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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Rome:20250408T180000
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UID:348-1744135200-1744140600@rotarylavalette.org
SUMMARY:Rotary Club La Valette Invited by Rotary Estoi Palace to Speak on 4-Way Test as a Tool to Bridge Divides in a Polarised World
DESCRIPTION:Invited by outgoing President Vitor Rosao of Rotary Club Estoi Palace International\, Portugal\, Rotarian Maria-Gabriele Doublesin delivered a Zoom talk titled “Bridging Divides in a Polarised World”. This engagement followed her speaker role at the 2025 Rotary International Presidential Peace Conference in Istanbul\, and it deepened an ongoing conversation about how Rotary can act as a global force for peace\, ethics\, and dialogue. \nThe event brought together Portuguese Rotarians and international guests from Rotary Estoi Palace\, attendees from the Rotary Club of Malta\, and one member from the Rotary Club of La Valette\, Malta. It was a powerful reminder that despite differences in language\, culture\, and national context\, Rotary remains united by shared values. At the heart of my talk was a central question: Can the Rotary 4-Way Test be used as a practical tool to bridge divisions in today’s polarised world? \nTo explore this\, the session began with an interactive Polarisation Spectrum Exercise\, prompting participants to consider how much they believe the public understands polarisation and its impact. This simple exercise laid the foundation for deeper reflection on how societal narratives are formed\, challenged\, or reinforced. \nThe talk then unpacked the psychological and cultural roots of polarisation\, referring to: \nSocial Identity Theory\, which explains the “us vs. them” dynamic of in-groups and out-groups; \nConfirmation bias and motivated reasoning\, which filter information through personal belief systems\, as well as insights from evolutionary psychology\, shed light on our instinctive tribal behaviours and fear responses. \nToday\, these ancient instincts are amplified by digital media\, economic stress\, and declining trust in neutral institutions—creating echo chambers and furthering social fragmentation. Yet\, Rotary’s 4-Way Test\, developed as an ethical guide during the Great Depression\, remains an enduringly relevant tool in countering these forces. \n  \nEach element of the 4-Way Test was examined how it can serve as a peacebuilding tool: \n\nIs it the truth?\n\nIn a climate dominated by misinformation and media bias\, this principle challenges us to examine how we interpret facts and whether we truly listen across cultural and ideological lines. \n\nIs it fair to all concerned?\n\nPolarisation often marginalises voices. This question promotes inclusivity and equitable understanding across age\, race\, culture\, and belief systems. \n\nWill it build goodwill and better friendships?\n\nAt a time when outrage is monetised and division sells\, the idea of building goodwill reminds us that peace begins with empathy and human connection. \n\nWill it be beneficial to all concerned?\n\nThis final test challenges us to go beyond self-interest or group loyalty\, asking us to consider our broader impact on the community\, society\, and humanity. \n  \nIn the context of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus\, this approach strongly supports Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention while also touching on Education\, Community Development\, and Social Inclusion. It is especially critical when addressing intergenerational and cultural divides\, where younger digital-native generations and older tradition-rooted groups may perceive change very differently. \nMaria-Gabriele Doublesin states: “This event was more than just a speaking engagement—it was a profound affirmation of Rotary’s global ethos. It demonstrated the power of ethical reflection and intercultural engagement across national borders. By being invited to speak in Portugal\, shortly after addressing peacebuilders in Istanbul\, I was reminded that the 4-Way Test is not merely a slogan—it is a practical compass for navigating division.” \nWe live in an age where fear\, identity politics\, and cultural misunderstanding can easily fracture communities. But as Rotarians\, we are called to do the difficult work: to listen when it’s uncomfortable\, to reflect when it’s easier to react and to lead with ethics when the world encourages partisanship. \nEvents like this reinforce that Rotary is not just a network; it is a movement. In that movement\, the 4-Way Test stands as a quiet\, powerful tool to foster dialogue\, rebuild trust\, and promote peace in our shared world. \n  \nBanner exchange between Gabi Doublesin\, Rotary Club La Valette and Rotary Estoi Palace President Dr Vitor Rosao
URL:https://rotarylavalette.org/event/rotary-club-la-valette-invited-by-rotary-estoi-palace-to-speak-on-4-way-test-as-a-tool-to-bridge-divides-in-a-polarised-world/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rotarylavalette.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ESTOI-2.png
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Rome:20250221T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Rome:20250222T150000
DTSTAMP:20260526T055927
CREATED:20250615T090117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250615T090117Z
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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