International peace experts from across the globe met in Bradford over the weekend to discuss how a unique scheme is helping to promote world understanding.

The Bradford Peace Conference was held at the University of Bradford to promote the work done for world peace and conflict resolution through the Rotary Peace Scholarship Pro- gramme.

Guests from as far away as Pakistan attended to discuss field experiences, humanitarian aid and peace building, as well as practical tips for international missions.

A total of 21 Rotary World Peace Fellows, including a dozen from the University of Bradford, were joined by 160 Rotarians from all parts of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland for the two-day event.

Chris Bown, host area committee member, said: “Each year, up to 60 Rotary World Peace Fellowships are offered on a competitive basis at six Rotary Peace Centres around the globe, which operate in partnership with seven leading universities.

“Many past fellows have gone on to work in areas of conflict on the frontline and several have gone on to work with agencies such as the United Nations and the Red Cross.

“All the Fellows have worked so hard to reach this point in their studies and we wish them every success on their chosen career path.”

The annual Rotary Peace Conference explores practices and possibilities for peace through presentations and workshops on crucial current events.

The Rotary Centre for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution is located at the university’s Department of Peace Studies.

It is one of six centres established around the world in 2002, and the only one in Britain.

Those attending the Bill Huntley Memorial Seminar heard from guest speakers including Gabrielle Rifkind, a human security consultant who has worked extensively in the Middle East and is currently working on creating a dialogue between the US, Israel and Iran, and Francesca del Mese, a barrister who specialises in criminal and human rights cases.

The fellowships are fully funded to pay fees, living and travel expenses as well as a three-month field experience.

About a dozen fellows are normally awarded for tenure at the University of Bradford.