GLPF Meeting Archive

Advancing Peacebuilding in the Great Lakes and beyond: Lessons from the Field

November 29, 2017 @ 9:00 am - 10:30 am EST

Forum Details: The Great Lakes region of Africa, and more globally the East Africa region, are facing a series of challenges that are affecting peace and stability. The rise of violent extremism, increasing numbers of democratic crises that lead to electoral and other violence, and high levels of […]

#GLPF: Elections, Conflict and Violence Against Civilians in the DRC

May 18, 2017 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am EDT

Join us at the Great Lakes Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. on 5/18.

U.S. Engagement in the Great Lakes Region: Perspectives from Government and Diaspora

March 21, 2016 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am EDT

RSVP: click here to email cbonnez@sfcg.org Africa's Great Lakes Region has long and deep historical ties with the United States. After years of instability, the region is approaching a critical crossroads. Burundi is facing its most intractable political crisis since the end of the 2005 civil war. In […]

GLPF: Transition and Next Steps in the Central African Republic

March 1, 2016 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm EST

A special address and discussion with H. E. Catherine Samba-Panza, President of the Transitional Government of the Central African Republic.

Renewed Violence in the Central African Republic: Roots of a Political Crisis

November 30, 2015 @ 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm EST

Join the Great Lakes Policy Forum for a panel discussion on the roots of the recent crisis and the potential for peaceful, democratic change in CAR.

Accountability for Crimes in the Great Lakes: New Partnerships and Lingering Challenges

November 19, 2015 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am EST

Don't miss this discussion on improving security and access to justice in the Great Lakes Region!

Burundi, Beyond the Headlines

November 17, 2015 @ 8:30 am - 10:30 am EST

register for this event Optional Member Code Please note that this event will be held at the National Endowment for Democracy. Tea and Coffee will be available from 8:30 AM. The event will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. The Great Lakes Policy Forum joins the National Endowment for […]

GLPF: Crisis in Burundi: A Peacebuilder's Reflection

June 17, 2015 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am EDT

Click here to watch the event live! Please join the Great Lakes Policy Forum for a conversation with Emmanuel Nshimirimana, Executive Director of Biraturaba, a Burundian peacebuilding organization. For the last seven years, Biraturaba has coordinated civil society contributions to Burundi's strategic peacebuilding framework. Emmanuel will reflect on […]

Burundi's 2015 Elections: Perspectives, Priorities, and Preparations at Three Months Out

February 27, 2015 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am EDT

Wilson Center6th Floor Board RoomRonald Reagan Building andInternational Trade CenterOne Woodrow Wilson Plaza1300 Pennsylvania, Ave., NWWashington, D.C. 20004 Forum Details: In three months, the Burundian elections season will begin. These will be the country's second direct elections since its decade-long conflict ended in 2003. Preparations are underway for […]

Land Tenure, Conflict, and Marginalization: New Analysis and Responses in Uganda

February 12, 2015 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am EDT

MEETING OVERVIEW Rapid population growth and commercial investments are transforming rural Uganda, where 85% of citizens rely on access to productive land for their livelihood. Access to justice in land-related matters is largely out of reach, particularly for the most marginalized groups. Please join us for this Great […]

World Bank's 2015 Fragility Forum: a Special GLPF on the Democratic Republic of Congo

February 11, 2015 @ 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm EDT

We are pleased to invite you to a very special Great Lakes Policy Forum event, which will be organized in conjunction with the World Bank's 2015 Fragility Forum. The event will be held at the World Bank at 1818 H Street NW, and all guests are asked to […]

Oil in Lake Tanganyika and the Great Lakes: Understanding the Opportunities and Risks

December 4, 2014 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am EDT

Investment in exploration and production of petro-based energy sources has boomed in the Great Lakes region over the past two years. New oil and gas finds have created opportunities for economic growth in some of the poorest parts of the continent. But at the same time, the potential impacts on sensitive environmental systems, as well as its impact on conflict and security are not yet fully understood. Please join us for a special roundtable discussion with […]

Growth, Regional Integration, and Conflict in the East African Community

November 12, 2014 @ 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm EDT

As the East African Community marks the 15th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty for its establishment, the regional bloc has experienced a period of economic transformation. A recent IMF working paper found that growth in GDP exceeded 6% annually over the course of the past decade across the region, the rise in investment and transformation of economies throughout the region. Regional integration holds particular promise for many of the region's post-conflict countries as they seek to meet the aspirations of their society.

What Did the US-Africa Summit Mean for the Great Lakes Region?

October 28, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am EDT

On August 4-6 2014, Washington hosted the first-ever US-Africa summit, which placed a renewed emphasis on the role of the private sector, economic growth, and civil society in underpinning the future of U.S. relations with African countries. A number of new initiatives were announced, including military cooperation, a renewed focus on resiliency, and increased public-private partnerships. Please join us for a discussion with a diverse group of panelists involved in planning the summit, for a reflection on what was accomplished and what it means for the Great Lakes region.

Ending Violence Against Women in the Great Lakes: Voices from the Front Lines

September 4, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am EDT

The wars in the Great Lakes region led to horrific violence against women. In her 2009 visit to the Great Lakes region, Hillary Clinton announced an ambitious emphasis on preventing sexual violence. Margaret Wallstrom, then-UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence called the DRC the "rape capital of the world."

Five years later, please join the Great Lakes Policy Forum to take stock of the progress made in combating sexual violence in the Great Lakes, and highlighting the challenges that remain. The discussion will feature three 2014 Mandela Washington Fellows, who have come to the U.S. as part of the Young African Leaders Initiative and who will present their analysis of the current state of affairs, the work that they are leading on-the-ground, and outline new challenges.

A Complex Partnership: What declassified documents reveal about America's role in Congo from 1960-1968 and the lessons we can draw today

May 29, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am EDT

In 2013, the State Department published "The Congo Volume" in its Foreign Relations of the United States series. This new volume collects declassified intelligence documents, shedding light about diplomatic and covert political action programs in the Congo from 1960 to 1968. Please join the Great Lakes Policy Forum for a discussion among historians about these latest documents, U.S. actions, and what lessons policymakers can draw today. Our panel will include author Steve Weissman, National Security Archive Senior Fellow Dr. John Prados, and University of North Carolina Professor Dr. Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja. It will be moderated by Foreign Policy Analyst and Stanford University Fellow Mvemba Dizolele.

Youth in Burundi: Challenges and Opportunities in the Lead-up to the 2015 Elections

March 27, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am EDT

With the 2015 elections less than 18 months away, youth in Burundi have an opportunity to play a crucial role in shaping the country's political, economic, and social landscape. Please join us for a discussion with Dr. Marc Sommers, Audace Machado, and Mike Jobbins on the challenges and opportunities Burundian youth face, including their impact on the country's prospects for peace and prosperity.

Crisis in the Great Lakes Region Post-M23: A Discussion with Russ Feingold

November 21, 2013 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 pm EDT

Since the M23 laid down their arms earlier this month, one of the most violent threats to stability in the Congo appears to be drawing to a close. Yet, serious challenges remain for the DRC, the wider Great Lakes region, and the international community to secure lasting peace. […]

Crisis in the Central African Republic

September 27, 2013

On March 24, 2013, the Seleka rebels seized control of the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), Bangui, forcing President Francois Bozize to flee. Current President Michel Djotodia faces the difficult task of restoring order and organizing elections once the 18-month transition period expires. Please join us for a discussion with Central African legislature and civil society members on the latest crisis situation in the Central African Republic, which impacts the Great Lakes region as a whole.