12 May 2025 (9.00–16.30)

Location: Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), Berlin (in person)

Aim: discuss key issues for the future of peace operations alongside the Peacekeeping Ministerial (PKM)

Participants: expert community and policy makers working on substantive issues related to the future of peace operations. Open to all members of the Global Alliance for Peace Operations, GFFO, GMOD, UN DPO (and other UN) and selected PKM participants.

08:30 – 09:00

Registration / Tea / Coffee

09:00 – 09:30

Welcome & Icebreaker

Dr. Astrid Irrgang, Executive Director, Center for International Peace Operations

Introductory Remarks

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations (TBC)



09:30 – 10:15


State of the World

Which of the current global shifts have the greatest impact on multilateral efforts to prevent, manage and resolve crises? Is it possible to identify new parameters for peace operations or will we have to navigate continuous upheaval? Who and where are the champions for peace and collective action?

Speakers:
Jenna Russo, International Peace Institute
Seif Kandeel, Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
Daniel Forti, international Crisis Group

Comments:
Alexander Marschik, Austrian Ambassador to Germany

Moderator:
Solomon Dersso, Amani Africa

10:15 – 10:30

Tea / Coffee Break


10:30 – 12:00


Future of Peace Operations

How to revitalise legitimacy and credibility in peace operations? Where is the political and strategic space in turbulent times? What role for rights and values? How to manage financial shortfalls and make the best use of available resources? Can modular approaches deliver adaptability and integration? What new roles will emerge for peace operations, especially in the face of hybrid threats? What does this mean for leadership?

Speakers:
Annika Hilding Norberg, Geneva Centre for Security Policy
Dawit Yohannes, Institute for Security Studies
Manuel Fröhlich, Trier University

Comments: TBD

Moderator:
Annika Hansen, Center for International Peace Operations

12:00 – 13:00

Lunch


13:00 – 14:30


Future of Protection:

How to foster abroad understanding of protection as a cross-cutting issue? Which protection strategies, including unarmed protection, have proven effective? Where are the entry points for localised approaches? How is the concept evolving and what does this mean for the role of UN peace operations? Who are new protection partners? How to protect the most vulnerable: addressing rising levels of conflict-related sexual violence and protecting children? How can accountability for protection outcomes be ensured?

Speakers:
Imane Karimou, Nonviolent Peaceforce
Wendy MacClinchy, Centre for Civiliansin Conflict
Evan Cinq-Mars, UN Department of Peace Operations

Comments:
Lisa Sharland, Stimson Center

Moderator:
Joachim Koops, Global Governance Institute

14:30 – 15:00

Tea / Coffee Break


16:50 – 17:00


Future of Peacebuilding

How to anchor peacebuilding as a system-wide responsibility? How to integrate peace operations more fully in a wider peacebuilding agenda? Can peacebuilding serve as the organising principle for the international presence? How can peacebuilding promote continuity and sustainability, especially in the context of transitions?

Speakers:
Cedric de Coning, Norwegian Foreign Policy Institute
Mark Shaw, Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime
Sarah von Billerbeck, University of Reading

Comments:
Judith Vorrath, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik

Moderator:
Wibke Hansen, Center for International Peace Operations


16:15 – 16:30


Closing

Wheredo we go from here? How can we use the Global Alliance for Peace Operations to share knowledge and generate ideas in support of ongoing policy processes?

Speaker: TBD

Moderator: TBD


18:00 – 21:00

Film Screening: "Doves in Zero Gravity"

Documentary film on MINUSMA followed by panel discussion with film director and peacekeeping experts

Panel:
Christophe Gargot, Director
Bert Koenders, SRSG MINUSMA 2013-2014, Richard von Weizsäcker Fellow, Robert Bosch Academy (TBC)

Emma Birikorang, Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Training Centre Arthur Boutellis,

Location: TBC