Posted by Andreas Runggatscher
Meeting of September 10th
Our Sept 10th Zoom Meeting featured Ralph Kader, who has served in diplomatic missions around the world. He is a Special Advisor to the Arab States Governments regarding military peace-keeping issues.
        report inside.

Report of the Week – Meeting of September 10th

by Andreas Runggatscher

The first meeting of the month of September in the 2020-21 year of the Rotary Club of New York took place on Zoom on Sep 10, 2020. The speaker was Ralph Kader, who has served in diplomatic missions around the world with six United Nations Secretary-Generals and serves as a Special Advisor to the Arab States Governments regarding military peace-keeping issues. Ralph spoke about the current state of the UN Security Council and Peace Keeping operations throughout the world, especially as it pertains to the security issues in the Middle East.

Ralph started with how the UN peace-keeping forces are critical in protecting populations against threat in times of war. Emphasizing gender diversity in Peace Keeping operations has helped the UN build trust with local populations. In terms of how these Peace Keeping operations are funded, the peace-keeping budget of $6.7 B stretches across 14 operations, including countries in Asia and Middle East among others. In terms of the contributions made by participating countries, China and the United States account for nearly 40% of the budget.

While Peace Keeping forces reflect a wide range of countries, certain regional conflicts typically include countries whose conflicts and culture are most relevant. Ralph pointed towards Morocco and Algeria as an example of an operation that has been able to maintain peace amid cultural differences. Leveraging Ralph’s experience in the region with military operations, he has helped the UN identify the right personnel for Peace Keeping operations including his work in Sudan.

Ralph emphasized the need for the United Nations to revolutionize the security council to keep pace with global change as it evolves its mandate of peace-keeping. One of the challenges in adapting a large global organization is the alignment necessary to make changes which includes consensus with the entire world. While President Gerard Schriffen emphasized the incredible need for the United Nations to maintain global peace, Ralph affirmed his optimism in the UN to adapt with a changing world.