The View from Baghdad: U.N. Special Representative Ad Melkert on Iraq’s Transition

In recent years, the United Nations has emerged as an indispensible actor in Iraq, implementing a broad mandate which includes political dialogue and national reconciliation, electoral support, regional dialogue and humanitarian relief and reconstruction. The U.N. assisted Iraqis in organizing the March 2010 national elections and subsequent recount and, earlier this month, signed the first U.N. Development Assistance Framework for the country since 2003. Since late 2007 the U.N. has also been advising Iraqi authorities on the sensitive issue of processes to address Kirkuk and other disputed internal boundaries in northern Iraq.

As the U.S. role in Iraq diminishes, the U.N. and other international partners will be looked at to take on even greater responsibility. USIP hosted a stimulating discussion on the U.N. role in Iraq, Iraq’s political process and ongoing government formation efforts, and what comes next.

Speakers

Ad Melkert
United Nations special representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq
Ambassador William Taylor, Moderator
Vice President, Center for Post-Conflict Peace and Stability Operations, U.S. Institute of Peace