Among cross-cutting issues such as climate change and poverty, the world is facing a rising tide of protectionism, isolationism, and conflict. This trend, combined with new geopolitical tensions, threatens decades of international development cooperation and diplomacy for peace.
In response to this new challenge, how is the United Nations re-focusing efforts to strengthen multilateralism and spotlight the importance of peacebuilding – which aims at preventing the outbreak, escalation, recurrence, or continuation of conflict? How might peacebuilding prevent violent conflict while also supporting long-term development goals? And importantly, how can Japan help promote peacebuilding initiatives, especially when it becomes a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2023?
Ms Spehar will join UNU Rector David Malone to explore these questions with reference to the UN Peacebuilding Architecture, Our Common Agenda, and the New Agenda for Peace.
The UNU Conversation Series aims to foster audience participation; you are encouraged to engage with the speakers during the conversation and at the reception that will follow, where all audience members are invited to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks while exchanging ideas and making new contacts.
Please note that this event will be in English. Advance registration (by 8 November) is required. Please click on the REGISTER button above to access the online registration page.
About the speaker
Ms Elizabeth Spehar has more than 35 years of experience in international and political affairs, having worked at United Nations Headquarters and in the field leading political, development, peacebuilding, and conflict prevention initiatives. Before joining the United Nations, Ms Spehar was a senior official with the Organization of American States (OAS) for more than 12 years, working to promote democracy and develop the organization’s dialogue and conflict resolution instruments.
