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 April 22, USIP hosted members of the Afghan government’s negotiating team for an online discussion on recent developments, the challenges of getting intra-Afghan negotiations underway, and how the country can move closer to a political settlement for the decades-long conflict.
On April 14, USIP hosted an online discussion with experts on the latest information regarding the COVID-19 situation in North Korea, the impact of COVID-19 on North Korea’s isolation vis-à-vis the international sanctions regime, the potential for instability in North Korean society, and the potential for sanctions relief to aid coronavirus response efforts.
USIP hosted a panel of former U.S. government senior officials as they discussed the significance of the reported agreement, the potential for a sustainable and inclusive peace process, and what this latest development means for bringing an end to the eighteen-year war in Afghanistan.
Amid concerns about the North Korean nuclear threat and the dashed hopes for a breakthrough in U.S.-North Korea negotiations, the health and human rights of arguably the most vulnerable victims of the ongoing humanitarian crisis—North Korean children—have been overlooked.
On January 28, USIP and ArtLords founders Omaid Sharifi and Kabir Mokamel held a conversation on Afghan art, music, and culture and the important role they play in uniting Afghans during this pivotal but uncertain moment in the peace process. Sharifi and Mokamel were joined by artist and activist Hamidullah Natiq for a discussion of their art, activism, and peace.
USIP, in partnership with the Sejong Institute and the South Korean Ministry of Unification, hosted a discussion with experts and practitioners from the United States and South Korea on the challenges and prospects of denuclearization, a peace regime, and a peace economy for the Korean Peninsula—as well as featured keynote remarks from the South Korean Minister of Unification Yeon-chul Kim.
To explore the importance of Afghan women in building a sustainable peace process, H.E. First Lady Rula Ghani will join USIP for a timely discussion on her role in the Afghan Women’s National Consensus for Peace (Ejma-e-Mili), as well as other current events on peace, security, and governance in Afghanistan. Following a keynote address by the First Lady will be a moderated question and answer session.
On September 18, USIP and SIGAR held the official launch of “Reintegration of Ex-Combatants: Lessons from the U.S. Experience in Afghanistan.” The event included a keynote address by Special Inspector General John Sopko, followed by a panel discussion on the report’s findings and recommendations—both for the ongoing insurgency and for a post-settlement Afghanistan.
While all parties take stock of the new situation and determine the best way forward to achieve stability in Afghanistan and the region, USIP brought together a distinguished panel of experts to assess where the peace process stands and identify possibilities for sustainable talks in the future.
Immediately following his meeting with President Trump, the U.S. Institute of Peace hosted Prime Minister Khan to speak directly on developments in Pakistan and the U.S.-Pakistan relationship at this critical time.