Event Reports

Youth Participation in Multilateralism: Opportunities and Challenges

Discussion and Reception with UN Assistant Secretary-General Felipe Paullier

Youth are increasingly recognized as important actors to advocate for, participate in, and raise new issues in global governance. Despite UN initiatives to foster youth participation, there remains much work to be done to ensure their meaningful and effective engagement.

KAS-IOE Event: Advancing SDG 8 Through Multilateral Partnerships

Hybrid Breakfast Meeting on the occasion of the 2025 United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Partnership Forum

On the occasion of the 2025 United Nations ECOSOC Partnership Forum, the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) New York Office convened a hybrid breakfast meeting on, “Advancing SDG 8 Through Multilateral Partnerships”. The event facilitated an interactive multistakeholder dialogue on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), skills development and job creation, emphasizing the importance of multilateral partnerships with the UN, private sector, employers and civil society to foster sustainable economic development.

South Asia and Multilateralism: Challenges and Correctives

The mixed results of global and regional intergovernmental organizations in South Asia have left many skeptical of multilateral approaches to shared challenges. Moreover, political differences, economic disparities, and power asymmetries—among other factors—have hindered region-wide cooperation, as well as the region‘s ability to present a united front in multilateral fora. What can be done to ease South Asia's crisis of multilateralism?

Multilateral Approaches to Maritime Security Challenges in the Pacific Islands Region

Outlook and Opportunities for Partnership

On 9th December 2024, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) New York Office, in cooperation with the Permanent Missions of the Republic of Fiji, Greece and Australia to the United Nations, convened a working lunch to foster exchange between international experts and representatives of the UN system and Member States on current maritime challenges and identify multilateral approaches to maritime security in the Pacific Islands region.

Youth, Peace & Security with Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs

Discussion and Reception

The Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda introduced with the adoption of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2250 marked a milestone for the international community. The resolution underscored the growing recognition of young people’s essential role in peace and security. Yet significant challenges remain to live up to the promise of the YPS Agenda, including structural barriers limiting the participation of young people and their capacity to influence decision-making. According to UN estimates, one in four young people today are either living in, or are affected by, settings affected by armed conflicts and violence.

Collaboration between Resident Coordinators and Employer Federations to Achieve the SDGs

KAS-IOE Event

On 16 July, on the margins of the High-Level Political Forum, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) New York and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) convened an event to share best practices and promote collaboration between UN Resident Coordinators and employer federations collaboration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNGA Resolution on the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment

IOE-KAS Report

Following the adoption of Resolution A/76L.75 "the right to access a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a universal human right" by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the International Organisations of Employers (IOE) and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) developed a joint paper: “UNGA Resolution on the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment - Legal and Practical Considerations for Employers”. This paper elaborates on the new expectations from the UNGA resolution, including its legal and practical implications, and offers an outlook on the way forward for employers.

Innovation Horizon: Strengthening community-based primary healthcare in the digital age

Expert Discussion

On 11 June 2024, KAS New York held an expert discussion entitled, "Innovation Horizon: Strengthening community-based primary healthcare in the digital age". The event brought together the diverse experience of the United Nations system, Member States, the private sector and civil society to discuss the nexus between community-based primary healthcare and science, technology and innovation.

LAC of multilateral leadership?

How the Latin American and Caribbean region engages in the multilateral system, its current challenges and its untapped opportunities

The Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region stands at a critical moment for global governance. It has a rare opportunity to shape agendas of the G-20, the UN Summit of the Future, the Conference of the Parties (COPs) on climate and biodiversity, as well as the Fourth Conference on Financing for Development and the ECOSOC agenda. However, while the region stands at the epicenter of global debates, it does not live up to its full potential for exerting multilateral leadership. How can the region overcome this lack of multilateral leadership?

Key Priorities of the Foreign Policy of Greece in View of the Candidature to the UN Security Council 2025-2026

A Conversation with H.E. George Gerapetritis, Foreign Minister of the Hellenic Republic

Amid unprecedented global challenges and multiplying conflicts, the United Nations Security Council—as the primary organ tasked with maintaining peace and security worldwide—remains more critical than ever. However, widening geopolitical rifts, intensifying political polarization, and the misuse of veto power by its permanent members have paralyzed the Council, constricting its action on pressing issues. Non-permanent, or elected, members have a unique opportunity to positively impact and influence the Council’s work and dynamics.