The Expert Take
From deminers to military gender advisors, environmental engineers to human rights monitors, and cybersecurity analysts to mediators, it takes a diverse team with a wealth of expertise to lead the work of a large international organization like the United Nations in supporting countries and communities as they pave their way to lasting peace.
The Expert Take series looks at the UN’s value and legacy over the last 80 years, through the lens of people committed to helping others navigate the challenging transition from conflict to peace and security. Sharing their vision, aspirations, and solutions, they draw directly from their lived experience of the many complex realities on the ground.
Ayefoumi Agnon: Security isn't just about police presence
From serving in Togo's police to advising the UN in the Central African Republic and Haiti, Ayefoumi Agnon has a deep commitment to justice and protection. Her work shows that trust, dignity, and compassion can transform security for the most vulnerable.
Thomas Biersteker: Rarely are sanctions used in isolation
In this Expert Take interview, Thomas Biersteker, a leading authority on UN sanctions, unpacks what Security Council sanctions really are and how they come into force. He explores when they work, why they matter, and how they fit into the UN's broader toolkit for maintaining international peace and security.
Claudio Cordone: One of the UN's biggest accomplishments through UNAMI has been really institutionalizing Iraq's electoral process
In Iraq, the United Nations is wrapping up a two-decade mission. Since its establishment in 2003, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has been a steady partner for the government and the people of Iraq, supporting the drafting of the 2005 Iraqi constitution and enabling the re-emergence of democratic institutions.
Cathleen de Kerchove: Healing physical wounds is not enough, dignity must be restored
After witnessing the devastating impact of sexual violence on children in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Iraq, Cathleen de Kerchove was driven to take action. She explains Children of Panzi and Elsewhere (CPE)'s unique approach to healing—and why restoring dignity and hope is essential for building lasting peace.
Olukemi Ibikunle: Competence has no gender
Olukemi Ibikunle, a Corrections Unit Engineer at MONUSCO, is the winner of the 2025 UN Trailblazer Award for Women Justice and Corrections Officers. In this Expert Take, Ms. Ibikunle discusses the role model she strives to be for women and girls around the world.
Dr. Kenneth Ozoilo: In Conflict Zones, Healthcare Is Often One Of the Earliest Casualties
Dr. Kenneth Ozoilo, a surgeon from Nigeria who works with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mobile Surgical Team, shares his journey from a local responder in Jos to leading life-saving missions in conflict zones in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Tamar Gabelnick: Mines Don't Choose Their Victims
Tamar Gabelnick, Director of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), discusses the troubling trend of countries withdrawing from the Landmine Ban Treaty amid rising regional insecurity. She warns of the grave humanitarian, economic, and environmental consequences of reintroducing anti-personnel mines.
Caroline Ziadeh: Peacekeeping is not just about presence; it is about purpose
Caroline Ziadeh, Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), reflects on the challenges and quiet successes of peacebuilding, emphasizing the importance of community-led initiatives, the inclusion of women and youth, and trust-building across Kosovo's divided society.
Violet Nasambu-Lusala: Inclusion is not just a strategy, it's a responsibility
UNISFA's former Police Commissioner, Violet Nasambu-Lusala from Kenya, who was one of the first senior-level women to serve in the peacekeeping mission, sheds light on the vital role of community engagement in her people-centered policing model.
Lesego Chombo: My youth is my superpower
In this Expert Take, we talk to Botswana's Honourable Minister for Youth and Gender Affairs Lesego Chombo. As one of Africa's youngest-ever cabinet ministers at 26, her journey showcases the immense potential within younger generations and demonstrates how youth can drive significant political change.
Atul Khare: Peace and democracy can prevail
"In the aftermath of a deep crisis," says Atul Khare, a UN veteran, "peace and democracy can prevail as long as there is a strong and courageous local leadership, international solidarity… and a Security Council who is willing to act with unity and resolve."
Zainab Gbla: To foster peace and protect the vulnerable
Chief Superintendent Zainab Mbalu Gbla, a Sierra Leonean UN Police Officer who serves in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei, earned the 2024 UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award for her unwavering commitment to making a difference in this decades-long conflict zone.
John Brandolino: Making our digital and physical worlds safer
As technology advances, so do the sophisticated threats that jeopardize our digital safety. John Brandolino, the Director for the Division for Treaty Affairs at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, explains why the new international UN Cybercrime Convention is vital for global peace and security.