On 22–25 November, SIPRI and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) held two dialogue events as part of a series that seeks to enhance understanding of United Nations and non-UN multilateral peace operations and non-traditional security challenges.
The meeting on 22–23 November centred on the theme of peace operations and epidemics and pandemics. The discussions explored how actors that conduct peace operations in complex environments respond to and deal with challenges related to epidemics and pandemics. It also explored the implications of peace operations addressing the drivers and consequences of epidemics and pandemics, and challenges and opportunities for cooperation and coordination between peace operations and other actors.
The meeting on 24–25 November focused on the challenges of environmental degradation and resource scarcity. It discussed the implications on peace operations, as well as challenges and opportunities for cooperation and coordination.
The events brought together experts from the UN, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the European Union headquarters, mission leadership, specialists, academics and representatives of specialized organizations and programmes such as the UN Development Programme, the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS and the UN Environment Programme, as well as member state and civil society representatives.
The meetings were organized in the context of the ‘New Geopolitics of Peace Operations’ initiative. The project is supported by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is conducted in partnership with the FES.