The United Nations was created to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war” following two devastating global conflicts. Yet, today, in the face of hardening geopolitical rivalries, as well as legitimacy and liquidity crises, the UN finds itself increasingly sidelined in its response to ongoing threats to international peace and security. One of the UN’s primary peace and security tools — UN peacekeeping — has faced significant challenges due to financial cuts and inconsistent political support. The Trump Administration has focused on getting the UN to go “back to basics” in alignment with its core mission of peace and security, however at the same time it has been cutting many of the resources needed to do so. Given the central importance of U.S. leadership to these tools, these shifts have raised fundamental questions about the UN’s future relevance in preventing and solving conflicts, building peace, and keeping peace in the emerging era.
This event featured a moderated conversation between Richard Gowan, Program Director, Global Issues and Institutions at the International Crisis Group and Lisa Sharland, Senior Fellow and Director, Protecting Civilians and Human Security at the Stimson Center.
The Alliance for Peacebuilding (AfP) is a global network of over 200 organizations dedicated to ending violent conflict and building sustainable peace across 181 countries. AFP aims to amplify the voices of peacebuilders worldwide and tackle complex issues that no single organization can address alone. Their vision is to advance sustainable peace and security globally, employing a systems approach that connects various sectors working towards peace, including development, education, and the arts.