The Hague Institute for Global Justice has recently appointed Sierra Leonean born Dr. Abiodun Williams (photo) as the first President of the Institute.
Dr. Williams will assume the presidency on January 1, 2013. He is currently Senior Vice President of the Center for Conflict Management at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington, DC.
In a press release the Board of the Hague Institute expressedtheir “sincere gratitude to the current Dean, Professor Willem van Genugten, for his important contribution in the start-up phase of the Institute. His dedication, vision and leadership have been of invaluable importance for the development of the Institute’s approach, working methods and positioning.”
Launched in June 2011, the Hague Institute for Global Justice was established by the municipality of The Hague and a number of Hague based academic institutions, with the strong support of the Dutch government. The Institute is based in a city that has been a symbol of peace and justice for over a century, starting with the First Hague Peace Conference in 1899.
It is dedicated to addressing significant global justice issues from an inter-disciplinary perspective, and identifying practical and effective solutions. Through its projects, the Institute seeks to underline that lasting peace, security and development cannot be achieved without global justice and respect for international law.
“It is with great satisfaction that we welcome Dr. Abiodun Williams as President of The Hague Institute for Global Justice” says Jozias van Aartsen, Chair of the Institute’s Board, Mayor of The Hague and former Minister of Foreign Affairs. “With his great experience, both in the field and at the UN-headquarters, he will be an inspiring leader of our young Institute.”
Dr. Williams joined USIP in 2008 and leads its work in major conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Libya, Tunisia and Egypt. Prior to his current position he served as Vice President of the Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention, and had primary responsibility for USIP’s work on conflict prevention, in Iran, and Northeast Asia.
Before joining USIP, Dr. Williams had a successful career at the United Nations. From 2001-2007 he served as Director of Strategic Planning for United Nations Secretaries-General Ban Ki-moon and Kofi Annan.
From 1994 to 2000 he served in three peacekeeping operations in Macedonia, Haiti, and Bosnia-Herzegovina as Special Assistant to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and Political and Humanitarian Affairs Officer.
Dr. Williams has also had valuable experience in academia. He has served as Associate Dean of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defense University in Washington, DC, and held faculty appointments at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, University of Rochester, and Tufts University.
He has received several awards including the Dr. Jean Mayer Global Citizenship Award from Tufts University and the Constantine E. Maguire Medal from Georgetown. He is Chair of the Academic Council on the United Nations System, and has published widely on conflict prevention and conflict management.
Dr. Williams earned his Master of Arts degree with Honors in English Language and Literature from Edinburgh University, and his Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, and Doctorate in International Relations from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
“It is an honor to lead The Hague Institute for Global Justice which has great potential to become an internationally acclaimed think tank, and a vital force in the challenging but essential task of promoting global peace and justice. I look forward to working with the staff, the Board, and the Advisory Council to fulfill the Institute’s promise,” Dr. Williams said.
The chair of the Advisory Council of the Institute and former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright said “I have known Dr. Williams for more than 25 years as a valued colleague and friend. I am delighted at this new appointment.
He is the ideal choice for this position, and will be a tremendous asset to The Hague Institute for Global Justice. Dr. Williams is brilliant, talented and an inspiring leader.”
The Williams family wishes to congratulate him on this laudable achievement and wishes him success in his new appointment.
Dr. Williams is the youngest son of the late Dr. G.L.V. Williams and Mrs. Rebecca Williams of 13 Rasmusson Street, Brookfields in Freetown. He is an alumnus of the Sierra Leone Grammar School.
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