In light of the United Nations Summit of the Future taking place this fall, the Baha’i International Community United Nations Office has been hosting a quarterly dialogue series for the past two years, titled “Promise of World Peace: A Coherent Approach to Peace and Security.”

Launched in July of 2022, the series aims to foster conversations about the New Agenda for Peace, called for by the UN Secretary-General in his Our Common Agenda report. It offers an opportunity to build a common vision around central prerequisites for a peaceful and prosperous future.

Held under Chatham House Rule, the series’ off-the-record dialogues are designed to allow participants maximum freedom to explore complex issues authentically and without restraint. Every session begins with lead-off speakers sharing initial reflections, followed by participatory discussion open to all attendees. Unattributed notes are collated and shared after each discussion. 

“One lesson learned from the series is that consistent engagement with actors in a dedicated space can, over time, provide a valuable opportunity to build understanding, open pathways to possible consensus, and provide foundations for unity of thought,” said BIC Representative Liliane Nkunzimana, who helps organize the series. 

The nine sessions of the series held so far have attracted a wide variety of attendees, including representatives of UN Member States, officials from UN agencies, and civil society actors.

“We were particularly pleased that it has drawn a wide diversity of Member State representatives, including those who might not alway see eye-to-eye,” Nkunzimana said. “The fact that diplomats representing differing viewpoints and priorities can sit at the same table and discuss peace and security issues constructively is a powerful demonstration in itself.”

Going forward, the BIC plans to explore linkages between peace and security and other thematic areas, such as the implications that the equality of women and men has for the pursuit of enduring peace.