Balkan Peace Initiative 29 March 2014, Istanbul Vocational Activities for Peace in the Balkans Kalcho Hinov, PDG D 2482, Bulgaria

SOUTH-EAST ASIA BILLION PEOPLE DECLARED POLIO-FREE Dear friends, First, congratulations to South-East Asia! On March 27, 2014, Global Polio Eradication Initiative declared 11 countries in the region certified FREE OF POLIO! Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People’s Republic Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste home to 1.8 billion people.

 Peace and understanding is an important goal for Rotary.  Where do we start? At home.

 Sometimes problems become overpowering.  If we have common problems why don’t we try to work for solutions together?

 Vocational cooperation. Are Rotarians business people? Yes, we are. Helping improve business opportunities, creating positive connections between people, we help peace and understanding in our countries and in our region.  Peace is Possible.  Rotarians can go where governments cannot.

 Our ethical standards in work and in life THE FOUR-WAY TEST of the things we think, say or do: 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? THE ROTARY CODE OF CONDUCT As a Rotarian, I will 1. Exemplify the core value of integrity in all behaviors and activities. 2. Use my vocational experience and talents to serve in Rotary. 3. Conduct all of my personal, business, and professional affairs ethically, encouraging and fostering high ethical standards as an example to others. 4. Be fair in all dealings with others and treat them with the respect due to them as fellow human beings. 5. Promote recognition and respect for all occupations which are useful to society. 6. Offer my vocational talents: to provide opportunities for young people, to work for the relief of the special needs of others, and to improve the quality of life in my community. 7. Honor the trust that Rotary and fellow Rotarians provide and not do anything that will bring disfavor or reflect adversely on Rotary or fellow Rotarians. 8. Not seek from a fellow Rotarian a privilege or advantage not normally accorded others in a business or professional relationship.

 Share professional skills and business expertise.  Build up on the fellowship and trust between Rotarians.

Three stories.  Story 1. Year 1908, USA.

 Story 2. Year 2013, Germany.

 Story 3. Years , Bulgaria

 Start the ball rolling.  Peace, understanding and friendship between the peoples in the Balkans.  Engage Rotary, Change Lives.

My dream! Balkans without borders!