2020.10.01

Challenges Forum Expert Group on Emerging Issues for Peace Operations – UN-AU Peacebuilding Partnership

On 28 October 2020, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the Challenges Forum International Secretariat co-hosted the third Expert Group on Emerging Issues for Peace Operations on the topic of UN-AU Peacebuilding Partnership. 

Dawit Yohannes (ISS), Priyal Singh (ISS) & Gustavo de Carvalho (ISS)

Challenges Forum partner ISS presented the findings of a recently published report, ‘Beyond 2020: exploring the potential for a stronger UN-AU peacebuilding partnership’ as part of a joint research project with the International Peace Institute (IPI). 

Benoît Pylyser (CFIS), Nouran Ahmed (CCCPA), Anders Nordhag (CFIS), Maj. Gen. Liu Chao (CIISS), Seba Issa (CCCPA), Sharon Wiharta (CFIS), Gen. Shashi Asthana (USI). Roland Eissa (CCCPA) & Dr. Marlien Schlaphoff (ZIF)

The presentation highlighted how the AU and UN can better leverage their respective comparative strengths toward more meaningful and impactful peacebuilding collaboration. In the ensuing discussion, several partners highlighted the issue of trust and conceptual clarity between the AU and the UN as well as between AU member states as central. Other important challenges to address that were brought forward included operationalizing the AU-UN partnership , sustainable funding and engagement with development partners. 

Fanny Wellén (CFIS), Alia Yahia (CCCPA), Susanna Ahlfors (CFIS), Emelie Hanna (CFIS), Col. Ryan Wolfgram (PKSOI), Dr. Björn Holmberg (CFIS), Col. Bai Zonglin (CIISS) & Dr. Annika Hansen (ZIF)

ISS will be hosting a dialogue strand on AU-UN partnership at the upcoming Challenges Annual Forum which will take place from 7-11 December 2020.