Our UN Day 2024 event, Mountain Strong Against Trafficking, brought together passionate advocates, experts, and community members at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Boulder to address the pressing issue of human trafficking. The day was filled with powerful stories, insightful discussions, and a shared commitment to action.

From survivor testimonies to expert-led panels, the summit shed light on both the challenges and solutions in combating trafficking. Organizations like New Horizons House International, ALIGHT, and the Colorado Department of Public Safety provided invaluable resources, while speakers such as KC Wagner and AnnJanette Alejano-Steele shared their expertise on local and national anti-trafficking efforts.

The event concluded with a moving spoken word performance and a reflective discussion, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of purpose. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this initiative—we are truly Mountain Strong in this fight!

On Tuesday, February 27, at the Boulder Public Library, Associate Professor Megan Shannon from CU Boulder led a thought-provoking discussion on “UN Peacekeeping in the Midst of War.” Drawing from her recent book and extensive research, Megan explored the complex role of UN peacekeeping missions in mitigating violence during civil wars.

Her presentation highlighted key findings from her work, which uses unique data to analyze how UN interventions impact ongoing conflicts. Through both large-scale quantitative studies and detailed case analyses, her research demonstrates that well-equipped and properly constituted UN peacekeeping missions can significantly reduce violence in war-torn regions.

With her background in international security and a recent Fulbright fellowship at the Peace Research Institute of Oslo, Megan provided an expert perspective on the effectiveness and challenges of UN peacekeeping efforts. Her talk sparked an engaging discussion on the broader implications of international intervention and the future of global peacekeeping initiatives.

Professor Robert Wyrod led an insightful discussion on Global China and International Development: Perspectives from Sub-Saharan Africa at the Boulder Public Library on September 23. His presentation focused on China's expanding role as a development partner in Uganda, based on years of ethnographic research at Chinese-funded projects across the country. Wyrod explored the opportunities and challenges posed by Chinese investment, highlighting the complexities of economic growth, infrastructure development, and local impacts. His talk provided a thought-provoking analysis of China's global influence and its implications for African nations.

On April 16, the UNA-BC Discussion Series welcomed Dr. Gene Bolles, an esteemed neurosurgeon with decades of experience in both medical practice and humanitarian missions. In his talk, Geopolitical Aspects of Humanitarian Health Care Missions, Dr. Bolles shared firsthand accounts from his medical work in conflict zones, including Northern Iraq, North Korea, and China. Drawing from his extensive career, he explored the intersection of medicine, diplomacy, and global crises, highlighting the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by medical professionals in politically sensitive regions. The discussion provided profound insights into the vital role of healthcare in international humanitarian efforts.

Venezuela’s economic and political collapse has been one of the most dramatic crises in recent history. On October 25, Professor Francisco Rodríguez, an esteemed economist and scholar, led a compelling discussion on the factors behind the country’s decline from 2012 to 2020. Drawing from his forthcoming book, The Collapse of Venezuela: Scorched Earth Politics and Economic Decline, Rodríguez examined the interplay of economic mismanagement, political strife, and international influences that contributed to Venezuela’s downfall. Attendees gained valuable insights into the broader implications of economic instability and governance challenges in Latin America.

Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) have long been a subject of debate, shaping economies and societies worldwide. On June 6, Ed Elmendorf, a distinguished expert with decades of experience in international development, led an insightful discussion on the myths and realities of these programs. Drawing from his 30-year career at the World Bank and extensive work with global institutions, Elmendorf explored the economic policies behind SAPs and their lasting impact, particularly in Africa. Attendees engaged in a thought-provoking conversation about the role of Bretton Woods institutions, the balance between economic reform and social consequences, and the future of global financial governance.