備自己，為社區推動和平以及排解糾紛做好準備。

鑒於在後疫情中壓力和焦慮的個案有所增長，各扶輪社都踴躍支持對精神健康的關注。這些計劃在情緒健康方面提供各種資源和協助，透過解決衝突的根源和促進精神健康的恢復造就更和諧的社會。

The Need for Peace Initiatives in Hong Kong and Macau

Despite perceptions that peace is not a pressing issue in Hong Kong and Macau, the reality is that these regions face significant challenges that require ongoing peacebuilding efforts. Examples include:

Social Inequality: Both Hong Kong and Macau grapple with issues of social inequality, which can lead to conflict. Rotary’s community service projects and educational initiatives help to address these disparities, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among diverse groups.
Mental Health Challenges: The stress and anxiety resulting from economic downturn and other factors can lead to mental health challenges, which, if unaddressed, may contribute to conflict. Rotary’s support for mental health initiatives is crucial in promoting emotional well-being and resilience within communities.

在香港和澳門推動和平

雖然一般認爲在香港和澳門推動和平並非當務之急，事實上這兩個地區正面臨重大的考驗而必須保持長遠的和平和穩定。例如：

社會階層差異：香港和澳門都要應對社會各階層的差異，這會導致矛盾和衝突。扶輪社的社區服務和教育就是要協助消除各階層的差異，促進社會各方團結、和諧。
精神健康問題：在疫症後全球經濟下滑大前提下，社會各階層人士的壓力和焦慮指數有上升趨勢，而連同其他因素導致各種精神健康問題。不解決這些問題便會導致衝突。扶輪社對於在社區内促進和恢復精神健康的支持至關重要。

Conclusion

Rotary’s work during Peace and Conflict Resolution Month serves as a reminder of the organization’s commitment to fostering peace in all corners of the globe. Through its initiatives in Hong Kong, Macau, and Mongolia, Rotary demonstrates that peacebuilding is essential, even in regions that may appear stable. The organization’s historical involvement in the drafting of the United Nations Charter further underscores its dedication to promoting global peace and understanding. As we a part of an organisation with over 46,000 clubs in 200 countries and regions, we can do our part in fostering a sustainable peaceful environment in our regions, then we can work with Rotary clubs around the world in promoting goodwill and international understanding.

結語

和平與化解衝突月提醒我們，扶輪社在世界每一個角落都有責任促進和平。儘管香港、澳門和蒙古相對和平穩定，扶輪在這些地區締造和平的工作依然非常重要。在歷史上，扶輪參與起草聯合國憲章表明扶輪一直致力推動世界和平和諒解。身爲200個國家和地區中46,000個社的一員，我們可以為我們地區内保持和諧的環境出一分力，繼而聯手與世界各地的扶輪社推動國際間的親善和諒解。