Rotary Peace Centre - University of Bradford

19/06/2026

Class 24 Rotary Peace Fellow, Raonak Barman, recently represented the University of Bradford at the UNODC Regional Workshop on Youth Engagement and Empowerment in PVE Programming and Online Responses to Violent Extremism in South Asia, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The three-day workshop, funded by the European Union, brought together government officials, law enforcement, civil society representatives, and technology industry experts from across South Asia to strengthen regional approaches to preventing violent extremism in digital spaces.
Raonak presented on the topic of Online Extremism, Youth and Politics in South Asia, sharing insights from his research and practitioner experience in Bangladesh. His presentation examined how extremist groups have shifted from open violence to online narrative strategies, and how young people across South Asia are both vulnerable to, and powerful actors against, digital radicalisation.
He also contributed to a session on early intervention in online spaces, drawing on his experience monitoring extremist content and working with youth-led civil society organisations in the region.

15/05/2026

Many of our current Peace Fellows selected the optional ‘Africa Study Visit’ module in semester two of their master's programmes, and Andrea Ocampo Betancur writes about the experience – 'As part of our Rotary Peace Fellowship and a second-semester module, we recently spent two weeks in Rwanda exploring the intersections between reconciliation, peacebuilding and sustainable development. Through visits to memorials, communities, government institutions, and international organisations, we gained a deeper understanding of how a country can rebuild trust while pursuing economic and environmental progress. Rwanda challenged us to think beyond simplified narratives. It highlighted that sustainable development is not only about outcomes, but also about the processes, trade-offs, and decisions that shape them'.

20/04/2026

02/04/2026

Peace Fellow, Daniela Fernández Campos, was among the speakers at a prestigious United Nations (UN) event held in New York. Daniela was part of the youth forum at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), which focused on access to justice for women and girls.

Daniela was a representative of the Major Group for Children and Youth (UNMGCY), the UN General Assembly-mandated and self-organised group for young people to engage in UN processes.

Her speech focused on positioning youth voices within the global agenda, particularly around how care work and the care economy are evolving in Latin America, and how young people are demanding a more fair and just future.

She said: “Beyond speaking, what made the experience truly special was the opportunity to connect with inspiring leaders from around the world, all working toward advancing gender equality and inclusive development.”

The event, held earlier this month at UN Headquarters, was attended by representatives of UN member states, UN entities and non-governmental organisations from all regions of the world.

Daniela has previously worked on UN-supported projects including to empower women in rural and indigenous areas in Bolivia to maintain a business to gain independence and help sustain their families.

30/03/2026

Last week, Class 24 Peace Fellow, Ifenla, was invited to speak at the Belper and Duffield Rotary Club 'Peace Meal' event. Ifenla was joined at the event by Club President, Diane Smiles, and Belper Town Mayor Councillor Carol Angharad. Ifenla spoke on the theme 'What seed of peace can you sow this week?', utilising the imagery of cultivating plants to illustrate the key concepts of peacebuilding. In Ifenla's words - "I suggested that where people make deliberate attempts to care for each other, just like sowing, growing and nurturing plants, there would be less conflicts and more peace".

24/03/2026

6 Decades Lecture: 'Has that Peace Studies problem been dealt with yet?'
Hosted by Professor Paul Rogers

Date: Wednesday 15 April
Time: 18:00 - 19:30
Venue: In person and Online

Join us for this thought-provoking panel discussion, hosted by Professor Paul Rogers, where leading experts will discuss the history of the School of Peace Studies and its role in understanding the conflicts and geopolitical tensions shaping the world today.

In 1984, former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher reportedly questioned whether the UK’s first School of Peace Studies was a serious academic institution or a potentially destabilising campaign group calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons, asking: “Has that Peace Studies problem been dealt with yet?”.

Steeped in history and founded with support from figures including Harold Wilson, JB Priestley and the Quakers, Bradford’s Peace Studies department has gone on to help shape global thinking on conflict and security. Over the past five decades it has contributed expertise to the UK Government, United Nations Peacekeeping and NATO, and engaged directly with peacebuilding efforts in conflicts including Israel-Palestine, the Balkans and Iraq.

At a time of renewed geopolitical tensions, protracted wars, climate-related insecurity and deepening global divisions, the work of Peace Studies is more vital now than ever. Join us for this special panel discussion, hosted by Professor Paul Rogers, as we reflect on Bradford’s pioneering legacy and explore the continuing relevance of Peace Studies in an increasingly turbulent world.

Book your place now - https://www.bradford.ac.uk/events/whats-on/has-that-peace-studies-problem-been-dealt-with-yet/

Watch a short 60-seconds invitation from Professor Paul Rogers to learn more about the discussion and why this conversation matters today - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWJdx22JC7Q.

19/03/2026

The global impact of the Rotary Peace Fellowship at the University of Bradford has been celebrated as applications are open for the 2027/28 academic year. Last week, our current Fellows were joined by Rotarians and academic staff to discuss the importance of the programme.

The global impact of the Rotary Peace Fellowship at the University of Bradford has been celebrated as the prestigious scheme looks to recruit future scholars.

18/03/2026

This weekend, our Peace Fellows took part in the Department of Peace Studies and International Development annual International Crisis Response and Diplomacy Game. Taking on roles as representatives of organisations, countries, and media at a Special International Conference: "Promoting Peace, Security and Development in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Regions."

This practical exercise strengthens their skills and deepens their understanding of the importance of communication, multilateral discussions, and negotiation. They were also joined by Wisdom Addo, Director of PeaceJam Africa, who joined PSID academic staff as part of the organising committee. Well done to everyone involved!

02/03/2026

Do's and Dont's for a Rotary Peace Fellowship Application -
Class 22 Rotary Peace Fellow, Sharmin Shakila, has written a useful blog post sharing helpful tips to strengthen your application (as well as mistakes to avoid). Read Sharmin's blog here -

https://rotaryserviceblog.org/2025/04/14/dos-and-donts-for-a-rotary-peace-fellowship-application/

The application deadline is 15 May. To learn more and start and application, visit https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships

02/02/2026

Applications are now open! 📣

The Rotary Peace Fellowship application for fully funded 2027 fellowships is now available for both master’s degree and advanced professional development certificate programs. The application deadline is 15 May.

Dedicated peace and development leaders can learn more and start an application ➡️ https://on.rotary.org/3J6sYLP