April 19th, 2024, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm CEST, blended format in Varembé Conference Centre (CCV) , 9-11 rue de Varembé, CH-1202 Geneva and online. 

In July 2023, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres announced the release of a new policy brief with a “New Agenda for Peace”. 30 years after the original “Agenda for Peace”, this new roadmap sets a new tone in a starkly different world: “We are now at an inflexion point. The post-cold war period is over. A transition is underway to a new global order”. Signaling a pivotal moment, the New Agenda for Peace aims to assess how the UN can adjust to the new and fragmented international order that is emerging with deep divisions amongst major powers and new threats to global security. The time has come to raise the alarm and call the Member States to embrace a new vision for peace and security in a growing uncertain context.

Following the “Our Common Agenda" report warning of growing instability and the inadequacy of current systems to manage risks effectively, the New Agenda for Peace represents a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing contemporary conflicts, promoting sustainable peace, and fostering international cooperation. It reflects updated priorities and strategies in response to contemporary global challenges in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. It incorporates lessons learned from past conflicts and peacekeeping missions, as well as addresses emerging threats such as terrorism, climate change, and cybersecurity.

As emphasized by the Secretary-General, the world is not on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), endangering the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. If the situation remains unchanged, only 12 per cent of the SDGs will be attained, putting the 2030 Agenda and its ambitions for a sustainable future in peril. The persistence of violence and a series of threats of unprecedented nature are heavily weighing on the stability of the international system and global peace and security. A lack of trust, solidarity, and universality -UN’s core principles- prevents the Member States from cooperating efficiently which seriously undermines the collective security system.

The New Agenda for Peace underlines the urgency to reignite multilateralism and advocates for states to prioritize cooperation over competition. It emphasizes the centrality of international law and the\ Charter while urging Member States to take proactive measures to prevent conflicts and promote peace. The policy brief highlights the importance of placing people, particularly women and youth, at the forefront of peace processes, emphasizing their representation and participation. Additionally, it calls for the adoption of comprehensive and adaptable approaches to conflict resolution, paving the way for innovative strategies.

In light of these developments, UNITAR is convening a panel discussion to reflect on the five recommendations for action outlined in the New Agenda for Peace, aimed at enhancing multilateral action for peace:

• Prevention at the global level: addressing strategic risks and geopolitical divisions.
• Preventing conflict and violence and sustainable peace.
• Strengthening peace operations and addressing peace enforcement.
• Novel approaches to peace and potential domains of conflict.
• Strengthening international governance.

Recognizing that Member States are central to the implementation of the New Agenda, UNITAR acknowledges the significant challenges they may face in operationalizing these recommendations. The panel discussion will provide a platform to address key themes that demand immediate attention within the framework of the New Agenda for Peace. The discussion will thoroughly examine the recommendations through the lens of capacity development, aiming to provide actionable insights for the practical implementation of the New Agenda. This strategic focus will ensure that stakeholders are equipped with tangible strategies and initiatives to implement the Agenda effectively, thereby maximizing the potential for positive change in preparation for the Summit of the Future in September 2024.