Areas of Work

High Level Policy Engagement

Complementing its work on specific themes and countries, QUNO also engages in broader policy debates on the shape and future of peacebuilding and the prevention of violent conflict at the UN.  QUNO frequently works with leaders in peacebuilding practice around the world to bring their experience to inform UN policymaking.  QUNO is often asked to speak at both public and informal events, and will also occasionally comment publicly on subjects of particular importance to Friends.

Ongoing Activities

  • QUNO partners with a wide network of peacebuilding practitioners and think tanks around the world, bringing their expertise to inform UN debate. Combining practitioner experience with the perspectives of local voices from conflict-affected communities helps to broaden the discussion at the UN and root it in the reality of the lives of those affected by violence.
  • Since 2012, QUNO has engaged with the high-level UN discussion around the role of peace and stability in sustainable development and the successor framework to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
  • QUNO is a founding member of the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform (GPP), together with the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding (CCDP), and Interpeace. The platform aims to build bridges between International Geneva, the United Nations peacebuilding architecture in New York, and peacebuilding activities in the field. It facilitates interaction on peacebuilding between different institutions and sectors, and seeks to advance new knowledge and understanding of peacebuilding issues and contexts.
  • From time to time, QUNO engages with emerging issues and situations where its constituents are looking for information and insight on UN perspectives. For example, QUNO New York has followed the bid for Palestinian Statehood at the UN and has issued various resources on the topic.

Recent Timeline Events

October 2025

The opening of the UNs General Assembly spotlights a desire for peace in Israel and Palestine

Over the last week of September, world leaders gathered in New York for the opening of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Amid the ongoing genocide being perpetrated by Israel in Gaza, several countries used the United Nations as a platform to officially recognize the State of Palestine.

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October 2025

Marking Milestones: Reflecting on 80 Years of the UN’s Work for Women, Youth, and Climate Action

During September’s high-level week, world leaders gathered in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) under the theme, “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights.” The week reflected on eight decades of UN work while spotlighting some of today’s most pressing global challenges.

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October 2025

A new year begins at the UN, a new group of Programme Assistants rises to the challenge

In September the United Nations marked the opening of its landmark 80th session of the General Assembly. As this new chapter began for the organization, the Quaker United Nations Office welcomed new members to our team to take part in the year to come. In both of our offices, QUNO welcomed new Programme Assistants: Daniela Campos and Naya Hassan in Geneva, and Ben Tomas-Morgan and Nina Saaty in New York. 

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