Announcing ONN Nuclear Risk Reduction Forum 9-10 June

The ONN Nuclear Risk Reduction Forum is a gathering of ONN's Engagement Network members and leading experts and scholars in the fields of conflict de-escalation, security and non-proliferation. The forum aims to inform and impact policy-making as we navigate today’s multifaceted opportunities and challenges.

The theme of this year's forum is "Conflict De-Escalation on the Korean Peninsula". How do we deal with an escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula as North Korea continues down a path of advancing its missile and nuclear capabilities? How will the new administration in South Korea affect the already precarious security situation on the Korean Peninsula? How might the shifting global political dynamics shape key regional players' calculus vis-a-vis North Korea? What do we know about North Korea's domestic situation after years of international sanctions and a prolonged self-isolation to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak? Last but not least, where does all this leave us in terms of prospects for diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang? 

These are the questions the ONN Nuclear Risk Reduction Forum hopes to address with our distinguished speakers.

ONN Director Laura Rockwood hopes the Forum will help ONN shape an approach for meaningful engagement with the DPRK:

For timely updates about the Forum, follow ONN on Twitter (@OpenNuclear) and the official Forum's hashtag #NRRF2022.

Forum Agenda

DAY 1 - 9 JUNE / THURSDAY

(1) Escalation Risks on the Korean Peninsula - Recent Developments

• Assess military risks and developments in the region and how should key stakeholders in the region deal with Pyongyang's growing missile and nuclear capabilities.

(2) The New ROK Administration's North Korea Policy

• Review the Yoon administration's North Korea policy and its implications for inter-Korean relations and the region.

(3) Lunch Break

(4) Regional Perspectives on the Korean Peninsula

• Review where each major regional player stands on North Korea and how we should reconcile intensifying geopolitical fault lines with much-needed regional cooperation.

(5) Potential for Diplomatic Engagement

• CTBTO and DPRK testing
• COVID-19 outlook
• Sanctions implications
• DPRK economy
• JCPOA - Lessons learned for the Korean Peninsula

DAY 2 - 10 JUNE / FRIDAY

(6) Review of ONN's Activities

• Review ONN's work
• ONN's engagement engine
• ONN's analysis engine

(7) Outlook on ONN's Next Steps

• Identify key near-term escalation risks and opportunities for ONN engagement