The annual Steering Group meeting held at the principal level was hosted by the Finnish Ambassador to the United Nations, Ambassador Elina Kalkku in New York City. Attendees included the Principals of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Finland, United Nations Mediation Support Unit, Finn Church Aid, KAICIID, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, United Nations Women, United Nations Development Program, United Nations Population Fund, and United Nations Office for the Prevention of Genocide.

The purpose of this annual in-person principal meeting was to review the 2023 initiatives and achievements of the Peacemakers Network and to reflect on the 10-year celebration held in Helsinki in October 2023. Further, the meeting discussed the implementation progress of the Peacemakers Network 2020-2025 strategy.

Principals of the Peacemakers Network’s Steering Group and representatives of the Peacemakers Network meet in New York City hosted by Elina Kalkku, Finnish Ambassador to the United Nations.

The Steering Group acknowledged the significant progress made to implement the five strategic priorities of the Peacemakers Network, particularly in formalizing membership, meaningfully engaging women and youth, and increasing collaboration with traditional actors in advancing peace mediation. They also envisioned how the Peacemakers Network’s strategy would evolve for the next five years (2025-2030), emphasizing the necessity for diverse membership and supporting greater inclusion of women and youth in peace mediation processes.

Key themes discussed include the necessity for diverse membership and greater inclusion of women and youth in peace mediation processes. Addressing emerging technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and providing psycho-social support to conflict-affected communities was highlighted as crucial. Concerns about hate speech linked to AI underscored the need for youth involvement in technological analysis. The role of women in current and future strategies was emphasized, along with protection mechanisms for those speaking out against abuses and violent extremism. The importance of local collaborations and addresssing funding challenges within local communities was also noted.

Ambassador Hameed A. Opeloyeru, Organization of Islamic Cooperation Permanent Observer to the United Nations sharing remarks.

Since its inception, the Peacemakers Network has been fortunate to closely collaborate with its Steering Group Members and its stakeholders through joint initiatives to advance peace mediation efforts and dialogue between authorities and religious and traditional actors, as well as to further the meaningful engagement of women and youth. The continuous support from the Steering Group to the Peacemakers Network has been invaluable in cultivating sustainable peace throughout the world.