Published in We The Peoples·3 days ago“The Absolutely Indispensable Man”: Ralph Bunche and the UN’s first special political missionAs the UN marks the 75th anniversary of its “special political missions”, Politically Speaking talks to Kal Raustiala about his new book on the life and work of Ralph Bunche, who broke fresh ground as a mediator in Palestine in the late 1940s, establishing the credentials of the nascent Organization…United Nations8 min readUnited Nations8 min read
Published in Politically Speaking·Dec 30, 20222022: A Look BackAfter a year marked by the invasion of Ukraine and its consequences, we review some situations around the globe on which the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs is active, from agreements in Ethiopia and Sudan to United Nations sanctions to curb violence in Haiti and growing restrictions…10 min read10 min read
Published in Politically Speaking·Dec 29, 2022Remembering Francesc VendrellFrancesc Vendrell, the veteran peacemaker who died on 27 November this year at the age of 82, will be remembered by many for his patient, discreet and effective brokering of some of the world’s knottiest conflicts. …United Nations3 min readUnited Nations3 min read
Published in Politically Speaking·Dec 5, 2022Cooling Tensions as the Temperature Rises: The Implications of Climate Change for Mediation and Peace ProcessesAn increasing body of evidence shows the effects of climate change can exacerbate existing risks of violence and insecurity. Mediators need to consider its implications for their work. The climate crisis we are experiencing is complex and dynamic, and its effects on peacemaking efforts can be profound. The majority of…2 min read2 min read
Published in Politically Speaking·Nov 30, 2022“All Necessary Measures?” New Book by Former Libya Mission Head Examines 2011 Uprising and International InterventionPolitically Speaking talks to Ian Martin, former Special Representative to the Secretary-General for Libya, and author of a new book that looks back on the situation immediately before and after the fall of the government in Tripoli in 2011. “Was there an alternative course of action that could have halted…United Nations7 min readUnited Nations7 min read
Published in Politically Speaking·Nov 29, 2022Peacebuilders Highlight Gains and Challenges in Timor-LesteThe Peacebuilding Commission hosted a meeting with the Government of Timor-Leste on the work of peace in the 20-year-old state. Maria Fatimah Sara Dos Reis Afonso, a conflict prevention and gender equality advocate, grew up in Bobonaro, a municipality in the western part of Timor-Leste. The region is known for…5 min read5 min read
Published in Politically Speaking·Nov 24, 2022When Providing Electoral Support, Context Is Everything, Says Former Deputy Special Representative Aracelly SantanaI n the fifth and final installment of DPPA’s Electoral Series — interviews with senior United Nations officials on electoral support and its connection to broader conflict prevention efforts — former Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Nepal and former Deputy Director of the Electoral Assistance Division, Aracelly Santana…2 min read2 min read
Published in Politically Speaking·Nov 16, 2022National Ownership, Regional Cooperation Are Vital for Credible ElectionsIn the fourth installment of DPPA’s Electoral Series videos, Special Representative Parfait Onanga-Anyanga points to the importance of regional cooperation and the promotion of inclusivity as key elements of UN electoral support. The United Nations provides electoral assistance to over 50 countries in any given year. As part of its…Electoral Assistance2 min readElectoral Assistance2 min read
Published in Politically Speaking·Nov 8, 2022Broad Political Engagement Is Essential For a Peaceful Acceptance of Election ResultsIn the third installment of the DPPA Electoral Series — interviews with senior United Nations officials on electoral support and its connection to broader conflict prevention efforts — Former Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ian Martin talks about the importance of working with the winners — and losers — of…2 min read2 min read
Published in Politically Speaking·Oct 21, 2022Security Council Votes to Impose Sanctions on Individuals, Groups Responsible for Violence in HaitiThe resolution adopted today calls for targeted measures against gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, whose group is currently blockading the country’s main fuel terminal. 21 October, New York: The Security Council today, expressing its “deep concern at the persistent and destabilizing criminal activities by armed gangs in Haiti,” adopted a…17 min read17 min read
