5 reasons you need to be at the 1st-ever International Peace Conference in Bham—May 4-6

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International Peace Conference
Come see Rev. Becca Stephens, founder of Thistle Farms, and many others speak (International Peace Conference)

This spring, Birmingham will welcome people from across the state and the globe as it hosts the 2023 International Peace Conference, May 4-6 at The BJCC. Here are five reasons you don’t want to miss it.

1. You can hear from over 80 internationally-renowned speakers

(l-r) Jennifer Jones, President, Rotary International (Canada); Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO, The King Center (US); Steve Killelea, Founder + CEO, Institute for Economics & Peace (Australia); Lucy Waimiru Mukuria, Psychologist + Radio Personality, Founder, True North Society (Kenya)these are just a few of the incredible speakers who will be in town for the conference

World experts will address issues ranging from human trafficking, violence in neighborhoods and schools, race relations, empowerment of women and many more.

By coming to the International Peace Conference, you’ll be able to hear their insights into these critical areas and come away with ideas for how you can take action.

2. Conference Pillars mean there’s something for everyone

International Peace Conference
Bringing attention to local + international needs (International Peace Conference)

With a robust program, you’ll develop new connections while gaining understanding, strategies and motivation on issues ranging from the hyper-local to the global.

Each pillar has been carefully curated to involve engaging speakers with boots-on-the-ground experience:

  • Individual Peace—creating peace within ourselves, even in the face of obstacles
  • Peace at Home + In Families—strengthening + supporting families, improving parenting
  • Peace + Peace Education in Schools—reducing violence, bullying, absenteeism + dropout rates
  • Promoting Peaceful Communities + Reducing Violence—addressing + reducing violence + and the underlying problems that lead to community stress
  • Addressing + Preventing Human Trafficking—preventing and combating trafficking + rehabilitating survivors
  • The Continuing Quest for Racial Justice and Equity—learning from Black Americans’ progress + challenges toward achieving equal opportunity + peace for the Black community
  • Empowerment of Women + Girls—supporting + encouraging girls + women as they strive for peace and justice in all aspects of life, domestically + internationally
  • International Peace—reducing violence at the international level + in countries torn by conflict

Know you want to go? Get your ticket now.

3. You can interact with over 40 Rotary Peace Fellows

Rotary Peace Fellows
Rotary Peace Fellows at the University of Queensland (Rotary Peace Centers / Facebook)

Since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,800 fellows who now work in over 140 countries.

Many serve as leaders in governments; non-governmental organizations (NGOs); education and research institutions; peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies; and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.

4. It’s an opportunity to earn state-approved continuing education credits

International Peace Conference
Empowerment of women and girls is one of the many topics speakers will address (International Peace Conference)

Continuing Education (CE) credits are available for lawyers, educators, law enforcement, nurses, and social workers.

NOTE: The number of CE units/credits will vary based on state approval for each discipline.

5. You can tailor your experience to fit your time, interests + budget

Vulcan, BJCC
The BJCC is where the conference will take place. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Whether you’re able to attend a single event or the whole weekend, there are a number of ticket options:

  • Full Conference—includes entry into the opening reception, breakout sessions and general sessions:
    • Full price: $195
    • Rotaract / College Student: $125—breakout + general sessions full conference
    • Continuing Education: $495—opening reception, breakout + general sessions; provides state-approved Continuing Education (CE) credits for lawyers, educators, law enforcement, nurses + social workers. NOTE: number of CE units/ credits will vary based on state approval for each discipline.
  • One-Day Passes: $125
    • Friday, May 5—breakout + general sessions
    • Saturday, May 6—breakout + general sessions
    • Rotaract / College Student: $75
  • Get Tickets

Special dinner featuring Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda

Archbishop Laurent Mbanda
Archbishop Laurent Mbanda in Kampala, Uganda. (Anglican Church in North America)

Tickets for the special dinner featuring Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda are sold separately from the conference passes.


Official hosts of the 2023 International Peace Conference are Rotary International, The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and The Institute for Human Rights at UAB. Check out the complete list of International Peace Conference speakers and sponsors.

Make plans now to attend the 2023 International Peace Conference: get your ticket | apply to be a vendor | volunteer. Follow on social: Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn.

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Sharron Swain
Sharron Swain

Writer, Interviewer + Adventurer | Telling stories to make a difference

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