Geneva, Switzerland, 22 October 2026 – The Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS) participated in the Geneva Peace Forum on 14 October 2026, contributing to discussions on neglected conflicts and opportunities for peacemaking, while strengthening cooperation with international partners.
CHS contributed to the panel “Neglected Conflicts and Overlooked Opportunities for Peacemaking," represented by its Director, Dr. Ghassan Elkahlout. The session explored the consequences of international neglect, barriers to peace processes, and practical avenues for diplomatic engagement. It also examined how International Geneva can help translate early warnings and overlooked political openings into sustained peacemaking efforts.
The panel brought together leading practitioners and experts, including Dr. Nathalie Herlemont, Executive Director of the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights; Dr. Katia Papagianni, Director for Policy and Mediation Support at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue; and Christopher Lockyear, former Secretary General of Médecins Sans Frontières. Moderated by Itonde Kakoma, President and CEO of Interpeace, the session featured opening remarks by Professor Achim Wennmann of the Geneva Graduate Institute and closing remarks by Ambassador Peter MacDougall, Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in Geneva, and Ambassador Michele Cervone d'Urso, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to the United Nations in Geneva. The session was convened by the EU Delegation and the Permanent Mission of Canada in Geneva, together with Interpeace and the Geneva Graduate Institute.
During the visit to Geneva, CHS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Geneva Graduate Institute's Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding (CCDP) to strengthen institutional cooperation in conflict analysis, peacebuilding, and mediation. The CHS Director also met with representatives of Geneva Call to discuss the organisation's work in conflict-affected countries.
These engagements reflect CHS's continued commitment to strengthening partnerships with international organisations, academic institutions, and diplomatic actors to advance dialogue, mediation, and peacebuilding.