About Us
The Kent Program explores innovative responses to international conflict, among them how to harness the power of public institutions, civil society and business so that they form a "Golden Triangle" that contributes effectively to conflict resolution and peaceful societies. The program combines the knowledge and academic rigor of the faculty of Columbia University with the experience of practitioners who share the real-life situations they are confronting. The major components of the program include the following:
Summer Training
The program's flagship event is an intensive week-long Summer Training for professionals from governments and inter-governmental institutions held annually in New York City. With its emphasis on case studies and simulations, and the active participation of government, civil society and business leaders, it will help the peacemakers of tomorrow build the broad array of practical skills they need to address contemporary conflict. Over the coming years, the Kent Global Leadership Program will develop a global network of alumni, instructors, scholars, and practitioners devoted to advancing our understanding of ways to enhance conflict resolution.
Kent Fellowships
Every year the Kent Program sponsors a scholarship to enable two promising students engaged in conflict resolution to study at Columbia SIPA. In addition to their studies, Kent Fellows become an integral part of our team, helping to plan the summer training and events throughout the year. Alumni of the program have gone on to positions at the International Committee of the Red Cross, Humanitarian Dialogue, and Innovations for Poverty Action.
Visiting Professorship
The Kent Program sponsors an annual visiting professorship in conflict resolution. The visitor gives a keynote speech at the Kellogg Center, teaches a course at SIPA and engages with students specializing in conflict resolution. You may read more about past visiting professors here.
Events at SIPA
The Kent Program sponsors and organizes a regular series of public events during the year focusing on various conflict situations. In the past years we have had hosted events focusing on Ethiopia, Israel/Palestine, Yemen, Mali, Sri Lanka, and other major areas of conflict. More information about events can be found here.
The Kent program is the brainchild of the late Ed Luck; Merit Janow, Dean Emerita of SIPA; and our generous donor Muhtar Kent. The program is now directed by Jean-Marie Guéhenno. Below is video of the event announcing the launch of the program in 2020.