Join the Vermont Council on World Affairs on Thursday, October 12, 2023 for our annual Peace Celebration.

2023 Person of the Year

Tim Rieser

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, International Day of Peace represents a globally shared day for all humanity to commit to building a culture of peace in communities around the world. The Vermont Council on World Affairs is excited to once again celebrate International Day of Peace with programming focused on this important topic.

Focused on Peace and Security in a Changing World, this event will unite visionaries, policymakers, and advocates in a shared commitment to building a more peaceful and secure world.

Join us as we delve into the challenges and opportunities of establishing peace and security in a world grappling with threats like climate change, terrorism, and political instability. The conversations will center on crafting a more peaceful and secure world for generations to come. 

Throughout his career, Tim Rieser has left an indelible mark on the international stage and has shown a longstanding commitment to diplomacy, peace, and global security. A distinguished senior Foreign Policy Advisor to Senator Patrick Leahy for 37 years, Rieser’s work has helped create a more peaceful world for future generations, Rieser is a true diplomat and a champion of peace. His work has made the world a safer place, and him a worthy recipient of the VCWA Person of the Year Award.

Rieser's dedication to diplomacy and peace is evident in his many accomplishments. He helped to broker the Dayton Accords, which brought an end to the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also played a leading role in the creation of the International Criminal Court. An ardent advocate of peaceful dialogue and diplomacy, Rieser played a pivotal role in supporting Senator Leahy in normalizing relations with Cuba during the Obama administration. He has also helped to orchestrate the fight against landmines and cluster munitions, establish programs to assist innocent victims of war, and address war legacies in Vietnam including contamination resulting from Agent Orange.

His instrumental contributions to shaping U.S. foreign policy encompass critical issues ranging from human rights to global health, international environmental conservation, and a wide range of other foreign assistance programs. Rieser's work has spanned the globe, from the Balkans to the Middle East to Africa. He has played a key role in negotiating peace agreements, resolving conflicts, and promoting human rights.

Each year at our International Day of Peace event we honor an individual who, in VCWA's view, embodies the qualities inherent in promoting international understanding and building ties between the US and the world with our Person of the Year Award.