20.03.2025 Hans von Sponeck on “The UN - Vision with Hope or Division with Hopelessness?”

We are pleased to announce that the upcoming EUPeace Strategy Forum meeting will take place in Adana, Türkiye, this April. This gathering will host a Bridge Dialogue Event that aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among scholars, policy-makers, and practitioners dedicated to promoting peace, justice, and inclusive societies across Europe and beyond.

A highlight of the event will be a keynote address on 7 April by Hans-Christof von Sponeck, a distinguished German diplomat and former UN Assistant Secretary-General. With a notable career spanning over three decades at the United Nations, Mr. von Sponeck has held pivotal roles, including UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Turkey and UN Resident Coordinator in countries such as Botswana, Pakistan, and India. He also served as the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, where he oversaw critical humanitarian efforts. Following his retirement, Mr. von Sponeck contributed to academia as a faculty member at the Center for Conflict Studies at Marburg University in Germany. 

In his address, Mr. von Sponeck will discuss the current state of the global order and the transformative potential of the “Pact for the Future”, adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2024. He will explore the multifaceted challenges facing the United Nations and emphasise the necessity for member states to democratise the institution and actively involve civil society in the reform process.

This event offers participants, including students of all levels, a unique opportunity to meet a leading expert and contribute to meaningful discussions on how to create a more peaceful and equitable world.