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 December 3, USIP held a discussion with leading international experts and aid workers on the current economic and humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan, as well as how the U.S and international community can better assist Afghans at this time of significant need.
On July 28, USIP hosted U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield to reflect on the 70th anniversary of the Refugee Convention and its critical importance in the current global context. The discussion took stock of the global community’s efforts to protect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers under international refugee and humanitarian law and considered how the United States and its network of allies and partners can better protect those rights in a moment of profound global crisis and uncertainty.
On May 13, USIP hosted a panel of experts for a look at the complex social, political and economic factors fueling the current insurgency in Mozambique, as well as a discussion of potential avenues for intervention to increase peace and stability in Cabo Delgado.
On April 27, USIP held a discussion on the growing stress faced by urban centers in South Asia due to climate change. Experts discussed how megacities are contributing to environmental degradation and societal conflict, as well as addressed what policies might best combat these challenges and reflect on President Biden’s latest climate change summit.
On April 13, USIP and the Wilson Center hosted a timely discussion with experts on the linkages between climate and fragility, and how a more integrated approach to climate and fragility policies and responses can simultaneously strengthen resilience outcomes and minimize threats to peace and prosperity.
On April 6, USIP hosted a discussion that assessed the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Pakistani economy, explored the outlook for reforms, and surveyed how international investors, especially U.S. companies, view the Pakistani economy and investment prospects.
On February 23, USIP hosted a discussion about a new report published by the National Committee on North Korea and the broader implications of market participation on North Korean society. The report’s authors joined leading experts on the Korean Peninsula and civil society to discuss how market participation has fostered the beginnings of a public sphere and how linkages between market activities and the building blocks of civil society may help promote the rights and livelihoods of the North Korean people—and shift the ideological framework through which the state must operate.
On December 1, USIP held a virtual discussion on the future of water conflict and water diplomacy. Environmental peacebuilding experts and activists from Burma, India, and Pakistan discussed the strategies they use to mitigate water conflict risks in their countries, and examined insights from a new USIP report, “Water Conflict Pathways and Peacebuilding Strategies,” that may help develop early warning indicators for emerging water-based conflicts.
On October 13, USIP and Afrobarometer looked at Afrobarometer’s latest survey research and results, and discussed how the data can help guide U.S. government policy in Africa and provide key insights for policymakers on trends and potential threats to peace and security in Africa.
On September 25, USIP held an in-depth presentation and discussion of the World Bank’s new publication, “The Fallout of War: The Regional Consequences of the Conflict in Syria.” The panel included the report’s lead author as well as regional experts who provided insight on the economic and social effects that the Syrian conflict has had on its neighbors.