Multilateralism in Action: Marking the 76th International Day of UN Peacekeepers

International Day of UN Peacekeepers

Over 70,000 UN peacekeepers serve in 11 missions around the globe today. They provide life-saving services such as upholding ceasefires, clearing land mines, and protecting civilians from violence in conflict-affected areas. The International Day of UN Peacekeepers, on 29 May, pays tribute to the honourable service and sacrifice of peacekeepers and the communities they serve. To mark the 76th International Day of UN Peacekeepers, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, shares his perspectives on peacekeeping today and tomorrow in our latest UN Agora Blog post.  

Workshop: Beyond the SIDS4 Conference

Partnerships for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure in the Pacific

During the 4th International Conference on SIDS (SIDS4) from 27-30 May 2024, SIDS adopted a 10-year agenda calling for action-oriented efforts to create a resilient and prosperous future. Leading up to the SIDS4, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Fiji to the United Nations and the EU Delegation to the United Nations convened a workshop on 21 May 2024 to explore partnership opportunities and innovative solutions to enhance and maintain climate-resilient infrastructure in Pacific Island Countries. The event provided a platform for Member States, representatives of the UN system, think tanks and academia to share their experiences in climate-resilient infrastructure while addressing how the international community can facilitate multi-stakeholder partnerships on the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Recent Developments, Pending Challenges & Outlook

A Conversation with High Representative Christian Schmidt

Nearly 30 years after the landmark Dayton Agreement, Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to face ongoing political instability, ethnic tensions, separatist rhetoric and actions, and systemic corruption, among other challenges. As the country approaches its third decade under the peace agreement, unity remains an elusive prospect, prompting much reflection and re-evaluation from the international community as to Dayton’s complex legacy.

UN-Zukunftsgipfel

Ernüchterung statt Aufbruchsstimmung

Das multilaterale System mit den Vereinten Nationen im Zentrum befindet sich in einer Vertrauenskrise. Eine tiefgreifende Reform ist notwendig, jedoch stehen die Chancen in einer zunehmend polarisierten Weltordnung schlecht. Deutschland kommt in der Vorbereitung des UN-Zukunftsgipfels eine besondere Rolle zu.

Transitional Justice in the 21st Century:

Rethinking Justice through Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace

The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz; JEP, by its Spanish acronym) emerged from the Final Peace Agreement signed between Colombia’s Government and the foreign guerrilla FARC-EP on November 24, 2016. JEP is the judicial component of the Comprehensive System for Peace responsible for administering restorative transi¬tional justice, fostering transformation towards peace and repairing social structures, and ensuring the victim’s rights and legal security of those appearing before this tribunal. Its operation focuses on territorial, differential, and gender perspectives.

Regulating the Role and Involvement of Offensive Proxy Actors in Cyberconflict

In a rapidly evolving and expanding cyber threat landscape, the proliferation of offensive cyber proxies is raising the stakes and carries significant security implications for nation states, businesses, and individuals. Regulating their role and involvement in cyberconflict presents a set of pressing and unprecedented challenges for the international community.

The Road to Koblenz:

Pathways for international justice through the exercise of universal jurisdiction in Germany

In February 2021, for example, the Koblenz Higher Regional Court sentenced Eyad A to four and a half years in prison, followed by Anwar R’s conviction two years later in January 2022. These rulings represented an unprecedented state action against impunity for brutalities committed under the Bashar al-Assad regime. What accounts for such prosecutorial and judicial assertiveness in Germany? Under what conditions is this litigation and prosecution possible before German courts?

In conversation with Dr. Randy Rydell

International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness

The International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness seeks to promote better awareness and understanding of disarmament issues among the public, especially young people. As the United Nations notes, the goals of multilateral disarmament and arms limitation have been central to the UN’s efforts to maintain international peace and security.

Summit of the Future: Advancing African Perspectives for a Networked and Inclusive Multilateralism

On February 1, 2024 the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) Office in New York and International Peace Institute (IPI) convened a conference in Addis Ababa on the "Summit of the Future: Advancing African Perspectives for a Networked and Inclusive Multilateralism," providing a platform for the diplomatic community, representatives of international and regional organizations, and members of civil society in Africa to reflect on the continent's priorities for the Pact of the Future and opportunities for collective action.

Expert Discussion on the Deteriorating Security Situation in West Africa

Assessing the Region’s Escalating Terrorism Threat

Representatives of the UN system, UN Member States, and think tanks gathered to exchange views on the rapidly degrading security situation in West Africa and escalating threat posed by al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS) affiliates in the region.