The Future of Conflict Resolution: A Discussion with UN Expert Asif R. Khan

On 22 January, the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform hosted an exclusive briefing with Asif R. Khan, Director of the Policy and Mediation Division at the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) in New York.

Held at Maison de la Paix, the event, introduced by  Dr. Annyssa Bellal, Executive Director of the GPP, and moderated by Cyprien Fluzin, Policy and Research Fellow at the GPP, brought together members of Geneva's peacebuilding community for an engaging discussion looking back and ahead on critical issues and developments in international peacebuilding and mediation.

Much of the conversation focused on the relationship between the peacebuilding ecosystems in Geneva and New York, as well as the interactions and necessary complementarity between peacebuilding, humanitarian action, development strategies, and human rights. While the field of human rights is often perceived as more political and sensitive, Mr. Khan highlighted the practical added value of all three generations of human rights for peacebuilding.

Looking back to the 2024 Pact for the Future, Mr. Khan provided first-hand insight into the negotiations and the stakes for peacebuilding. He discussed how the Pact aligns with the 2023 New Agenda for Peace and shared his outlook on the next steps required to ensure its effective implementation.

Turning to the Peacebuilding Architecture Review, which recently entered its formal phase in New York and is on everybody’s mind, Mr. Khan shared his thoughts on what the process could bring about this time around. The discussion also touched on specific questions raised during the PBAR’s informal phase, including issues of effectiveness and monitoring, as well as the growing consensus on the importance of National Prevention Strategies. Regarding this latter aspect, he emphasized the added value that multilateral fora can bring to their development and strengthening.

Elaborating on the topic of mediation, a field in which much of his expertise and passion lie, while he acknowledged the tremendous challenges, Mr. Khan also shed light on some of the opportunities. 

Finally, drawing on nearly three decades of experience with the UN, including postings in the Balkans, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and both Geneva and New York, Mr. Khan shared his perspectives on the some of the current tensions, fears, and doubts within the peacebuilding community. While clear-eyed about the current atmosphere and looming challenges, he concluded with a call for relentless optimism and unwavering hope—a welcome and energizing message to start the new year.

The Geneva Peacebuilding Platform extends its gratitude to Mr. Khan for sharing his time and insights, as well as to all participants who contributed to making the session a dynamic and thought-provoking dialogue.