World Understanding and Peace Day occurs annually on February 23. This day commemorates the first Rotary meeting that was held. The chain of events that led to the formation of Rotary International began with this meeting of businessmen, which was intended to be an environment in which their backgrounds did not matter. Rotary International, a global organisation dedicated to humanitarian service, peace, and goodwill, was founded in Chicago, United States. The date of the first meeting is now World Understanding and Peace Day, which is celebrated in February as part of World Understanding Month.
The background of World Understanding and Peace Day
World Understanding and Peace Day commemorates the initial gathering that led to the establishment of Rotary International. In Chicago, attorney Paul P. Harris called a meeting of his business acquaintances. He intended to establish a network of businessmen free from the constraints of politics and religion. Initially, Rotary members met in each other’s offices, until the organisation grew large enough to require its own space. Rotary Clubs were then established in four additional American cities, and as the organisation expanded internationally, it was renamed the International Association of Rotary Clubs. The name was changed to Rotary International as time passed.
Since the United Nations Organization was founded, the organisation has collaborated with it. Rotary International is a service organisation that brings together businessmen and professionals in order for them to provide humanitarian service and work towards the goals of goodwill and world peace. It focuses on disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, and peace and conflict prevention and resolution.
As part of its commitment to peace, Rotary International has established eight Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution. Additionally, Rotary Fellowships offer grants to study at these Centers. Each year, 75 scholars are selected for the Rotary Peace and Conflict Resolution Program, which is a graduate-level studies programme.
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Rotary International collaborates closely with the United Nations to advance peacebuilding efforts, and the organisation has consultant status with the U.N.
With the outbreak of war, Rotary Clubs were dissolved throughout Europe, beginning with the Spanish Civil War.
The Nazi party initially banned Rotary, and then the organisation was forced to ban Jews.
Globally immunising billions of children, the PolioPlus programme is one of Rotary’s most significant contributions.
Fellowships are available for the study of peace and conflict resolution at the Rotary Peace Centers, which are partnerships between Rotary and universities that promote peace studies.
WORLD UNDERSTANDING AND PEACE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 23 | Thursday |
| 2024 | February 23 | Friday |
| 2025 | February 23 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 23 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 23 | Tuesday |