Event Reports

Policy Brief: Seven Trends of a Multilateral System in Times of Great Power Competition

Policy Brief

To better understand the dynamics defining the future of the multilateral system, this policy brief offers a perspective into the current transformations shaping the multilateral system in an era of geopolitical divides.

The Future of Peacekeeping in Africa: What is at Stake?

Lunch Discussion

On 18 November 2025, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) New York Office, in partnership with Security Council Report (SCR), hosted a lunch roundtable titled “The Future of Peacekeeping in Africa: What is at Stake? ” The event gathered experts and representatives from the United Nations, Member States, academia, and civil society to discuss emerging trends in peacekeeping, lessons from MINUSMA in Mali, and the evolving roles of the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS in supporting peace and security on the continent.

External Non-State Actors as a Source of Instability in West Africa

Lunch Discussion with Experts

On 17 November 2025, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) New York Office, in partnership with the Counter Extremism Project (CEP), hosted a lunch roundtable titled “External Non-State Actors as a Source of Instability in West Africa: Hezbollah and Wagner Group/Africa Corps.” The event gathered experts and representatives from the United Nations, Member States, academia, and civil society to examine the roles of Hezbollah and the Africa Corps/Wagner Group in reshaping security and governance dynamics across the region.

The Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina Key Developments and Regional Outlook

A Conversation with High Representative Christian Schmidt

On 23rd October, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation New York Office and the Hans-Seidel-Stiftung Washington Office convened a high-level breakfast discussion with High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Mr. Christian Schmidt in advance of the October Security Council semi-annual debate on BiH.

The race for the next UN-Secretary-General: Regional aspirations and global realities

Policy Brief

Looking ahead to the election of the next United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Centro de Pensamiento Estratégico Internacional (Cepei) and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) New York Office assess the prospects for a Secretary-General from Latin America and the Caribbean and explore the interplay between regional aspirations and global power dynamics. At this critical juncture for the multilateral system—fraught with growing geopolitical rivalries, conflict, and financial constraints, as well as diminishing political will and trust in institutions—the individual chosen will shape the UN’s trajectory in the next decade and beyond, presenting a momentous opportunity to revitalize and reform the organization.

5th Aswan Forum Preparatory Workshop: Strengthening the Peace Operations and Peacebuilding Nexus

In the lead up to the Fifth Edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA), the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), and the International Peace Institute (IPI) held an expert-level hybrid workshop on 4th September 2025, entitled “Strengthening the Peace Operations and Peacebuilding Nexus.”

Parliamentarian Dialogue Program

The Role of Small- and Medium-Sized States in Shaping the Future of Multilateralism

The multilateral system is under unprecedented strain, increasingly tested by rising and intractable conflict, polarization, and geopolitical tensions. Multilateral cooperation is needed more than ever, but trust among countries is giving way to the rising tide of isolationism and protectionism. What role can small- and medium-sized states—which comprise the majority of UN membership—play a pivot role in championing and strengthening multilateralism?

Five Years Left to go: The SDGs and the Way Forward

Roundtable with Parliamentarians

On July 22, 2025, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) New York Office convened a roundtable with parliamentarians, “Five Years Left to go: The SDGs and the Way Forward”. Lukas Mandl, Member of the European Parliament (Committee on Development) and Volker Mayer-Lay, Member of the German Bundestag (Committee on the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection) reflected on the role of Parliaments, the European Union and its global partners at a critical crossroads for multilateralism.

Advancing Social Employment Policies in the context of SDG 8

KAS-IOE Breakfast Meeting

On July 17, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) New York Office and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) held a breakfast meeting on Advancing Social Employment Policies in the context of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), on the margins of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). Bringing together stakeholders from the United Nations, private sector, employer federations, and civil society, the discussions built on the Playbook 2.0 “Creating Synergies between UN Resident Coordinators and Employers for Sustainable Impact”, which provides concrete examples of employer organisations working in partnership with UN Resident Coordinators. Representatives of employer federations in Nepal, Uganda, Nigeria and Chile showcased best practice and examples of private sector coordination with the UN.

Visit by Prof. Dr. Norbert Lammert, Chairman of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, to New York

As part of a dialogue program in North America, the KAS Chairman stopped in New York for discussions on the future of trans-Atlantic relations and the rules-based international order.