Revitalizing Multilateral Cooperation

IPI’s Revitalizing Multilateral Cooperation program aims to sustain and transform international collaboration to address shared challenges. Our vision is a more inclusive, effective multilateral system that can address complex transnational threats, while IPI’s approach to revitalizing multilateral cooperation includes:

  • Convening negotiating parties to identify common ground and overcome deadlock on the margins of formal multilateral negotiations
  • Building the capacity of member-state delegations to the UN, particularly smaller delegations, to enhance their effective participation in multilateral processes
  • Elevating a broader range of perspectives on the global order in the pursuit of a more inclusive multilateral system
  • Assessing data on the state of multilateralism to identify trends in performance, participation, and inclusivity
  • Supporting reform processes that increase the effectiveness and legitimacy of multilateral institutions
  • Identifying peaceful pathways for resolving intractable conflicts
  • Promoting International Cooperation on Pandemic Prevention‚ Preparedness‚ and Response
    Since the fall of 2023, IPI has provided strategic and mediation support to negotiations on a WHO Pandemic Agreement, which was successfully adopted in May 2025. Throughout the process, IPI played a central role by convening a series of retreats, consultations, and informal meetings on the sidelines of formal negotiations to foster dialogue and help forge consensus. IPI is continuing to use its good offices to support the ongoing negotiations of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on pathogen access and benefit sharing. Read more
  • Charting a Path for the Future of Multilateralism
    As the UN finds itself at a critical juncture, IPI is helping chart a path for the future of the multilateral system. This includes supporting discussions around the UN80 reform process and helping ensure that the process for selecting the next secretary-general is transparent and inclusive. Read more
  • The Multilateralism Index: Tracking Trends in Multilateralism
    The Multilateralism Index, developed by IPI and the Institute for Economics & Peace, is a tool to quantitatively assess the health of the multilateral system. The first version of the Index was launched in 2022, and the second was launched in 2024. A third iteration is planned for 2026. Read more
  • Supporting Small States and Elected Members of the Security Council
    In recent years, the ten elected members of the Security Council (E10) have come to play a more prominent role. Recognizing this shift, IPI supports the E10 to leverage their position and increase their contributions to the council’s work. IPI also advises other missions to the UN, particularly those of small- and medium-size states. Read more
  • Gathering Diverse Perspectives on the Emerging Global Order
    IPI is documenting how African countries view and shape the evolving international system. Through surveys and focus groups in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, IPI is generating original data on African perspectives on global governance. Read more
  • Advancing a Two-State Solution through Track 1.5 Diplomacy
    IPI is working to build momentum behind efforts to resolve intractable conflicts, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This involves collaborating with partners such as A Land for All and The Elders to advance a principled and forward-looking vision for peace. Read more
  • Safeguarding Humanitarian Action
    IPI seeks to bridge debates in Geneva and New York, with a focus on safeguarding humanitarian action at a time when principled aid and rights-based approaches are under increasing stress. IPI’s recent work has focused on mitigating the impact of sanctions on principled humanitarian action. Read more

Staff

, Senior Fellow and Head of Publications

Albert Trithart joined IPI in November 2015. As Editor, he oversees the development and publication of IPI policy reports and issue briefs and serves as a co-editor of IPI’s Global Observatory....

, Policy Specialist for Africa

Bitania Tadesse is a peace and security researcher and policy analyst who focuses on conflict management and peacebuilding in Africa and African multilateral institutions. Before joining the...

, Program Coordinator for the Executive Office

Emmanuelle Cousin serves as Special Advisor to Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein at the International Peace Institute in the President’s Office. She oversees high-level, discreet Track 1.5 mediation...

, Director of Research and Head of the Brian Urquhart Center for Peace Operations

Jenna Russo is the Director of Research and Head of the Brian Urquhart Center for Peace Operations. Dr. Russo completed her PhD in Political Science at the CUNY Graduate Center, with a focus on the...

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