Project
Strengthening Global Governance
Addressing global governance deficits with innovative solutions
About the Project
In the face of growing mass violence in fragile states, the threat of runway climate change, and fears of devastating cross-border economic shocks and cyber-attacks, the world needs a new kind of leadership, combined with new tools, networks, and institutions. Beginning with Albright-Gambari Commission on Global Security, Justice & Governance (2014-2015) and follow-on Just Security 2020 Program (2016-2020), the Stimson Center has worked to strengthen and innovate global governance, to ensure that neither justice nor security imperatives are neglected by critical international policy debates. Building on this foundation and as a contribution to the new Global Governance Innovation Network, the Stimson Center will continue to conduct pioneering research and present practical proposals for strengthening global governance to better respond to 21st century threats, challenges and opportunities.
Research & Writing
Commentary
As global challenges reshape the international order and cooperation erodes, the United Nations could elect its first female Secretary-General, bringing a fresh perspective to the organization after 80 years.
December 19, 2025
Press Release
September 30, 2025
Report
By offering concrete proposals for innovating global and regional governance to promote and safeguard justice in all its dimensions, this report gives Doha Forum participants and concerned citizens and governments worldwide the tools to chart a course toward a more just, more prosperous, and safer future for all.
September 16, 2025
Policy Memo
United Nations Member States must work closely with their Secretariat to fully leverage the “UN80 Initiative” to help create a more agile, cost-effective, and impactful UN system.
August 8, 2025
Commentary
How the upcoming BRICS and G20 Summits can reinforce global action on climate, inequality, and institutional reform.
July 3, 2025
Report
Creative approaches to advancing the Pact for the Future and revitalizing environmental governance through multilateral diplomacy and institutional innovation.
June 24, 2025
Op-Ed
The Pact for the Future can be a “proxy for the defense of reformed multilateralism” and help to counterbalance forces “seeking to dismantle the idea of cooperative global governance launched 80 years ago”
June 24, 2025
Project Note
Assessing and promoting implementation of the Pact for the Future and novel ideas for COP30 and other environmental policy fora.
June 3, 2025
Podcast Episode 🎧
A podcast hosted by Nudhara Yusuf and Daniel Perell where they talk with the people behind the scenes on the UN’s Summit of the Future
April 30, 2025
Commentary
Budgetary decisions over UN secretariat internship programs are under more pressure and strain at the United Nations than ever in history.
April 4, 2025
Podcast Episode 🎧
A podcast hosted by Nudhara Yusuf and Daniel Perell where they talk with the people behind the scenes on the UN’s Summit of the Future
January 22, 2025
Op-Ed
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said he will name an Envoy for Future Generations. Who could it be, who should it be, and why?
November 5, 2024
Commentary
Discussing whether the Pact for the Future reflects the priorities of civil society and how to ensure the inclusion of civil society in the UN’s future work.
October 1, 2024
Podcast Episode 🎧
A podcast hosted by Nudhara Yusuf and Daniel Perell where they talk with the people behind the scenes on the UN’s Summit of the Future
September 28, 2024
Chapter
This book chapter traces the evolution of this multilateral reform effort, and evolving theory of change, against its intense political backdrop.
September 22, 2024
Podcast Episode 🎧
A podcast hosted by Nudhara Yusuf and Daniel Perell where they talk with the people behind the scenes on the UN’s Summit of the Future
September 19, 2024
Commentary
The UN Summit of the Future offers a historic opportunity to adopt several far-reaching, high-impact global governance innovations in support of human security for all.
September 18, 2024
Report
By offering concrete proposals for innovating global and regional governance at the intersection of technology, sustainable development, and peace and security, this report gives Doha Forum participants and concerned citizens and governments worldwide the tools to chart a course toward a safer, more just, and more prosperous future for all.
September 17, 2024
Resource
Essential expert insights and what to expert ahead of UNGA and the Summit of the Future
September 9, 2024
Commentary
Civil society, business, and committed governments are essential to leveraging the Summit of the Future’s generational opportunity to renew and innovate our system of global governance.
September 9, 2024
Commentary
Nudhara Yusuf shares her perspective on the upcoming Summit of the Future and its impact on effective global governance in the 21st century
September 6, 2024
Commentary
As we are gearing up for the Summit of the Future, it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the multilateral system and civil society’s role in it.
September 6, 2024
Commentary
Considering the current actions in the Pact for the Future and Declaration on Future Generations through the lens of the intergenerational multiplier effect
September 5, 2024
Commentary
The UN’s Summit of the Future can help right-size aspirations and expectations on the Sustainable Development Goals.
September 5, 2024
Issue Brief
Outlining the need, mechanics, debates, and politics surrounding the United Nations’ proposed Emergency Platform tool.
September 5, 2024
Project Note
Announcing the upcoming launch of the 2024 edition of the Future of International Cooperation Report 2024.
August 27, 2024
Podcast Episode 🎧
A podcast hosted by Nudhara Yusuf and Daniel Perell where they talk with the people behind the scenes on the UN’s Summit of the Future
August 26, 2024
Issue Brief
The world needs a more coherent and effective way for managing global economic, social, and environmental governance.
August 26, 2024
Commentary
This podcast, aims to shine the spotlight on the people engaged with some of the most fascinating goings-on in our human world, from UN officials to storytellers, and from grassroots activists to social justice advocates.
August 21, 2024
Commentary
Marking International Youth Day on August 12, authors discuss the 2030 Youth Progress report and youth in multilateralism.
August 12, 2024
Commentary
Despite several intersections legally, politically, and normatively, Human Rights-based language continues to be left out of climate negotiations.
August 9, 2024
Commentary
‘Paths out of polycrisis’ looks at the intersecting global challenges confronting the UK – from wars and state threats to environmental emergency, waves of forced displacement and the crisis of democracy.
July 29, 2024
Op-Ed
The Summit of the Future represents both a milestone and another step in the long journey toward achieving human security for all
July 16, 2024
Commentary
Nudhara Yusuf, speaks about the viability of current multistakeholder efforts for the reform of the multilateral system.
July 3, 2024
Op-Ed
Although billed as comprehensive, President Biden’s three-part plan for Gaza is silent on the fundamental question: who will administer Gaza the day after?
June 25, 2024
Report
Introducing novel ideas to encourage more ambitious, forward-looking thinking and deliberation on global economic governance renewal and innovation.
June 17, 2024
Podcast Episode 🎧
A podcast hosted by Nudhara Yusuf and Daniel Perell where they talk with the people behind the scenes on the UN’s Summit of the Future
June 14, 2024
Project Note
The Global Governance Innovation Network prepares for the launch of its flagship report in 2024.
June 5, 2024
Op-Ed
Upcoming UN Summit aims to adopt crucial global governance changes, but follow-up efforts are essential for achieving commitments and goals worldwide.
May 10, 2024
Commentary
Conference co-chair and Stimson Center Scholar Nudhara Yusuf outlines what to expect — and what she’s most looking forward to — at the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference May 9-10 in Nairobi
May 3, 2024
Commentary
It is critical that the Nairobi civil society conference be impactful and innovative with an eye toward implementation and leadership.
April 26, 2024
Commentary
This year’s CSW outcome report fails to acknowledge the need to rethink institutions to mitigate the feminization of poverty and the unfavorable status of women
April 24, 2024
Issue Brief
Arguing that no further significant UN reforms are possible without amending the UN Charter and eliminating the right of the veto in the Security Council
April 12, 2024
Issue Brief
Demonstrating how international organizations, also outside the United Nations (UN) system, can progress and reach multilateral agreements with the UN Secretary General’s Our Common Agenda report (OCA).
April 11, 2024
Issue Brief
Discussing the effectiveness of international measures aimed at preventing corruption and money laundering.
April 10, 2024
Podcast Episode 🎧
A podcast hosted by Nudhara Yusuf and Daniel Perell where they talk with the people behind the scenes on the UN’s Summit of the Future
April 8, 2024
Project Note
Research Associate Nudhara Yusuf selected as Co-chair of the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Support of the Summit of the Future
March 14, 2024
Podcast Episode 🎧
A podcast hosted by Nudhara Yusuf and Daniel Perell where they talk with the people behind the scenes on the UN’s Summit of the Future
February 7, 2024
Commentary
CIVICUS spoke with Richard Ponzio, Director of the Global Governance, Security and Justice program about the deficits of the global governance system.
January 14, 2024
Op-Ed
Civil society, governments, and global leaders should collaborate to ensure the UN-Civil Society Conference and Summit of the Future make a meaningful impact at in people’s lives
January 8, 2024
Recent Publications
Sub-Projects
Events
Load More