The Pearson Global Forum is set to take place on October 18, 2024, focusing on the theme "Negotiation and Agreement." The event will bring together a diverse group of participants, including academics, political leaders, policymakers, journalists, and members of the public. The discussions aim to address whether negotiation still holds relevance in today's divided world.
James Robinson, Professor of Global Conflict Studies at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and director of The Pearson Institute, highlighted the complexity of current global issues. "With the conflicts in Ukraine and in Gaza, the expansion of China, and what seems to be a resurgence of Cold War realpolitik," Robinson noted, "it's an interesting time to talk about whether there is any real place for negotiation in this world."
Sheila Kohanteb, executive director of the Pearson Global Forum, emphasized the importance of making these discussions accessible to everyone. "Negotiation and agreement are always relevant," she stated. "Unfortunately, there are always conflicts to analyze—ongoing ones in addition to past conflicts."
The forum will feature discussions on various global issues including Colombia, Northern Ireland, Congo, Kosovo, Sudan, Haiti, Israel and Palestine. Flash talks will be delivered by experts such as Kathleen Cavanaugh from UChicago's Pozen Family Center for Human Rights; Richard English from Queen's University Belfast; Raúl Sánchez de la Sierra from Harris; and Boaz Keysar from UChicago.
Two resolved conflicts will be analyzed for their lessons during the forum. James Robinson will discuss Colombia with Sergio Jaramillo Caro alongside Harvard Professor Melani Cammett and NPR’s Aya Batrawy. Another session will focus on women's roles in Northern Ireland's Good Friday Agreement with former U.S. Ambassador Melanne Verneer.
A panel discussion on Israel and Palestine will include Ami Ayalon from Shin Bet; Gregg Carlstrom from The Economist; Sanam Vakil from Johns Hopkins University; moderated by Luke Baker from Portland.
Since its inception in 2018, the annual Pearson Global Forum has aimed to foster collaboration among academics and practitioners working towards conflict resolution strategies. Ethan Bueno de Mesquita from Harris remarked on its success: “They are not just bringing people together but striving to build communities of trust.”
For more information or registration details visit the Pearson Institute website.