The Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) deeply mourns the passing of Mohamed Benaissa, a distinguished diplomat, statesman, and a founding member of our Advisory Board.
A towering figure in international diplomacy, Mohamed Benaissa was among the Middle East’s most respected voices in global affairs. His wisdom, leadership, and unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him.
For CIRSD, he was more than an esteemed board member—he was a guiding force, a mentor, and a source of invaluable counsel. His contributions to our journal Horizons enriched global discourse, reflecting his deep understanding of the complexities of our world.
As we honor his memory, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched.
May his legacy continue to inspire, and may he find eternal peace in this sacred month.
GPDI Co-Chair María Fernanda Espinosa Calls for UN Reform Centered on Preventive Diplomacy in Interview with GZERO Media
Paris — On the sidelines of the Paris Peace Forum, María Fernanda Espinosa, Co-Chair of the Global Preventive Diplomacy Initiative (GPDI) and former President of the United Nations General Assembly, spoke with GZERO Media’s Tony Maciulis about the urgent need to make global peace efforts more proactive through preventive diplomacy.
Read more
CIRSD Vice President Participates at International Conference on Responsible Management Education
Belgrade, October 2025 — CIRSD Vice President Stefan Jovanović participated in the 12th Responsible Management Education Research Conference (RMERC), held last week in Belgrade. The event was organized by the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, and the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) Anti-Poverty Working Group, bringing together representatives from academia, the business community, and international organizations from around the world.
Read more
Maria Fernanda Espinosa Calls for Stronger Preventive Diplomacy as the UN Marks its 80th Anniversary
As the United Nations commemorates its 80th anniversary, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, former President of the UN General Assembly and Co-Chair of the Global Preventive Diplomacy Initiative (GPDI), spoke to CGTN’s flagship program The Agenda about the urgent need to modernize the UN and make preventive diplomacy the central pillar of its peace and security agenda.
Read more
CIRSD and NGIC Coorganize a High-Level Conference at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna
Vienna, October 21, 2025 — The Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC), convened a high-level international conference titled “Shifting Grounds: The Caucasus, Central Asia and Europe in a New Global Order”, in partnership with the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna.
Read more