Closed lecture for students of the George Mason Univeristy on the state of global terrorism and on transatlantic approaches to security. Produced by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), he Global Terrorism Index (GTI) is a comprehensive study analysing the impact of terrorism for 163 countries covering 99.7 per cent of the world’s population. Given the significant resources committed to counter-terrorism by governments across the world, it is important to analyse and aggregate the available data to better understand its various properties. One of the key aims of the GTI is to examine these trends. It also aims to help inform a positive, practical debate about the future of terrorism and the required policy responses.

Geopolitical rivalry among the United States, China, and Russia is fragmenting the international system and placing new pressures on states caught in between. For middle powers, today’s environment presents both risk and opportunity: how they choose to align, hedge, or engage can either deepen polarization or help stabilise contested regions and institutions. This debate explores why middle powers matter more than ever—and how their choices are shaping global politics. The discussion will examine how middle powers turn strategic autonomy into real-world influence. Participants will explore practical diplomatic tools such as bridge-building between rival blocs, coalition-building across regions, mediation in conflicts, and strengthening economic connectivity. Drawing on concrete examples, the event will unpack how middle powers convene actors, create trusted spaces for dialogue, and play a pivotal role in sustaining cooperation and multilateralism in an increasingly divided world. Speakers  Mr Steve Killelea, Founder and Executive Chairman, Institute for Economics and Peace Ambassador Thomas Greminger, Executive Director, Geneva Centre for Security Policy Ambassador Peter MacDougall, Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations Office at Geneva and the Conference on Disarmament (Moderator) Dr Christina Schori Liang, Head of Counterterrorism and PVE, Geneva Centre for Security Policy

The East Africa Sports Diplomacy & "Play for Peace" Youth Tournament is a pioneering regional initiative that leverages the power of sports to foster peace, unity, and youth empowerment across East Africa. Scheduled for 26th - 31st January 2026, this six-day event will bring together young footballers, youth leaders, peace advocates, and dignitaries from South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic republic of Congo (DRC) and Ethiopia. The tournament combines competitive football with peace advocacy, mentorship, environmental conservation, and educational opportunities, creating a holistic platform for youth development and regional integration. With an expected 150 direct participants and over 500 attendees, this initiative aligns with the African Union Agenda 2063, UN Sustainable Development Goals, and regional peace and security frameworks. Key Highlights: 6 Teams Competing in The Friendly Football Tournament 4 Plenary Sessions On Peace, Diplomacy, Youth Leadership and Mentorship Tree Planting (1000 Seedlings) in Kiambu County Cycling for Peace Event On the Final Day Sports Scholarship Opportunities Through Zetech University High-Level Diplomatic Engagement with Ambassadors and Government Officials Speakers Arinolah Omollo – IEP Africa Weldon Siele – Kecher Africa Daniel Omondi – Global Peace Foundation Karen Wakoli – Emerging Leaders Foundation Prof. Plo Lumumba – PanAfrican Scholar Saikong Franco – Speaker

Join the Geneva Center for Security Policy and the Institute for Economics & Peace as we take a look at the links between climate change, ecological threats, migration, and conflict. This conversation is part of the Ecological Threat Report Series, dedicated to discussing the key findings of the sixth edition of the Ecological Threat Report. Research for the 2025 ETR shows that changing rainfall patterns are significantly amplifying conflict risks worldwide. The report finds that conflict death rates are substantially higher in areas where rainfall is concentrating into fewer months, compared to regions where rain is spreading more evenly throughout the year. These insights further strengthen our ability to map today’s fragility hotspots. Speakers (Moderator) Ms Anna Brach, Head of Human Security and Planetary Resilience, Geneva Centre for Security Policy Mr Serge Stroobants, Director for Europe & MENA Region, Institute for Economics & Peace Prof. Mark Zeitoun, Director General, Geneva Water Hub Ambassador Nahida Sobhan, the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN in Geneva