Coral Bell School hosts UN Peacekeeping Leadership

The Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, part of the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, hosted three of the United Nations' most senior peacekeeping figures on 4 August: Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Police Adviser Faisal Shahkar, and Acting Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce.

The visit was held in partnership with United Nations Inofrmation Centre (UNIC Canberra) and the United Nations Association of Australia ACT (UNAA ACT), and brought the delegation into discussion with ANU students, UNAA Committee members, diplomats, and UN partners across two sessions.

The first session examined the future of peacekeeping in complex conflict zones and the role of women and young people in peace and security.

The second session, chaired by UNAA ACT President Brian Gleeson, brought together officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bell School academics, and UNIC Canberra interns to discuss Australia's contribution to UN peace operations.

The Coral Bell School thanks UNIC Canberra and UNAA ACT for partnering on this visit, Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, Adviser Shahkar, and Lieutenant General Pearce for their time, and the students who took part in the discussions.