Peacemaker: Thant Myint-U on the UN’s Past and Future

Through the story of his grandfather, U Thant, the first United Nations (UN) Secretary-General from the Global South, Thant Myint-U offers a new history of the turbulent 1960s and the UN’s role in shaping global war and peace. Looking back at this pivotal period, he will share insights on what kind of UN has worked in the past and how those lessons can be applied today, as the world confronts compounding crises and urgent demands for multilateral action. The event will shine a light on U Thant’s legacy and challenge us to reimagine the UN’s future—rooted in Global South perspectives and better equipped to confront today’s global crises. Opening remarks will be delivered by CIC Acting Director Paul Smoke, Professor of Public Finance and Planning and Director of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Public & Nonprofit Management & Policy at NYU Wagner. Following Thant’s keynote address, the program will include an audience Q&A session, moderated by Betty W. Wainaina, Program Director at CIC.

Copies of Peacemaker will be available for sale through the NYU Bookstore.