As the United Nations system approaches its 70^th anniversary, the world is undergoing major transformations at unprecedented speeds, putting great stress on our institutions of global governance. The drafters of the UN Charter could not have anticipated many of the challenges of today’s world. Multilateral institutions are struggling to adapt to the breadth and pace of change, with the United Nations in particular being tested as never before. There is growing realization that the interconnected and diverse challenges of the 21^st century require global solutions and effective multilateralism.

As each day brings new social, political, and economic challenges, many are asking: Is the multilateral system still fit for purpose? In September 2014, and in consultation with the UN Secretary-General, the International Peace Institute (IPI) launched the Independent Commission on Multilateralism (ICM) to address this question.

Over the course of a two-year period, the ICM seeks to identify policy proposals that enhance the multilateral system’s ability to respond to existing and evolving global challenges across sixteen issue areas relevant to global security.

This seventh retreat will address the issue area of peace, security, and development. Participants will include select Ambassadors to the UN, issue experts, academics, senior representatives from UN agencies, and members of civil society. The discussion will cover the more salient issues related to this topic facing the multilateral system and will be held under the Chatham House rule.