College of Public Policy Professor Addresses Civilian Protection and Peace Processes at Geneva Peace Forum

College of Public Policy (CPP) Distinguished Professor Dr. Sultan Barakat participated in the Geneva Peace Forum speaking on the panel “Humanitarian Diplomacy Across Parallel Tracks: Aligning Protection of Civilians and Peace Processes.”

The session explored diplomatic, humanitarian, and peacebuilding perspectives, examining how civilian protection can be more effectively integrated into peace processes.

Drawing on his mediation experience, Dr. Barakat emphasized that civilian protection must be central to conflict negotiations from the outset. He highlighted the importance of looking beyond mere survival to ensure conflict-affected communities can feel secure in their daily lives, including through safe access to hospitals, schools, essential services, and homes. His contribution focused on closing the gap between agreements and implementation through effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms. He stressed that the value of an agreement must be assessed through tangible improvements in people’s daily lives.

“Professor Barakat’s participation reflects the College’s engagement with debates on global governance, humanitarian diplomacy, mediation and the practical challenges of building sustainable communities,” said Dr. Logan Cochrane, Dean, CPP.

Dr. Barakat’s participation at the Forum reinforces the University’s role as a thought leader shaping dialogue and advancing solutions to complex global challenges.