16th DSRSG Dialogue in Berlin: Leadership Responsibility & Change in Peace Missions

For the 16th time, the Deputy Special Representatives of the Secretary-General (DSRSGs) met to discuss current developments, challenges, and opportunities in peace missions. This year's DSRSG Dialogue took place in Berlin on October 28-29, 2025, and, as in previous years, was jointly organized by the Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF) and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) and supported by the Federal Foreign Office.

In their welcoming remarks, Anka Feldhusen (Commissioner for Stabilization and Civilian Crisis Prevention at the Federal Foreign Office), Silke Weinlich (Deputy Director, Learning and Knowledge Services, UNSSC), and Katja Niethammer (Deputy Director, ZIF) emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation in times of global upheaval.

Budget cuts and the UN 80 reform process

th the challenges arising from the ongoing budget cuts to peacekeeping missions and UN programs and funds. The budget cuts, which were made necessary by a liquidity crisis in the peacekeeping budget, have resulted in a reduction in the size and number of peacekeeping and crisis response missions, among other things. The cuts are taking place against a backdrop of simultaneously increasing demand for humanitarian aid and peacekeeping.

Another focus was on the UN 80 reform process. Launched by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in spring 2025, the initiative aims to overcome the financial, geopolitical, and administrative crisis currently facing the UN through various reform approaches and to make the United Nations more flexible, integrated, and better equipped to tackle global challenges.

Exchange with the Berlin Peacebuilding Community of Practice

As a special feature this year, the DSRSGs also had the opportunity to exchange ideas with members of the Berlin Peacebuilding Community of Practice (CoP). The focus of the exchange was the compendium of best practices and innovative approaches to peacebuilding at the local level compiled by the CoP, from which three initiatives were presented by the implementing organizations. The CoP was launched by ZIF at the end of 2024 and consists of Berlin-based organizations and networks active in the field of peacebuilding.

At the end of the event, the participants drew a positive conclusion. The DSRSG Dialogue remains an important space for collegial exchange, strategic learning, and the further development of civilian leadership in peace operations. 

Further information:

ZIF and the UN System Staff College (UNSSC) organize the DSRSG Dialogue annually in Berlin. The aim is to promote exchange among Deputy Special Representatives and provide impetus for the further development of UN peace missions.