The Rotary Foundation has selected its fourth group of professionals to study peace-building and conflict resolution in its three-month program in Thailand. Participants are chosen twice a year in a global competition based on their professional and academic achievements.

Started in 2006, the Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok is aimed at mid- and upper-level professionals who work in academic institutions, governments, nongovernmental organizations, media outlets, private corporations, and other settings that require a working knowledge of conflict resolution and mediation.

The 23 newly selected participants hail from 14 countries and will begin the program in January. They include a logistics operations assistant for the United Nations peace-keeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a manager of a nongovernmental organization in Australia, and a journalist working in Kashmir. Upon graduation, they’ll earn certificates in peace and conflict studies from the university. Participants, who receive financial aid from the Foundation, often find that their new skills help them advance in their careers.

Individuals interested in future sessions should contact their local Rotary clubs or e-mail bangkok.peacestudies@rotary.org for more information. Applications are being accepted for the July 2008 session and beyond.

Courtesy of Rotary.org Click to Open Web Page