Mission

MISSION STATEMENT

THE Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) is a public policy think-tank registered in Belgrade and New York. Its mission is to provide high-quality, independent analysis and offer innovative, practical recommendations with the aim of

  • strengthening peaceful cooperation between States and increasing responsiveness to changing global circumstances;
  • encouraging a more inclusive and equitable international system;
  • advocating sustainable development as the foundation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

CIRSD is committed to help deepen the understanding of economic, social, environmental, and foreign and security policy choices of different States and organizations.

A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP

CIRSD is an institutional partner of an innovative, first-of-its-kind advisory group jointly established by the Earth Institute at Columbia University and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN). The President of CIRSD, the CIRSD Board of Advisors, and CIRSD Senior Staff are members of the Columbia University Earth Institute–UN SDSN Advisory Group on International Relations, having been designated “Earth Institute SDSN Senior Advisors.”

The goal of this joint initiative is to capitalize on the collective knowledge and experience of renowned scientists and prominent political and diplomatic leaders from different parts of the world. The Advisory Group aims to provide high-level analysis and advice to governments and international organizations on how to manage the transformation to sustainable development in the context of national, regional, and global governance.

This partnership helps create an effective mechanism for the translation of scientific evidence and technical knowledge into progressive yet realistic policy prescriptions, helping to advance the UN 2030 Agenda. 

CIRSD President Vuk Jeremić and members of the CIRSD Board of Advisors have also joined the Leadership Council of the UN SDSN. The Leadership Council is composed of internationally-recognized leaders and experts in sustainable development from academia, business, civil society, and the public sector. It offers strategic guidance and scientifically objective research to heads of state and government as well as cabinet ministers from around the world on the importance of implementing the UN 2030 Agenda. 

OFF-THE-RECORD BRIEFINGS

CIRSD organizes tailor-made off-the-record briefings, symposia, and study visits for political and diplomatic leaders, senior officials, corporate business executives and entrepreneurs, philanthropic heads, and other influential decision-makers.

These small, invitation-only events provide valuable insights into global and regional trends covering the full gamut of issues in international relations and sustainable development.

These customized interactive sessions are held throughout the world. Drawing on the extensive experience of CIRSD’s international network and carefully selected guest speakers, these retreat-type events enrich participants’ understanding of global political, economic, and environmental trends.

  • UN General Assembly best practices
  • UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
  • Global governance and world affairs
  • Energy security
  • Geopolitical risk analysis
  • Deep-decarbonization and climate change
  • Regional transformations
  • Country profiles