Rotary Club La Valette Represents Malta at the 2025 Rotary Presidential Peace Conference

Rotary Club La Valette is proud to announce that Maria-Gabriele Doublesin, serving as the Club’s Delegate, took part as a Panel Speaker at the 2025 Rotary Presidential Peace Conference, held in Istanbul under the leadership of Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick.

With the theme “Building Peace in a Polarised World,” the conference brought together Rotarians, peacebuilders, civic leaders, and scholars from around the globe to discuss pathways to sustainable peace amid cultural divisions, media disruption, and global change.

Rotary Leadership in Peacebuilding

Doublesin’s participation reflects both her commitment to Rotary and her extensive background in peace education and intercultural engagement.

Her experience includes:

• General Coordinator of the Executive Committee at the Peace Centre, Eindhoven University of Technology
• Collaboration with UNESCO’s “Peace through Education” programme (1997) led by Federico Mayor in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education
• Her ongoing work as an intercultural consultant and educator, focusing on diversity, social cohesion, and inclusive communication strategies

A Lens for Listening: Addressing Polarisation Through Dialogue

Speaking on the panel Peace in a Polarised World, Doublesin posed a thought-provoking question:

“When we listen to diverse stories, do we truly hear them—or see them through our cultural lens?”

She emphasised that personal histories, societal norms, and media narratives often shape genuine listening. To foster genuine understanding, individuals must first acknowledge the cultural filters that shape their perceptions.

Using Malta as a case study, she reflected on how its multicultural history and strategic location have shaped national identity—particularly through British and Italian influences, wartime experiences, EU membership, and recent migration shifts.

Understanding Ethnocentricity and Polarisation

A central theme of Doublesin’s speech was ethnocentricity, the unconscious tendency to interpret other cultures through the framework of one’s own. While this strengthens identity, it can also hinder meaningful dialogue if left unexamined.

She outlined key challenges in overcoming polarisation:

1. Cultural Identity and Change – Concerns over heritage preservation and integration frequently emerge in media discourse, shaping public perspectives.
2. Generational and Technological Gaps – Digital globalisation has altered how younger generations interact with culture, sometimes leading to misunderstandings across age groups.
3. Interpersonal Connection – True dialogue requires reflection on how personal and collective histories influence biases and perceptions.

Strategies for Peacebuilding

Doublesin offered actionable solutions for fostering sustainable peace:

• Intercultural Dialogue – Establishing inclusive spaces for diverse perspectives within schools, workplaces, and community forums
• Reflexivity & Interpathy – Encouraging cross-cultural empathy by acknowledging different worldviews and building deeper intellectual and emotional connections
• Media Literacy & Education – Addressing stereotypes and misinformation through structured learning in civic institutions

Rotary Club La Valette: Strengthening Malta’s Role in Peace Efforts

While Rotary Club La Valette has traditionally not focused on Peace and Conflict Prevention, Doublesin’s involvement in the Istanbul conference marked a significant milestone for Malta’s visibility within Rotary’s global peace dialogue.

Her presence exemplifies how individual leadership and professional expertise can complement Rotary’s seven areas of focus, even when not embedded in a club’s core programme.

President Stephanie Urchick commended all speakers, stating:
“Peacebuilding today requires not only goodwill, but the skill to understand, the courage to engage, and the heart to include.”

Doublesin’s contribution reflects these principles—helping Rotary strengthen its mission of Service Above Self and its dedication to peace, dialogue, and cultural understanding worldwide.