Our Reflections on UNGA 80th Anniversary
On December 5, 1980, the General Assembly voted to establish the University for Peace (UPEACE) in Costa Rica. The purpose of UPEACE is best described in resolution 35/55 as an "Institution for post-graduate studies, research and dissemination of knowledge specifically aimed at training for peace…” With UPEACE originating from the United Nations, it is safe to say that UPEACE, in some ways, is the life form of the UN charter. For example, articles 11 and 14 explicitly discuss the importance of maintaining peace and security in international conflicts, which is one of the main tasks of UPEACE. Fast forward 45 years, and the work and reach of UPEACE have grown tremendously. One of UPEACE's recent works has been trying to connect civic education with peace education. Essentially, the goal of this mission is to increase youth representation not only at UPEACE but also within the UN system as a whole. With this being said, UPEACE is continually seeking ways to prepare the next generation of leaders. The Global Center for Peace Innovation (GCPI) aims to do just that. GCPI on three core values: Peace, Ethical approaches, and Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Collaboration. Each value holds significant weight in creating a future of peace, working in tandem with future peacebuilders.
Reflections from Melissa Wild, Executive Director
Peace is a PRACTICE. It is an orientation towards decision-making, institutional processes, and how we relate to one another. From a UN perspective, the kinds of processes that govern how resolutions are prepared and passed, who gets to participate in certain committees and who gets to add articles into resolutions, where Member States sit, how roundtables are organized (who speaks first, etc), who has access to which spaces in UNHQ, all represents the UN’s approach towards conflict resolution and achieving the SDGs. UPEACE as an institution of higher ed and as a trainer and facilitator of peace processes, offers innovative and markedly different ways of gathering people together to facilitate dialogue and make decisions. UPEACE’s systems approach to peacebuilding, informed by a wide variety of peace practices from underrepresented voices across those most impacted by conflict, can help the United Nations improve its processes, structure and decision-making and implementation practices. As an institution established with wide endorsement from the United Nations General Assembly, but operating separately from the UN system, we are uniquely positioned to do this, to offer this kind of innovation for peace.
Reflections from Sharji Hassan, Future Peacebuilder 2024 & 2025
On June 26th 1945, in San Francisco, California, the United Nations charter was signed. At the time it was signed to unite countries' international peace and security. Now 80 years on, the United Nations charter has stood the test of time and has inspired many generations of young diplomats, including myself. Since I was a kid I always had a fascination with the inner workings of diplomacy and international relations. My interest in the United Nations piqued when I was in fifth grade, when I joined the Global Elementary Model United Nations (GEMUN). I would go on to be the Head delegate, or ambassador, for my country during our annual GEMUN conference. I would hold this position for three years before I went on to high school, and became the Deputy Secretary-General of GEMUN. I knew that this was just a stepping stone in my diplomatic journey. In the summer of 2024, I was fortunate enough to be an intern for UPEACE NY. Here I was able to fulfill my childhood fascination of learning the inner workings of the United Nations, seeing diplomacy taking place in real time.
Reflections from Sophia Orlin, Future Peacebuilder 2025
As a student engaged in debate, writing, and global politics, interning with the United Nations through the Future Peacebuilding Program is both inspiring and eye opening. I’ve always admired spaces that foster dialogue, celebrate differences, and aim for progress, which are all core values of the UN’s mission. Celebrating 80 years of the United Nations is more than a milestone, it’s a reminder of the power of diplomacy, cooperation, and peacebuilding in shaping a better international community. Whether it's mediating conflicts or advancing sustainable development the UN continuously represents the ideals I aspire to uphold in my own work. Being part of this organization, even in a small way, motivates me to pursue positive endeavors and continue to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
