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UID:318-1740146400-1740236400@rotarylavalette.org
SUMMARY:Rotary Club La Valette Represents Malta at the 2025 Rotary Presidential Peace Conference
DESCRIPTION: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. \nWith 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. \nRotary Leadership in Peacebuilding \nDoublesin’s participation reflects both her commitment to Rotary and her extensive background in peace education and intercultural engagement. \nHer experience includes: \n\nGeneral Coordinator of the Executive Committee at the Peace Centre\, Eindhoven University of Technology\nCollaboration with UNESCO’s “Peace through Education” programme (1997) led by Federico Mayor in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education \nHer ongoing work as an intercultural consultant and educator\, focusing on diversity\, social cohesion\, and inclusive communication strategies\n\nA Lens for Listening: Addressing Polarisation Through Dialogue \nSpeaking on the panel Peace in a Polarised World\, Doublesin posed a thought-provoking question: \n“When we listen to diverse stories\, do we truly hear them—or see them through our cultural lens?” \nShe 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. \nUsing 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. \nUnderstanding Ethnocentricity and Polarisation \nA 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. \nShe outlined key challenges in overcoming polarisation: \n\nCultural Identity and Change – Concerns over heritage preservation and integration frequently emerge in media discourse\, shaping public perspectives.\nGenerational and Technological Gaps – Digital globalisation has altered how younger generations interact with culture\, sometimes leading to misunderstandings across age groups.\nInterpersonal Connection – True dialogue requires reflection on how personal and collective histories influence biases and perceptions.\n\nStrategies for Peacebuilding \nDoublesin offered actionable solutions for fostering sustainable peace: \n\nIntercultural Dialogue – Establishing inclusive spaces for diverse perspectives within schools\, workplaces\, and community forums\nReflexivity & Interpathy – Encouraging cross-cultural empathy by acknowledging different worldviews and building deeper intellectual and emotional connections\nMedia Literacy & Education – Addressing stereotypes and misinformation through structured learning in civic institutions\n\nRotary Club La Valette: Strengthening Malta’s Role in Peace Efforts \nWhile 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. \nHer 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. \nPresident Stephanie Urchick commended all speakers\, stating:\n“Peacebuilding today requires not only goodwill\, but the skill to understand\, the courage to engage\, and the heart to include.” \nDoublesin’s contribution reflects these principles—helping Rotary strengthen its mission of Service Above Self and its dedication to peace\, dialogue\, and cultural understanding worldwide. \n  \nRCLV Delegate (second from left) speaks at 2025 RI Presidental Peace Conference Istanbul\n  \nDelegates attending the Breakout Room Session\n  \nMaria-Gabriele Doublesin delivering her talk during the breakout session\n  \nMaria-Gabriele Doublesin (seated) with American Rotarians
URL:https://rotarylavalette.org/event/rotary-club-la-valette-represents-malta-at-the-2025-rotary-presidential-peace-conference/
LOCATION:Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center\, Istanbul\, Turkey
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rotarylavalette.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Istanbul-1-landscape.jpg
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