Securing Ukraine: What Role for the UN?

May 9, 1:15-2:45 PM | FES New York

As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has entered its fourth year, global discussions about pathways to ending the war have grown more urgent. To ensure that any peace settlement is just, comprehensive, and enduring, it must fully involve Ukraine and be firmly rooted in the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty as enshrined in the UN Charter. Moreover, the question arises what role the international community in general and the UN in particular can play in ending the war, in securing peace and in suporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in coping with the consequences of the invasion. 

Against this backdrop, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung New York invited to a roundtable discussion. This timely event explored the role of the international community - particularly the United Nations - in ending the war, securing peace, and supporting Ukraine as it faces the long-term consequences of the invasion.

The discussion event began with the presentation of a recent study by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, which contains options for achieving a sustainable ceasefire in Ukraine. Subsequent inputs will address the multidimensional nature of the security challenges in the OSCE area (based on a Peace Matrix by FES Vienna), as well as the UN’s potential role towards a sustainable peace in and the reconstruction of Ukraine. Invited are representatives from UN missions, UN officials, and selected Think Tank experts. The discussion was held under Chatham House Rule.

Welcome:

Matthias Jobelius, Director, FES New York

Opening Address:

Khrystyna Hayovyshyn, Chargée d’Affaires, Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN

Speakers:

Thomas Greminger, Director, Geneva Center for Security Policy, former OSCE Secretary-General

Christos Katsioulis, Director, FES Office for Cooperation and Peace in Europe, Vienna

Richard Gowan, UN Director, International Crisis Group

Moderator:

Shamala Kandiah Thompson, Executive Director, Security Council Report