News & Archive

(September 19, 2003)

The Role of the Private and Non-Profit Sectors in International Conflict Resolution

with
Jonathan Margolis
Director, Office of Policy Coordination and Initiatives
Bureau of Oceans, International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Tuesday, September 23 at 6pm
Land Hall, Belfer Building
Kennedy School of Government

Jonathan Margolis, a career member of the Senior Executive Service, serves as the Director of the Office of Policy Coordination and Initiatives in the Bureau of Oceans, International Environmental and Scientific Affairs in the Department of State and as U.S. Head of Delegation to the UN Commission on Sustainable Development. The office provides overall policy guidance on international environmental issues and coordinates bilateral and regional aspects of the Department's environmental and scientific activities and global environmental negotiations. The office is also responsible for leading the USG's efforts on the World Summit on Sustainable Development and its follow-up as well as the Department's effort on transboundary water issues.

Prior to his current position, Mr. Margolis served as the Division Chief for the Middle East and Asia in the Office of Science and Technology Cooperation. In this capacity, he supervised a team of officers responsible for U.S. bilateral cooperation with such countries as Japan, China, India, Israel, Korea, and many others. From 1991-1996, Jonathan was integrally involved in the multilateral track of the Middle East peace process, representing the U.S. on economic, environment, and water-related issues, and promoting regional cooperation between Israelis, Palestinians, and Middle East countries as part of the peace process.

Jonathan has a Ph.D. from Harvard University in Psychology focussing on negotiation and conflict resolution. He holds a Master's Degree from the Fletcher School of International Law and Diplomacy. His undergraduate degree is in Fine Arts from Harvard College. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at American University, and serves currently as an Adjunct Professor at the Foreign Service Institute.