Jordan Ryan serves as the Vice President for Peace Programs at The Carter Center. The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. The Center seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.
Jordan Ryan retired in 2014 as UNDP Assistant Administrator/UN Assistant Secretary-General.
The United Nations Secretary-General recently began his term with renewed focus on the role the United Nations needs to play in preventing conflict. He announced in an early speech that conflict prevention is the priority for the UN. The direction of the Secretary-General is both welcome and necessary. Hopefully the reformed UN that he envisions will be capable of working decisively in this area. A ‘systems’ approach will be needed to more effectively integrate the political, development and humanitarian sides of the UN.