Kigali, Rwanda · 25–27 February 2027
Rotary Presidential
Peace Conference
One World, One Future: Bridging Divides, Building Peace
The Conference aims to provide a global platform to examine contemporary peace challenges, share practical experiences in peacebuilding, celebrate Rotary’s peace legacy and catalyze collaborative action towards a united future.
Purpose and Objectives
- Dates
- Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 February 2027
- Venue
- Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda
- Languages
- English, French and Sign Language
Executive Summary
One World,
One Future
Peace is a cornerstone of Rotary’s vision of unity and action to create lasting impact. Committed to strengthening its voice in the search for peace across the world, Rotary International is convening the 2027 Rotary Presidential Peace Conference in Kigali from 25 to 27 February 2027, under the patronage of President Olayinka Hakeem “Yinka” Babalola, Rotary International President for 2026–27.
The Conference is expected to bring together approximately 1,000 Rotarians, Rotaractors, Rotary Peace Fellows, public leaders, peace institutions, development partners, academics, civil society organizations and private-sector actors from Rwanda, Africa and across the world. It will provide a global platform to examine contemporary peace challenges, share practical experience, celebrate Rotary’s peace legacy and Rwanda’s reconciliation journey, and catalyze collaborative action.
Purpose and Objectives
Global peace
dialogue
Global peace dialogue
Convene delegates from diverse countries to examine contemporary peace challenges and co-create practical solutions.
Showcasing Rwanda’s model
Position Rwanda globally as a leader in conflict resolution, reconciliation and sustainable peacebuilding.
Fostering collaboration
Strengthen partnerships among Rotary, governments, civil society, academia, UN agencies, regional institutions and the private sector.
Youth as agents of peace
Engage young Rotarians, Rotaractors and other youth as next-generation peace advocates and innovation leaders.
Scaling up efforts
Federate Rotary’s efforts in peacebuilding and societal transformation.
Background and Strategic Rationale
Peace and
Inclusive Development
Rotary International has a longstanding commitment to peace and conflict resolution rooted in its founding principles. Since 1905, it has promoted goodwill, understanding and “Service Above Self.” Rotary played a historic role in the founding of the United Nations in 1945 and continues to invest in peace through Rotary Peace Centers, global grants, youth programs and humanitarian initiatives that address the root causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, weak institutions and limited dialogue. Its peace conferences have convened public officials, peacebuilders, scholars and community leaders to share practice, mobilize resources, build partnerships and advance locally grounded solutions.
Peace is therefore not only the absence of conflict, but a practical pathway to inclusion, livelihoods, youth engagement, community resilience and sustainable development. Rwanda’s hosting of the Conference offers a timely platform to demonstrate that there can be no lasting peace without inclusive development, and no sustainable development without peace.
Expected Outcomes
The Rotary Alliance
for Peace and
Inclusive Development
The Conference will culminate in the Kigali Declaration on Peace and Inclusive Development and the launch of the Rotary Alliance for Peace and Inclusive Development, a structured, Rotary-led platform for turning dialogue into measurable action. The Alliance will mobilize clubs, districts, peace institutions, youth leaders, community actors and development partners to design, coordinate, scale and monitor initiatives that advance positive peace, inclusive livelihoods, social cohesion, community resilience and sustainable development across Africa and the world.
Expected Outcomes