As a national, nonpartisan, independent Institute, the U.S. Institute of Peace draws on our exceptional convening power to create opportunities for diverse audiences to exchange knowledge, experiences, and ideas necessary for creative solutions to difficult challenges. We serve as an important, neutral platform for bringing together government and nongovernment, diplomacy, security, and development actors, and participants across political views. The Institute’s events help shape public policy and priorities to advance peaceful solutions to conflict and strengthen international security.
On International Religious Freedom Day, USIP hosted a conversation with Rashad Hussain, the U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, on why promoting freedom of religion and belief around the world is central to advancing U.S. national security — as well as how the United States can provide global leadership around this vital agenda.
On October 26, USIP, the RESOLVE Network and the Mershon Center for International Security Studies hosted a conversation on the role of rituals, traditions, and transformational processes in the wake of violence and their ability to transform societal relationships in significant ways. This discussion was part of the seventh annual RESOLVE Global Forum Series.
On October 13, USIP, the Washington Office on Latin America, Colombia’s National University and the Atlantic Council hosted the launch of “The Witness,” featuring reflections from Abad and Sáez on the human toll of armed conflict, the deep scars that violence creates on the environment, the resilience of victims, and the voices for peace. A reception followed the conversation.
The consequences of Putin’s war against Ukraine continue to reverberate throughout Europe, challenging the rules-based international order for maintaining peace and security. While Putin had been aggressive in pursuit of his territorial ambitions in the past, the brazenness of Russia’s invasion last February made it clear that his pattern of escalation posed a major threat to peace throughout Europe.
On September 28, USIP and the RESOLVE Network hosted a virtual conversation as part of the seventh annual RESOLVE Global Forum Series. The discussion examined the complex interactions between armed groups, civilians, state actors and international security — as well as how members disengage from CBAGs and reconcile with their local communities.
Over this two-day event, youth leaders shared their experiences and challenges building peace in their communities and heard from His Holiness, who reflected on their struggles against violence, prejudice and extremism while providing inspiration to help these leaders maintain inner strength in their pursuit of peace amid violent conflict in their countries.
On September 20, USIP hosted a discussion of Russia’s crimes in Ukraine and whether they amount to genocide. The conversation featured newly appointed Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin on his first official trip to Washington, as well as experts on atrocity crimes.
On September 19, USIP hosted a discussion of U.S. policy in the Western Hemisphere with National Security Council Senior Director Juan Gonzalez. The conversation looked at the administration’s mid-term assessment of hemispheric relations amid the backdrop of the recent election in Colombia, the ongoing crises in Haiti and Venezuela, stiffening relations with Mexico, Central America’s challenges, and the general expressions of discontent among the hemisphere’s citizens.
On August 4, USIP hosted the first event in our new series, YouthTalks. Organized by the USIP Youth Advisory Council, YouthTalks facilitates conversations between youth peacebuilders from conflict affected regions on key issues related to peace and security.
Religious restrictions and hostilities around the world have risen steadily over the past few decades, reaching an all-time high in 2018 — a trend that has only worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic. Against this backdrop, USIP collaborated with USAID’s Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships to critically examine the causes and consequences of freedom of religion or belief violations and search for solutions.