History of the Peace Conference
PDG Garbis Der-Yeghian from D5300 founded the Peace Conference in 1990. He served as Chair of the event for the first 31 years and brought speakers from all over the world to the event. His goal was to highlight Rotary's principle of promoting peace through understanding.
Born and raised in Beruit, Lebanon, Garbis learned first hand about the terrible consequences of conflict. He dedicated himself to the service of others. He received his Bachelor's degree at age 17 and began teaching elementary and high school students. At 22, he was a high school principal in Lebanon. He joined the Rotary Club of La Verne in 1981, was President of the Club in 1984-85 and went on to be Governor of D5300 in 1999-2000. Garbis delivered more than 1,500 speeches to Rotary clubs throughout the world and initiated numerous new programs promoting international understanding. We lost Garbis in 2021.
D5300 created the Garbis Der-Yeghian Memorial Endowment for Peace which is used today to support a broad range of peace related programs. D5300 continues to carry on the Peace Conference to honor PDG Garbis. In 2022-23, D5330 joined this effort helping to support and sponsor this event to make it a multi-district project.
History of Peacemaker of the Year Award
An added element to the Garbis Der-Yeghian Peace Conference has been the addition of the Peacemaker of the Year Award. This was added after the 10th Anniversary of the Peace Conference. This coveted prize is awarded each year at the Peace Conference to a person the Committee has selected whose character and actions exemplify peace building and understanding. Last year's recipient was PDG Rudy Westervelt. January 24th, 2026, the next recipient will be introduced.
Keynote Speaker for 2025 Peace Conference
We will be announcing soon the keynote speaker for this year's Conference
2026 Art for Peace Contest
*Cash Prizes*
2526 Rotary Art for Peace Rules and Registration
Questions: Email Denise Wadsworth denise.wadsworthslp@gmail.com
The Garbis Der-Yeghian Memorial Endowment for Peace
With the passing of PDG Garbis Der-Yeghian in January 2021 due to complication of COVID-19, an endowment has been established to carry on his legacy as a Rotarian of action and international peace builder. This endowment will be used to support a broad range of peace-related programs, including peace building/conflict resolution efforts here and abroad, scholarships, exchange programs, and contests such as Art for Peace. It will have an impact on District 5300’s students, Interactors, Rotaractors and Rotarians both here in our district and around the world.
To know more about PDG Garbis Der Yeghian, CLICK here.
To view or download a copy of the Endowment brochure, CLICK here