Former UN Under-Secretary-General Adama Dieng, who served as the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide from 2012 to 2020, engaged in a discussion with Changing Global Orders Co-Director Prof. Andrew Thompson about the UN’s responsibility in preventing genocide and mass atrocities on a global scale. With a background in human rights and international law, Dieng has held various prominent roles at the UN and other international institutions. The conversation explored various questions about Dieng’s formative experiences as a Senegalese international lawyer, focusing on translating the concept of genocide prevention into practical implementation at different levels, including regional ones. Emphasizing the importance of early warning systems and a bottom-up approach to atrocity prevention, Dieng also noted how the UN could address more effectively mass violence in light of the increasing occurrence of atrocity crimes worldwide, alongside a surge in hate speech, discrimination, and intolerance. Dieng also discussed in depth the UN’s ongoing pivotal role in de-escalating conflicts and the obstacles hindering the realization of a world without genocide. Baroness Amos concluded the event by offering several reflections on Dieng’s exceptional career and achievements.
Watch at The United Nations & the prevention of mass atrocities in the 21st Century with Adama Dieng - YouTube
