Events At Usip

USIP and WJP hosted an in-depth conversation on the findings of the World Justice Project's report “The Rule of Law in Afghanistan: Key Findings 2019,” as well as crucial factors for the rule of law in Afghanistan. Panelists will also discuss how the report can encourage data-driven policy choices and guide program development to strengthen the rule of law. 

USIP hosted Assistant Secretary Robert A. Destro from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL), as well as a panel of experts, for a discussion on the current reality for Iraqi religious and ethnic minorities, the international response in the aftermath of ISIS’s military defeat, and the impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the new Iraqi government, and potential early elections. The event also featured analysis from USIP based on its Conflict and Stabilization Monitoring Framework. For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/where-do-iraqs-religious-and-ethnic-minorities-stand-post-isis

USIP was pleased to host Dr. Abdullah for his first public event as chairman of the newly established High Council for National Reconciliation. Dr. Abdullah discussed preparations for negotiations with the Taliban, the key issues that need to be addressed, and what can be done to strengthen national unity and consensus on peace. His address was followed by a live question and answer session. For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/he-abdullah-abdullah-discusses-peace-talks-afghanistan

USIP and experts from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka discussed states' responses to the coronavirus pandemic across the region and what countries can do to maintain and restore their economies, health systems, and citizens’ trust in elected officials. Speakers Amb. Tariq Karim Former Bangladeshi Ambassador to the U.S.    Amb. Maleeha Lodhi Former Pakistani Ambassador to the U.S. and former Pakistani Ambassador to the U.N. Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives, Sri Lanka Amb. Arun Singh Former Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Tamanna Salikuddin, moderator Director, South Asia, U.S. Institute of Peace  For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/covid-south-asia-regional-responses

USIP, representatives of the African Union Commission and the African Diplomatic Corps, and other experts discussed the African Union’s efforts to mobilize the fight against coronavirus while still alleviating threats to human security and international peace.  Panelists discussed how COVID-19 is impacting the continent’s social and economic progress, how this year’s Africa Day theme of “Silencing the Guns, Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development” fits into the current reality, and how the U.S. and Africa can foster a genuine partnership to address shared priorities, concerns, and opportunities during a time of global solidarity. Speakers Ambassador Johnnie Carson Senior Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace H.E. Serge Mombouli Ambassador of the Republic of Congo; Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps. Ambassador Matthew Harrington Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of African Affairs H.E. Nomaindiya Mfeketo Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa Ambassador Frederic Gateretse-Ngoga

On June 11, 2020, the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center and the United States Institute of Peace hosted a conversation with H.E. President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Afghanistan’s vision for peace and how to sustain progress towards stability and prosperity. Keynote speaker: H.E. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani President Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Featuring: Frederick Kempe President and CEO Atlantic Council Stephen Heintz President and CEO Rockefeller Brothers Fund Stephen J. Hadley (moderating) Chair, Board of Directors United States Institute of Peace Nancy Lindborg President and CEO United States Institute of Peace

USIP and authors of the recent RESOLVE Network Research Report, “Career Foreign Fighters: Expertise Transmission Across Insurgencies” hosted a virtual conversation to explain their findings and share insights on the unique challenges that career foreign fighters pose, what we know about their “career” trajectories, their impact in local conflicts, and the implications for current policy and programmatic challenges. They also highlighted recommendations for future efforts to address violent extremism and conflict and to prevent conflict careerists based on their pioneering study.  Speakers Leanne Erdberg Steadman, introductory remarks Director of VE, USIP and Interim Executive Director, RESOLVE Network Chelsea Daymon PhD candidate, American University; Associate Fellow, Global Network on Extremism & Technology David Malet Associate Professor of Public Affairs, American University; RESOLVE Research Advisory Council Member, RESOLVE Network Jeanine de Roy van Zuijdewijn Researcher, Institute of Security a

The two most populous countries in the Horn of Africa—Ethiopia and Sudan—are both struggling with once-in-a-generation political transitions. Complicating these already tenuous transitions is a convergence of worrying trends, such as widespread food insecurity, severe pressure on public finances, ongoing or unresolved internal conflicts, large numbers of displaced persons, and now, the coronavirus pandemic. The fate of the transitions in Ethiopia and Sudan may determine the broader prospects for peace in the region for years to come. At this critical time in history for the Horn of Africa, USIP brought together experts from Ethiopia and Sudan for a discussion on the specific challenges facing the political transitions in these two countries, as well as key parallels. Speakers Manal Taha Sudan Program Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace Payton Knopf Senior Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace Aaron Maasho Independent Journalist Emebet Getachew Ethiopia Country Program Manager, Life and Peace Institute  Aly Verj

USIP brought together activists and peacebuilders from South Sudan, Syria, and Venezuela for a discussion on how nonviolent movements are confronting and adjusting to their new operating environments, how they are spreading awareness about the virus and safety measures in their communities, and how they envision the post-coronavirus era in their societies.   The panelists shared how they are maintaining resilience against repression and using opportunities created by the pandemic to advance their demands for peace and justice. The discussion also included external actors offering insights into how international donors can provide support to grassroots groups and movements in ways that help them to respond flexibly to their changing environments and to better meet the needs of their communities.   

USIP convened observers from all four of Pakistan's provinces to discuss each province’s on-the-ground situation related to the Coronavirus pandemic, the various provincial government responses, and what we can expect to see in the coming months.

USIP and the World Bank Group examined international efforts to respond to the first- and second-order impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in fragile states. Panelists drew lessons from other recent outbreaks to consider what works in tackling pandemics on the ground in FCV settings, as well as how actors can work together to ensure responses to the COVID-19 crisis do not exacerbate existing drivers of fragility. Additionally, the panel examined how to manage long-term social and economic consequences, including how the COVID-19 response can help lay the foundation for strengthened governance and more effective institutions. Due to technical issues with our streaming service, the audio quality of this podcast may feature minor anomalies. 

USIP and members of the China-Red Sea Arena Senior Study Group hosted an in-depth look at their new report, featuring discussions on how China’s growing presence has brought infrastructure and economic opportunities to the region, while raising concerns about the sustainability, transparency, and long-term impacts of its engagement on countries in the Horn and the Gulf. The panel discussed recommendations advanced in the report on how Washington should respond to Beijing’s growing economic, diplomatic, and military footprint in the Red Sea arena, and addressed possibilities for cooperation in confronting the COVID-19 pandemic in the region.

In addition to the severe human cost, the COVID-19 crisis has forced Pakistan’s already suffering economy to a grinding halt. Social distancing policies, necessary to stop the spread of the virus, have sent the global economy reeling, paralyzed the informal economy, and left Pakistan’s most vulnerable without income and sustenance. USIP hosted a virtual expert panel to discuss the economic, political, and governance impacts of the COVID-19 crisis in Pakistan as well as potential long-term solutions.

USIP and members of the Afghan government’s negotiating team held 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.   

USIP looked at creative solutions for responding to the confluence of coronavirus and conflict. USIP President and CEO Nancy Lindborg shared lessons from her experience responding to Ebola in West Africa and discussed why COVID-19 is a unique challenge to conflict-affected regions. This was followed by a panel discussion with experts from around the world on how security sectors are responding to coronavirus, how local communities are making their voices heard, and what practical interventions we can take now to stem unnecessary suffering later. 

USIP and the World Justice Project (WJP) delved into the findings from the WJP Rule of Law Index 2020. WJP’s chief research officer reviewed important insights and data trends from the report.

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.

Organized by the Swedish humanitarian agency Diakonia and the ACT Church of Sweden, the Colombian National Prize for the Defense of Human Rights honors social leaders as they continue to defend their communities’ right to security, land, education, health, reparations, and access to justice under the 2016 deal.

After over a year of intensive talks, press reports indicate that an official agreement between the U.S. and Taliban is imminent. The agreement reportedly begins with an immediate reduction in violence by all sides, followed by the signing of a U.S.-Taliban agreement. USIP hosted a panel of former U.S. government senior officials to discuss 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.  

During this crucial period of reform and uncertainty in Ethiopia, USIP hosted a distinguished panel including representatives of the Office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to look at the questions, possibilities, and problems offered by medemer.