Events At Usip

On September 10, 2021, USIP reflected on how the tragic events of 9/11 have shaped the field of peacebuilding. USIP Board Chair and former National Security Advisor Stephen J. Hadley, USIP Vice Chair Ambassador George Moose and USIP President and CEO Lise Grande discussed how the field of peacebuilding has changed in the last 20 years — and how it should evolve to meet the challenges that will define the next two decades. Speakers Lise Grande President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace Stephen J. Hadley Chair, Board of Directors, U.S. Institute of Peace Ambassador George Moose Vice Chair, Board of Directors, U.S. Institute of Peace   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/twenty-years-after-911-how-peacebuilding-has-changed  

Conflict in northern Nigeria is once again on the rise. On September 9, USIP and Mercy Corps held a discussion about new research and evidence that examine the complex linkages between the political, economic and identity-based conflicts that are driving broader conflict in northern Nigeria — as well as the implications for policy and programmatic interventions. The conversation covered the multiple overlapping cleavages related to identity (including ethnicity and religion) and livelihood activities (such as farming and pastoralism) that continue to animate violence in the region. Speakers Oge Onubogu, moderator Director, West Africa Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace Kaltumi Abdulazeez   Program Officer, Community Initiative to Promote Peace (CIPP) Program, Interfaith Mediation Center   Jason Klocek Senior Researcher, Religion and Inclusive Societies, U.S. Institute of Peace Assistant Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, University of Nottingham Emmanuel Ogbudu  Monitoring, Evaluati

With escalating violence in Afghanistan, intensifying competition between the United States and China, limited hopes for rapprochement with India, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan’s neighborhood is evolving — and Pakistan’s national security approach will have to evolve with it. On August 5, USIP hosted a conversation with Pakistan’s National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf. The discussion looked at what these developments mean for Pakistan’s national security outlook towards its neighbors and its relationship with the United States, as well as how the pandemic impacts Pakistan’s security and economic policy. Speakers Lise Grande, opening remarks President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace Dr. Moeed Yusuf National Security Advisor, Islamic Republic of Pakistan Ambassador Richard Olson, moderator  Senior Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/pakistans-national-security-outlook  

North Korea’s unwillingness or hesitation to meet with the United States raises questions about North Korea’s motivations, fears and calculus — as well as whether Washington and Seoul’s best course of action is greater outreach, pressure or patience. On August 4, USIP and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea co-hosted a discussion on the current state of diplomacy with North Korea. Speakers Ki-jung Kim President, Institute of National Security Strategy  Joseph Yun Senior Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace Gee Dong Lee Senior Research Fellow, Institute of National Security Strategy  Moon-soo Yang Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor, University of North Korean Studies Hee-Seung Na Former President, Korea Railroad Research Institute Kathleen Stephens President and CEO, Korea Economic Institute of America Markus Garlauskas Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council Frank Aum, moderator Senior Expert, Northeast Asia, U.S. Institute of Peace   For more information about this event, please vi

The U.S. government will soon launch a Vietnamese Wartime Accounting Initiative following decades of Vietnamese cooperation to conduct the fullest possible accounting of missing U.S. personnel. To support this and other bilateral initiatives, USIP has established a new project that will promote greater dialogue both in and between the United States and Vietnam on war legacy issues and reconciliation. On August 3, USIP hosted a discussion with U.S. and Vietnamese officials on the Vietnamese Wartime Accounting Initiative and how it fits into broader efforts to overcome legacies of war. Speakers Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) U.S. Senator; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations  Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien Deputy Minister, Vietnam Ministry of National Defense Ha Kim Ngoc Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the United States Christopher Klein Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Vietnam Colonel Thomas Stevenson U.S. Defense Attaché, U.S. Embassy in Hanoi Ann Marie Yastisho

The Congressional Nuclear Security Working Group, co-chaired by Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL), is a bipartisan caucus dedicated to facilitating awareness and engagement on the urgent threats posed by the prospect of nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism. The caucus goals include strengthening nuclear safeguards, securing fissile material and preventing the misuse and spread of sensitive nuclear materials and technologies. On July 28, USIP hosted a conversation with Reps. Fortenberry and Foster to explore some of the key issues facing policymakers when it comes to nuclear nonproliferation, maintenance and modernization, and diplomacy in this era of strategic competition. Speakers Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) U.S. Representative from Nebraska @JeffFortenberry Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL) U.S. Representative from Illinois  @RepBillFoster Lise Grande, moderator President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/ev

Driven by violent conflict and insecurity, the world is facing a new displacement crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated displacement trends, pushing healthcare infrastructure to the brink and creating dire economic conditions as countries struggle to contain the virus. Meanwhile, climate change uprooted more than 30 million people—the highest figure in a decade. 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. Speakers Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Lise Grande President and CEO, U.S.

China-Venezuela relations were strong at the outset of the 21st Century, but there are indications that China may be growing dissatisfied with the status quo. These include failed infrastructure projects, labor disputes, the challenges of navigating oil embargos and, most importantly, Venezuela’s inability to repay billions of dollars in loans from China. These economic interests will most likely be an important consideration as Beijing navigates its possible involvement in resolving the crisis. On July 22, USIP hosted a discussion on the nature of the China-Venezuela relationship, the role China could realistically play in support of a negotiated political settlement and how Washington and Beijing may be able to find common ground on key issues. Speakers Keith Mines, opening remarks Director, Latin America Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace Adriana Erthal Abdenur, Executive Director, Plataforma CIPÓ (Brazil) Marialbert Barrios Deputy, Primero Justicia, National Assembly of Venezuela  Matthew Ferchen  Res

After being selected as the chair of the African Union this year, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo set an ambitious agenda for 2021 — ranging from the promotion of African culture to peacebuilding to COVID-19 vaccine distribution. On July 20, USIP hosted a discussion with President Tshisekedi and Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Global Human Rights, that focused on a range of important issues confronting Africa, including strengthening democracy, human rights, economic growth, COVID vaccine availability and responding to peace and security challenges. Speakers Félix Antoine Tshilombo Tshisekedi  President of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chair of the African Union   @Presidence_RDC Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) U.S. Representative; Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Global Human Rights @RepKarenBass Dr. Joseph Sany Vice President, Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace

The Peace Teachers Program is rooted in the conviction that educators can be pivotal in bringing issues of international conflict and practical peacebuilding skills into their classrooms, schools and communities. Each school year, USIP selects a cohort of outstanding American middle and high school teachers from different U.S. states to receive education, resources and support to strengthen their teaching of international conflict and peace. On July 8, USIP hosted the 2019-2021 Peace Teachers as they shared their experiences, insights and strategies for engaging new generations in peacebuilding based on their time in the program — including how their own approaches to teaching conflict and peace evolved during this tumultuous period. Speakers Lise Grande, welcoming remarks President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace Jill Armstrong Greenup County High School, Greenup, KY Sarah Campbell Ketchikan High School, Ketchikan, AK Katrina Gotschall O’Neill High School, O’Neill, NE Emily Philpott St. Andrew’s Episco

On July 7, USIP hosted Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, to discuss Pakistan’s responses to recent developments in Afghanistan, the future of U.S.-Pakistan relations and emerging regional security challenges in South Asia. Speakers Lise Grande, welcoming remarks President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace H.E. Dr. Asad Majeed Khan Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States  Ambassador Richard Olson, moderator Senior Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/next-chapter-us-pakistan-relations

USIP and Peace Appeal hosted two panel discussions with the authors of the Institute’s recent report, “National Dialogues in Peacebuilding and Transitions: Creativity and Adaptive Thinking.” The conversations assessed the impacts of six national dialogues in Africa and the Middle East several years after the conclusion of these processes.  The first panel focused on Lebanon, Senegal and Tunisia and examined inclusivity and representation in national dialogues in these countries. The second panel discussed national dialogues in Central African Republic, Kenya and Yemen and reflected on international involvement in these processes. Both panels drew lessons for practitioners and policymakers who are contemplating future national dialogues.  Speakers Elizabeth Murray, moderator Senior Program Officer, Africa, U.S. Institute of Peace  Elie Abouaoun Director, Middle East and North Africa Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace Penda Ba  Associate Professor, Gaston Berger University Derek Brown  Co-Executive Director

On June 24, 2021, Iraq’s Minister of Planning Khalid Najim and Minister of Migration and Displacement Evan Jabro joined USIP to discuss the current situation and challenges to stabilization, reconstruction and reform efforts in Iraq. The discussion also shed light on the status of Iraq’s displaced communities and recent returnees — including ethnic and religious minorities and those at al-Hol camp — as well as the Iraqi government’s plans for the future. Speakers Michael Yaffe, opening remarks  Vice President, Middle East and North Africa, U.S. Institute of Peace Minister Khalid Batal Najm Minister of Planning of the Republic of Iraq Minister Evan Faeq Jabro Minister of Migration and Displacement of the Republic of Iraq Sarhang Hamasaeed, moderator Director, Middle East Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/conversation-iraqs-planning-and-migration-ministers

On June 17, USIP hosted a discussion on the latest findings from USIP’s Iraq Conflict and Stabilization Monitoring Framework, which collects data directly from conflict-affected communities across Nineveh province. The conversation shed light on the current reality of Iraq’s ethnic and religious minorities, as well as the challenges to their safe and sustainable return, signs of progress and the implications of Iraq’s upcoming national elections in October. This event was livestreamed in English and Arabic. Speakers Mike Yaffe, opening remarks  Vice President, Middle East and North Africa, U.S. Institute of Peace  Osama Gharizi Senior Program Advisor, Iraq, U.S. Institute of Peace Negina Sawez  Team Lead, Middle East and North Africa Programs, State Department Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Adad Youssef  Chairman, Board of Directors, Alliance of Iraqi Minorities Sarhang Hamasaeed, moderator Director, Middle East Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace   For more information about this event, pl

On June 16, USIP, the Harvard Law School Project on Disability and their fellow co-sponsors hosted a conversation on the gaps and opportunities in disability-inclusive peacebuilding and steps for the greater inclusion and participation of people with disabilities. This event was an official side event to the 2021 Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.   Speakers Professor Michael Stein, welcoming remarks Visiting Professor of Law, Harvard Law School; Executive Director, Harvard Law School Project on Disability Gerard Quinn, introductory remarks U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities  Rashad Nimr Conflict Advisor (Contractor), Youth and Social Inclusion, USAID Center for Conflict and Violence Prevention Fon Dieudonne National Coordinator, Think Big Association Emina Ćerimović Senior Researcher on Disability Rights, Human Rights Watch Professor Janet E. Lord Advisor to U.N. Special Rapporteur Gerard Quinn; Senior Fellow, Harva

On June 14, USIP, along with the University of Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs and its Ansari Institute for Global Engagement, took a closer look at the complex social, political, economic and religious factors that fuel discrimination towards religious minority communities during periods of political uncertainty. Panelists discussed cross-national trends identified through the USAID-USIP Closing the Gap project, as well as recent events in Myanmar and Iraq. They will also examined anti-Semitism in a global context. And finally, this conversation considered lessons from the U.S. context and explore policy interventions for reducing tensions and promoting peace.  Speakers Mahan Mirza, opening remarks Executive Director, Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion, University of Notre Dame Sabrina Dent Senior Faith Advisor, Americans United for Separation of Church and State Billy Ford Program Officer, Burma, U.S. Institute of Peace Knox Thames Senior Fellow, Institute of Global Engage

On June 10, USIP hosted a conversation with several of the book’s leading authors and other experts on the project’s findings and its implications for the practice of peace and conflict diplomacy. Panelists debated how to adapt our diplomatic strategies to shape a more effective, agile and inclusive system of international cooperation, as well as considered how to make room for diverse voices — including regional organizations and civil society — while maintaining a sense of unity and common purpose. Speakers Lise Grande, welcoming remarks President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace Dr. Chester Crocker, introductory remarks James R. Schlesinger Professor of Strategic Studies, Georgetown University Ambassador George Moose, moderator Vice Chair, Board of Directors, U.S. Institute of Peace Ambassador Barbara Bodine Director, Institute for the Study of Diplomacy; Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy, Georgetown University Ambassador Jean-Marie Guéhenno Distinguished Fellow, Foreign Policy, Bro

On June 9, USIP hosted a timely conversation, moderated by Ambassador George Moose, with the lead author of “Global Trends 2040,” from the National Intelligence Council as well as a panel of global leaders and scholars from across the national security, development and private sectors. Panelists evaluated the findings from this year's report and consider how a range of actors can harness these trends to shape a more secure and prosperous future.     Speakers Lise Grande, opening remarks President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace Avril Haines, video message Director of National Intelligence  Maria Langan-Riekhof, framing remarks Director Strategic Futures Group, National Intelligence Council Kamissa Camara Former Foreign Minister, Mali and Visiting Senior Expert, U.S. Institute of Peace General F. Carter Ham (USA, Ret.) President and CEO, Association of the United States Army and former Commander, U.S. Africa Command David Miliband President and CEO, International Rescue Committee; Former Secretary of S

Operation Safe Corridor (OSC), Nigeria’s national rehabilitation and reintegration program for members of Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa who have surrendered, defected or were repentant, remains among the most mature and large-scale disengagement programs that currently exist.  In a recently released report, USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives details unique findings on OSC’s demobilization, disassociation, reintegration and reconciliation effort. Drawing from data collected from OSC graduates, communities where reintegration is occurring and other sources, the report provides key programming and policy insights on the individual and community impact of rehabilitation and reintegration of armed actors from violent extremist organizations.  Join USIP, the report’s authors and experts on Nigeria and violent extremism to discuss these timely, policy-relevant findings about what it really takes for armed actors to leave terrorism behind. The conversation will look at ways to better understand policy-relev

On May 13, 2021, 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. Speakers Lise Grande, opening remarks President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace  Cidia Chissungo Activist; Founder, National Solidarity Campaign for Cabo Delgado Gregory Pirio President, Empowering Communications Associates; Senior Adjunct Professorial Lecturer, School of International Service, American University Ambassador Carlos dos Santos Ambassador of the Republic of Mozambique to the United States Joseph Sany, moderator Vice President, Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/crisis-mozambique-pathways-peace-cabo-delgado