The Future of Multilateralism for Peacebuilding

In a time of growing division and global uncertainty, this event invites reflection on what meaningful peacebuilding looks like today. Hear from Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary General for Peacebuilding at the United Nations, as she shares insights on Canada’s role in advancing peace, justice, and long term global cooperation. The conversation will highlight the vital role grassroots organizations play in peacebuilding, offering space to learn, connect, and exchange ideas with others working toward a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General

Ms. Elizabeth Spehar of Canada is the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding and Peace Support, in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). With more than 35 years of experience in international and political affairs, Ms. Spehar has worked in United Nations Headquarters and in the field, leading political, development, peacebuilding and conflict prevention initiatives. Most recently, since 2016, she was the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), also serving as Deputy to the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus.

Previously, Ms. Spehar was Director of the Policy and Mediation Division in the former Department of Political Affairs, now DPPA, where she worked on policy and operational matters related to conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding and gender mainstreaming. Prior to this, she was the Director for the Americas and Europe Division and Director of the Europe Division in the Department of Political Affairs, engaging extensively on key political issues facing the region. She also served briefly as Interim Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNFICYP in 2008.

Before joining the United Nations, Ms. Spehar was a senior official with the Organization of American States (OAS) for more than 12 years, working to promote democracy and develop the organization’s dialogue and conflict resolution instruments.

Ms. Spehar holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours from Queen’s University in Canada, a master’s degree in international affairs from Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, also in Canada, and a Diplôme d’Etudes Supérieures from the University of Pau in France. She speaks English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Croatian.

Born in Port Arthur, Canada, she has a daughter.