23 October 2009: The UN Day Symposium at UNU Headquarters brought together over 500 participants. The main theme of the symposium was the concept of human security fifteen years after its emergence. The symposium elaborated on how the human security concept has evolved since it was first articulated. Opening remarks were made by Mr. Govindan Parayeli, Vice-Rector, UNU and Mr. Koichi Takemasa, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. A range of questions were addressed by a group of panelists and covered the following areas: Where does the concept of Human Security stand 15 years after its emergence? What has gone right — and wrong? What examples best illustrate how focusing on individuals rather than states has achieved effective implementation of operational UN mandates, strengthening peace, development and sustainability? What are the current challenges to Human Security? Are they the same as 15 years ago? Which types of threats have been under-estimated or should be given higher priority? What can we anticipate in the next 15 years, and will the concept of Human Security still be relevant in 2025?

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Statement by Ms. Mostafavi, Human Security Unit, OCHA

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