The 24th Annual Session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) was held at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, from 7 to 11 April 2025. The theme of this remarkable event was, “Governance and institutional perspectives on advancing sustainable, inclusive, science and evidence-based solutions for the SDGs”.
What is CEPA?
The United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) is a subsidiary body of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Composed of 24 independent experts from around the world, these advise the UN on issues of public administration, governance, institutional capacity-building, and civil service reform.
CEPA’s role is pivotal in guiding member states to build transparent, accountable, effective, and inclusive institutions that can deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Through its sessions and reports, CEPA informs and influences global public sector reform by promoting standards, tools, and practices in public service excellence.
This year’s theme acknowledged the need for policy decisions grounded in data, empathy, and foresight. In a world facing climate change, digital disruption, and inequality, the call for evidence-based governance has never been more urgent.
CEPA’s 24th session addressed questions such as:
How can governments ensure their institutions are inclusive and resilient?
What mechanisms are needed to integrate scientific knowledge and public input in policy-making?
How can youth, marginalized communities, and non-state actors contribute to public administration?
These questions are at the heart of IPPDR’s mission.
IPPDR at CEPA 24: Youth, Peace, and the Power of Participation
Under the visionary leadership of Ambassador Dr. Andrise Bass, IPPDR’s delegation proudly participated in key discussions, shared insights from its youth training programs across 57+ countries, and engaged with international experts on how to make institutions more responsive, inclusive, and future-oriented.
Key Messages Shared by IPPDR at CEPA
Youth must be seen as institutional stakeholders, not just beneficiaries Recognizing the importance of inclusive governance, IPPDR emphasizes the need to institutionalize youth inclusion in decision-making, particularly in the realms of local governance, public finance, and climate response.
Peace and Governance Are Interlinked In addition to structural reforms, sustainable public administration requires a culture of peace, ethics, and empathy within institutions.
Evidence Must Be Holistic While scientific evidence remains fundamental, it is equally important to complement it with human-centered data—including lived experiences, cultural context, and community feedback.
IPPDR’s Recommendations Based on E/C.16/2025/8 at the CEPA
In response to CEPA’s working document E/C.16/2025/8, IPPDR submitted a series of evidence-backed, youth-informed recommendations to enhance institutional resilience and social trust:
1. Mental Health and Psychological Resilience
To begin with, governments must provide mental health support for public servants and youth leaders. Indeed, emotional fatigue and burnout not only affect individual well-being, but also directly impact performance and meaningful participation in governance processes.
2. Family Support and Work-Life Balance
In addition, policies should be designed to support the families of civil servants and ensure that youth balancing caregiving responsibilities with civic duties are not excluded from active participation.
3. Transparent Decision-Making and Accountability
Furthermore, promoting open governance dashboards, citizen feedback loops, and clear communication channels is essential for fostering transparency and enhancing public trust.
4. Leadership Training for All Ages
In pursuit of inclusive leadership, it is essential to establish intergenerational leadership incubators and mentorship pipelines, thereby equipping youth, mid-level professionals, and elders for effective and collaborative administration.
5. Feedback as a Governance Tool
To ensure comprehensive and equitable policies, it is crucial to institutionalize public feedback, especially from young people, women, and Indigenous communities, so as to guide reform and implementation at the grassroots level.
Gratitude and Commitment
We extend our gratitude to the CEPA Secretariat, UN DESA, and all participating experts and delegations for creating space for authentic dialogue, accountability, and transformation.
In particular, we thank CEPA for valuing the critical role of civil society and for acknowledging that good governance is not merely technical—it is, above all, human, inclusive, and ethical.
The Path Forward: Building Institutions With—and For—the Future
In conclusion, as we reflect on CEPA 24, we reaffirm our belief that: “Public institutions are not only instruments of service; we are guardians of hope—and it is the youth who must help carry that flame forward.”
Ambassador Dr. Andrise Bass and the IPPDR team continue to work with global partners to advance capacity-building, policy education, and diplomatic leadership programs—all of which shape peace-driven, transparent, and future-ready public institutions.
Find more information
For partnerships, training opportunities, and official documentation from CEPA 24 Website: www.ippdr.org Email: info@ippdr.org
The Fifth United Nations World Data Forum in Medellín, Colombia, which spanned 4 days (November 12th – 15th 2024), brought together more than 3,000 global leaders, youth, experts and dedicated people to share, find, co-create, and edify solutions to challenges faced in their communities through effective use of data.
This was highlighted by the intensive and enriching discussions, where ideas were generated to strengthen the data ecosystem, harness the power of data for a more sustainable future whilst building and maintaining strong and healthy partnerships in the formal, informal sectors and civil society.
The event featured 4 high-level plenary sessions focusing on various aspects of data usage and ethics.
Plenary 1 discussed innovation in data integration and leveraging different sources and methodologies to ensure visibility and inclusivity. Plenary 2 emphasized maximizing data value for decision-making and bettering lives through analysis and communication.
Plenary 3 centered on building trust and ethics in data use, addressing issues like disinformation and cybersecurity. Plenary 4 highlighted the importance of effective partnerships in developing a more equitable data ecosystem, supporting global and local data initiatives.
The sessions stressed the significance of quality data, privacy protection, and ethical considerations in data sharing. Overall, the event aimed to promote responsible and inclusive data practices for the benefit of individuals, nations and organizations at all levels.
Understanding the Role of Data in Global Security
Dr. Andrise Bass with law enforcement officers in Colombia
IPPDR utilizes data to drive peacebuilding strategies promoting transparency, negotiation effectiveness, and human rights protection in the face of growing global security threats through intensive research.
Data collection and analysis help predict, prevent, and respond to security challenges, understand conflict causes, socio-economic factors, and radicalization trends, and develop targeted interventions addressing complexities like population displacement, economic hardship, and governance challenges in post-conflict stability.
Predicting early warnings and assessing conflicts.
Through the comprehensive examination of data from platforms like social media, economic indicators, and satellite imagery, peacebuilding assessments are able to detect developing trends and indications of increasing conflict.
“Drug money: The illicit proceeds of opiates trafficked on the Balkan route” (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2015)
Identifying these signals promptly enables nations and groups to implement proactive measures where applicable, including diplomatic dialogue, aid distribution, or focused conflict-prevention strategies, thereby decreasing the likelihood of escalation.
These early warning systems driven by comprehensive and the right data play a vital role in defining a proactive strategy for increased initiatives in relation to global security.
Identifying root causes of conflict
One of the fundamental roles of data in global security is, its capacity to identify and deal with the underlying reasons for conflict. Through data analysis, peacebuilders are able to pinpoint root causes like economic disparity, limited resources, and political marginalization that frequently fuel conflicts. Incorporating these factors into peacebuilding strategies goes beyond quick solutions and promotes long-term stability.
Data showing economic inequality as a cause of conflict can guide efforts in job creation, social programs, and economic development to support lasting peace.
Informed peacebuilding interventions
Utilizing data in peacebuilding enables precise interventions that target particular causes of conflict. Peacebuilders can use structured data frameworks to understand ethnic tensions, economic disparities, and issues with resource access.
For example, data that shows which communities are affected by violence can help identify areas that require development projects or initiatives to promote social unity, therefore lowering the chances of ongoing conflicts.
Furthermore, analyzing information from previous actions offers important insights, enabling groups to constantly improve their strategies and expand upon successful outcomes.
Promoting accountability and transparency
Transparency is crucial in conflict-affected regions to build trust between communities and ensure accountability for all stakeholders.
For example, the April 2023 conflict in Sudan triggered the largest displacement crisis of the year, with 6.1 million Sudanese displaced internally and 1.5 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Uganda amongst others
UNHCR,2024
This level of transparency promotes responsibility, decreases corruption, and enhances trust in institutions, which is crucial for lasting peace. By providing access to data, governments and organizations can encourage a collaborative environment that aids in peacebuilding efforts.
Strengthening collaborative security efforts
Global security challenges such as terrorism, organized crime, and cyber threats necessitate cooperation across international boundaries due to their interconnected nature. Data is essential for enhancing international collaboration as it enables the exchange of information between countries and organizations.
Joint patrols by Nigeria and Benin halted attacks in Benin’s waters (2010–2012), but piracy shifted to Togo, where attacks surged by 78% in the third quarter of 2011 alone (Bell et al., 2021)
Collaborative data sharing enables countries to combine resources, identify common risks, and coordinate tactics for a unified approach to security issues. For example, by analyzing data on transnational threats, coalitions are able to work together more effectively to enhance global peacebuilding and security efforts.
Monitoring and evaluation based on data
Continual assessment and evaluation are essential to measure the success of peacebuilding efforts. By utilizing data-driven metrics, organizations can track their progress and swiftly adjust their strategies.
Data on crime rates, economic recovery, and school attendance in post-conflict zones offer insights into regional stability and resilience.
“Firearm violence trends in America” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, 2024).
Monitoring enables peacebuilding organizations to verify efficient resource utilization and ongoing refinement of interventions according to measurable results, thereby supporting the sustainability of peace.
Responding to the emerging security threats/risks
The current security environment is evolving quickly, presenting new challenges like cyber-attacks, misinformation, and hybrid warfare. Data plays a crucial role in addressing these dangers by allowing for immediate observation and fast reaction.
Using big data analytics, security organizations can identify unusual network patterns, track misinformation, and respond promptly to cyber threats. Data-driven assessments allow for a flexible approach that keeps security strategies relevant and effective in a fast-evolving world.
How the United Nations leverages data
The United Nations uses data to improve peacebuilding efforts with evidence-based insights and informed decision-making. Through platforms like the Peace & Security Data Hub and the Peacebuilding Impact Hub, the UN gathers and shares critical data on peacebuilding activities.
These initiatives help stakeholders assess intervention effectiveness, reduce conflicts, address root causes, and boost societal resilience. By utilizing disaggregated data and innovative tools, the UN offers actionable insights for targeted responses and policymaking to meet local and global peacebuilding needs. Examples include but are not limited to the following:
Process for peace in Colombia during 2016.
The peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) received backing from the United Nations. Information was used to chart regions impacted by violence, displacement, and landmines, directing efforts to assist former fighters in reintegrating into society.
The procedure helped decrease violence in areas of conflict, facilitated the safe repatriation of displaced people, and supported rebuilding efforts in impacted regions. Precise information helped allocate resources effectively, building trust within communities and promoting lasting peace.
Reconstruction of Sierra Leone after the civil war (2002-2005)
After ten years of civil conflict, the UN Peacebuilding Commission utilized information to direct reconstruction initiatives. Data highlighted regions most affected by violence and poverty, prioritizing infrastructure rebuilding and support for vulnerable populations.
This helped to rebuild schools, healthcare centers, and governance institutions, laying the groundwork for long-term stability. This case demonstrated how data can identify urgent needs and optimize post-conflict recovery strategies
Iraq Post-ISIS Recovery (2018)
Post-ISIS stabilization efforts focused on rebuilding communities and preventing the resurgence of conflict. The UN mapped destroyed infrastructure, monitored displacement patterns, and assessed community needs for rebuilding efforts.
The effects included the reconstruction projects restored homes, schools, and livelihoods for thousands of displaced families, reducing tensions and aiding reconciliation. Data ensured recovery initiatives were targeted and effective, fostering trust between local communities and international actors.
The need for partnerships
Strong collaborative efforts are fundamental to actively prevent the spread of misinformation on social media, which can spark unrests and actively contribute to crises and conflict in communities and nations.
Governments ought to improve data regulations by putting in place strict control measures and guidelines that are actively upheld and enforced by the parties responsible to ensure access to reliable information for policy-making.
At IPPDR, we are dedicated to promoting these beliefs in order to build stronger communities based on healthy partnerships with stakeholders with mutual trust and respect, leaving no one behind, for sustainable development.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) and the Colombian National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) for organizing the event. To all partners, special thanks to American Airlines, Gobierno de Colombia (Government of Colombia), the vibrant city of Medellín, Alcaldía de Medellín Distrito de Ciencia (Mayor’s Office of Medellín), UNDP, UN Women, United Nations, UN Data Forum, El Balcón de los Artistas for their remarkable choreography and the people of Colombia who demonstrated unparalleled warmth and commitment to global progress.
Their support made the Fifth United Nations World Data Forum an unforgettable experience!
Envision a world devoid of conflict, hardship, or pain – a world where every person can move without restraint, start a family, seek knowledge, create enterprises, and live with honor. However, peace encompasses more than just the lack of conflict; it is a crucial element for the prosperity, economic growth, and thriving of societies. Genuine peace originates from within each person and extends to families, communities, and nations, eventually influencing the entire world.
The importance of peace
Peace is crucial in realizing goals, whether for people or countries. Regions in conflict struggle to provide education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, ultimately hindering human progress in the absence of peace. Studies demonstrate that peaceful societies see higher economic growth, a rise in foreign investment, and increased prosperity. On the flip side, the Institute for Economics and Peace estimates that conflict leads to a yearly loss of $14.4 trillion in productivity for the global economy. The advantages of peace are numerous: promoting economic growth, supporting human progress, and allowing cultures to flourish together.
The Origins of Disagreement
Conflicts can emerge due to a variety of factors, such as cultural distinctions, disagreements over borderlines, resource shortages, and political competitions. Misinterpretations, intolerance, and economic disparities frequently contribute to tensions. In order to tackle these problems, governments, international organizations, NGOs, and the public and private sectors have implemented peace strategies customized to meet the specific needs of their regions. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, created in 1948, set the groundwork for worldwide tranquility by acknowledging the inherent dignity and equal rights of every individual, fostering a time where human rights are crucial for upholding peace in homes, neighborhoods, and countries.
Freedom fighters in contemporary times as illustrative exemplars
Individuals like Martin Luther King Jr. (United States), Vaclav Havel (Czech Republic), Mahatma Gandhi (India), Aung San Suu Kyi (Myanmar), Nelson Mandela (South Africa), Kofi Annan (Ghana), Rigoberta Menchú (Guatemala), César Chávez (United States), Simón Bolívar (Venezuela), Berta Cáceres (Honduras), Te Whiti o Rongomai (New Zealand), Dame Whina Cooper (New Zealand), and other activists from various continents have sparked movements for peace. They represent the fight for fairness, liberty, and equality, showcasing the strength of nonviolent protest. These leaders have demonstrated that diplomacy, resilience, and dedication to human rights can lead to transformative change.
Major Peace Agreements Around the World
Throughout the ages, multiple treaties and agreements have been put in place to maintain peace on different continents. Five important instances consist of:
The Treaty of Versailles (1919) concluded World War I and sought to avoid future international disputes.
The Camp David Accords (1978) – Negotiated peace between Egypt and Israel, promoting stability in the Middle East.
The Oslo Accords (1993) aimed to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by engaging in peaceful talks.
The Good Friday Agreement (1998) put an end to the longstanding conflict in Northern Ireland and created a long-term framework for peace.
The Peace and Security Council of the African Union – Secures peace in African countries through collaboration and conflict prevention. These agreements, while facing obstacles, underscore the significance of diplomacy and shared comprehension when tackling worldwide problems.
The function of international entities in promoting peacebuilding.
The United Nations (UN), International Criminal Court (ICC), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and African Union (AU) are examples of bodies crucial in promoting peace. These bodies get involved in resolving disputes, enforcing penalties, and, on occasion, sending peacekeeping troops to stop violence from getting worse. Organizations like the Red Cross and USAID offer essential aid in areas of conflict, meeting urgent needs and aiding in long-term recovery.
Nevertheless, these organizations encounter obstacles such as political restrictions, restricted resources, and backlash for perceived prejudices. Some critics suggest that interventions could violate national sovereignty, highlighting the importance of clear and fair methods in peacebuilding.
Perspectives of Young People on Peace and Security
Different views on peace are held by young people all around the globe, shaped by various regional issues and social-political environments. A lot of young individuals nowadays struggle with doubt, and many look for comfort and ways to deal with trauma from violence and instability, such as therapy. One instance is the 2023 Global Peace Index which shows that in areas like sub-Saharan Africa, young people encounter dangers from militant factions and political disturbances, whereas in Western nations, problems like gun violence and social disparities present major hurdles. It is crucial to empower the voices of young people. Global organizations like the United Nations and local youth councils have established opportunities for youthful leaders to promote peace and participate in decision-making processes. It is crucial to amplify these voices both on a local and global scale in order to develop inclusive and sustainable peace policies.
Peace that includes marginalized communities
It is crucial to involve marginalized communities like individuals with disabilities, refugees, and minorities in the pursuit of peace. These communities frequently experience unbalanced prejudice, making it harder to reach social and economic fairness and participation. Gender-based violence, political discrimination, and cultural prejudices exacerbate the difficulties experienced by numerous marginalized groups, emphasizing the need for specific actions to promote a fair and equitable society.
The art of dealing with foreign affairs and interactions between different countries and governments
Diplomatic initiatives are essential for maintaining peaceful relations between nations. Countries use negotiations, sanctions, and concessions to handle intricate problems in order to promote stability and cooperation. Entities such as the African Union and United Nations strengthen diplomatic relationships and uphold peace deals, playing crucial parts in mediation and peacekeeping efforts. Efforts to reduce weapons, such as those in Sudan, show the benefits of countries and global groups collaborating on reducing military strength and promoting peaceful solutions.
How IPPDR empowers youth for peace
The Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy Research is committed to fostering lasting change by empowering young people globally to take on leadership roles with honesty and responsibility. With our Global Youth Sustainability and Impact Leaders (GYSIL) program, we have provided training to more than 100 young individuals from 30 different countries in the areas of sustainable leadership, human rights, business startup development, and peacebuilding. Attendees are provided comprehensive training which includes certifications such as the UN Women’s Peace and Security Certification, Implementation of Human Rights Certification, and Business Startup Development Certification. These programs empower young people to make a positive impact in their communities, creating a ripple effect of leadership and peacebuilding.
Additionally, our Presidential Humanitarian Platinum Leadership Awards recognize individuals who have succeeded in advancing peace and sustainable development in their local areas. This esteemed prize has acknowledged more than 150 people from various backgrounds, such as diplomats, youth leaders, activists, artists, and government leaders, who all help build a legacy of peace and strength.
The Montpellier Declaration and the Youth Summit on Peace and a Sustainable Future
The 2024 Youth Summit on Peace and a Sustainable Future, which took place in Montpellier, France, represented a major advance in international peacebuilding initiatives. Taking place in Montpellier, this summit provided a platform for young leaders worldwide to engage in discussions, resulting in the Montpellier Declaration where youth from more than 40 countries came together to advocate for peace, dialogue, and sustainable development. Based on UN Security Council Resolution 2250, which recognizes the important role of youth in preventing conflicts and building peace, this statement underscores the dedication of young individuals to actively contribute to promoting change and peace. It outlines five essential foundations for action: involvement, safeguarding, stopping, collaborations, and disengagement/reintegration of young people in areas affected by conflict. This statement represents the dedication of youthful leaders to the promotion of peace, tackling urgent issues, and promoting the involvement of youth in peace negotiations globally.
Peace begins with each individual person
When making decisions or taking action, it is essential to think about how it will affect future generations. The quest for peace requires the participation of all individuals, starting from within and reaching out to our loved ones, societies, and countries. Let’s stay committed to creating a world where all can thrive in harmony, prosperity, and understanding.
