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 September 20, USIP hosted a discussion of Russia’s crimes in Ukraine and whether they amount to genocide. The conversation featured newly appointed Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin on his first official trip to Washington, as well as experts on atrocity crimes.
On September 19, USIP hosted a discussion of U.S. policy in the Western Hemisphere with National Security Council Senior Director Juan Gonzalez. The conversation looked at the administration’s mid-term assessment of hemispheric relations amid the backdrop of the recent election in Colombia, the ongoing crises in Haiti and Venezuela, stiffening relations with Mexico, Central America’s challenges, and the general expressions of discontent among the hemisphere’s citizens.
On September 16, USIP hosted a discussion with the authors of the recently released report “U.S.-China Signaling, Action-Reaction Dynamics, and Taiwan.” The conversation provided takeaways and offered insights on the ongoing tensions over Taiwan in U.S.-China relations.
On September 8, USIP hosted a Twitter Space discussion on the causes and impact of these catastrophic floods on Pakistan’s already fragile political and economic situation. The conversation also looked at what role the international community can play in helping Pakistan recover from this humanitarian crisis and better prepare for future disasters.
On August 31, USIP hosted a Twitter Space discussion with USIP experts on how Afghanistan has changed over the past year, what it means for the country going forward, and ways U.S. and international policy can continue to support efforts for an inclusive and stable Afghanistan that recognizes the rights of all its citizens.
On August 4, USIP hosted the first event in our new series, YouthTalks. Organized by the USIP Youth Advisory Council, YouthTalks facilitates conversations between youth peacebuilders from conflict affected regions on key issues related to peace and security.
Religious restrictions and hostilities around the world have risen steadily over the past few decades, reaching an all-time high in 2018 — a trend that has only worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic. Against this backdrop, USIP collaborated with USAID’s Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships to critically examine the causes and consequences of freedom of religion or belief violations and search for solutions.
On June 2, 2022, the U.S. Institute of Peace together with The VII Foundation will open “Imagine: Reflections on Peace,” a multimedia exhibit that explores the themes and challenges of peacebuilding through an immersive look at societies that suffered — and survived — violent conflict. Using historical photos, texts, video profiles and interactive opportunities, the Imagine exhibit brings visitors face-to-face with the realities of violent conflict and asks the question: “Why is it so difficult to make a good peace when it is so easy to imagine?”
USIP and other Afghan stakeholder forums joined for the launch of the U.S.-Afghan Consultative Mechanism. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken provided remarks, and U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights Rina Amiri moderated a discussion with representatives of the USACM platform.
On July 27, USIP hosted journalists Bill Gentile, Robert Nickelsberg and José Luis Sanz for a reflection on the legacy of Cold War-era conflicts in Central America. Panelists discussed the human consequences of those wars and the continuing search for peace.