What Others Say About IPI

“IPA [now known as IPI] has been playing a central role in promoting UN reform. Within 10 days of the issuance of the report by the “High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change” in December 2004, it convened a seminar to kick off the follow-up process. IPA then continued to facilitate the Member States’ consultations to help reach an agreement, culminating in the Summit Outcome document in September 2005. Subsequent agreements on individual issues – on the Peacebuilding Commission, Human Rights Commission, counterterrorism, and so on – would not have been possible without IPA’s valuable contributions. I hope that other remaining issues of the reform, including that of the Security Council, will be addressed quickly so that the UN will be truly ready to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.”

H.E. Mr. Kenzo Oshima
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations

“Much of what I know about the UN, and about peacekeeping and state-building and the politics of the Security Council, seems to have come from the IPA [now known as IPI]—either from the scholars and ex-diplomats (and future diplomats) who work there, or from the seminars and symposia held under its aegis. I look to the IPA not only for knowledge, but also for clarity and candor on a subject where those virtues are in short supply.”

James Traub
Contributor, The New York Times Magazine

“Ever since my association with United Nations peacekeeping operations as the first Force Commander and Head of Mission of the UN forces in the former Yugoslavia, I have had occasion to interact with the International Peace Academy [now known as the International Peace Institute]. I have watched with great admiration its sincere and determined efforts at promoting understanding of the UN as an organization and the values it stands for. The most recent efforts of the IPA that I was directly involved with were when it set up meetings to assist us on the UN SG’s High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change during early 2004. In many ways the IPA has complemented the working of the UN and notwithstanding occasional frustrations, assisted the UN in meeting the challenges it has faced from time to time. Personally I have benefited from my association with the IPA and its outstanding leadership. I wish the IPA continued success in its endeavors.”

Lt. General Satish Nambiar
Former Lt. General in the Indian Army and Force Commander of UNPROFOR

“Having served as Singapore’s Ambassador to the UN over ten years, I can say with great confidence that IPA [now known as IPI] has made a huge contribution to the work of the UN community. Within the halls of the UN, it is hard to have a truly frank discourse. However, when the same group of UN diplomats step into an IPA meeting, they feel liberated and begin to engage in thoughtful and meaningful reflections on the critical issue of the day. Without the IPA, the UN would be far less effective. Personally, I have also benefited a great deal from my participation in IPA gatherings.”

Kishore Mahbubani
Dean, Practice Professor of Public Policy
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

“During the 30 years of involvements I enjoyed with the United Nations, I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to participate in the activities of the International Peace Academy [now known as the International Peace Institute].

“I see IPA as a system within the UN, where different issues can be discussed in a confidential atmosphere. What is more, the work of the IPA has contributed in a positive manner to my own work.”

President Martti Ahtisaari
President of Finland (1994–2000)
Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Future Status Process for Kosovo