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A chat for peace |
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Written by SCOTT STANFIELD
Citizen staff
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Sunday, 11 May 2008 |
Peace is possible. It was the key message at the Rotary World Peace Summit last month in Windsor, Ont., where a trio of local youths heard some words of wisdom from the likes of Nobel Peace Prize nominee Lloyd Axworthy, former UN ambassador Allan Rock and Prince Zeid Ra'ad, Jordan's ambassador to the U.S.
The three Prince George Rotary clubs sent Mark Stephens and brothers Christopher and Jeffrey Calder to the summit, the fourth in a series of events held this year in Bulgaria, Turkey and Kenya.
Hundreds of exchange students from various countries attended the three-day event that included a youth day conference, a mock UN session and a presentation by Bernard Amadei, founder of Engineers Without Borders.
A highlight for Stephens was meeting Rock during an informal, small group session. He found Canada's former attorney general to be a personable, honest sort who restored his faith in politics.
"You don't really expect that from someone like that," said Stephens, the president of Prince George Rotaract. "And that's the thing with Prince Zeid Ra'ad. I got to shake his hand and talk to him a bit. He's the exact same way."
Stephens had to leave the summit shortly before Robert F. Kennedy Jr. arrived for the final day of the event. Still, he considers the weekend to be a "life-changing experience."
Stephens and the Calder brothers will present a rundown of their experiences to their respective Rotary clubs.
With the permission of city council, they also hope to make Prince George a 'peace community,' which would include the creation of a special park with a monument and plaque.
All in the name of peace.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 11 May 2008 )
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