Peace Reflection Group of Former UN System Staff (PRG)

Former UN staff working for peace, justice and a stronger, inclusive United Nations

About PRG

The Peace Reflection Group of former UN system staff (PRG) — previously known as the Peacemaking Reflection Group — is an informal group of former international civil servants who use their collective experience to articulate common positions and recommendations for today's world leaders. The group strongly believes that the UN Charter's principles and provisions remain valid. What needs to change is how those principles are applied in national and international politics and in all interactions between and among state and non-state actors — expanding the corpus of international law with more effective means of enforcement. Respecting political diversity, the group advocates for innovative ways to apply the Charter, strengthening multilateralism at a time when world values appear to be diverging. The ultimate goal is to prevent conflicts, actively promote a culture of peace worldwide, and achieve sustainable development with human rights for all.

PRG grew directly out of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. An initiative convened by FOGGS brought together former UN senior officials from around the world to discuss the situation and engage with the UN Secretary-General's office, encouraging a more proactive UN role in addressing what members saw as a flagrant violation of the UN Charter. The UN's response had been hamstrung by Russia's veto in the Security Council, which tied the hands of the international community. This group evolved into the PRG, and its first major action was a letter to the Secretary-General calling for urgent intervention — signed by 220 former staff members and sent on 15 April 2022. The very next week, the Secretary-General carried out missions to both Moscow and Kyiv, engaging face-to-face with Presidents Putin and Zelensky.

Activities

PRG operated as a collaborative forum for former UN officials to exchange views and reflect collectively on global affairs. Activities included policy reflection, analytical papers, opinion pieces, open letters, statements, and communications with international institutions and political leaders. Members also:

Through these efforts, PRG contributed to discussions on strengthening multilateralism, promoted effective application of Charter principles, and supported efforts to prevent conflict, advance sustainable development, and protect human rights.

UN Charter at 80: A Call to Reclaim Its Purpose

In response to mounting concerns about the state of the world, multilateralism, and the United Nations, PRG prepared a Call on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, urging a return to the Charter's founding purpose. The Call was endorsed by former UN system officials, Club de Madrid members, heads of state and government, and members of the public. Signature collection remained open until UN Day, 24 October 2025.

Notable Signatories

Signatories included former heads of state and government and senior international figures, among them:

Club de Madrid members also signed, alongside a broad coalition of UN-affiliated officials, experts, and members of the public.

Event Recording

A special event marking the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter and the launch of the Call was held on 26 June 2025.

Press Releases

The following press releases have been issued:

Related Articles

All PRG Initiatives

Publications

PRG participants contributed publications and reflection papers on peace, security, and governance, including:

Participants also contributed blog posts and commentary on global governance, globalization, and human rights.