GPP Hosts Lunch Briefing with Asif Khan on the Future of Peace Operations

Last week the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform held the first lunch briefing of the year on prevention, mediation, and the future of UN peace operations, featuring Mr. Asif Khan, Director of the Policy and Mediation Division of the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA).

Held on Thursday, 22 January 2026, at the Maison de la Paix in Geneva, this lunch briefing brought together members of the Geneva peacebuilding community–stemming from UN agencies, independent organizations, and permanent missionsfor an exchange on current policy developments and strategic priorities within the UN system.

Mr. Khan shared insights into the recent work of the Policy and Mediation Division, highlighting evolving approaches to conflict prevention and mediation in an increasingly complex global context. He also reflected on emerging challenges, as well as  opportunities for strengthening political solutions to conflict.

A key focus of the discussion was the ongoing review of the future of UN peace operations, mandated in 2024 by the Pact for the Future and scheduled to conclude in 2026. Mr. Khan outlined the objectives of the review process and emphasized the importance of holistic approaches, adaptability, and sustained political engagement to ensure that UN peace operations remain fit for purpose.

The briefing concluded with an interactive discussion, allowing participants to engage directly with Mr. Khan and exchange perspectives on the evolving role of prevention and mediation in international peace and security efforts, as well as on the articulation between the work of the UN Secretariat in New York and that of the range of specialized agencies and organizations based in Geneva, especially in the context of ongoing reform efforts.