2023 Parallel High Level Event
On Peacebuidling and Conflict Prevention
Switzerland. © UNHCR/Markel Redondo 2023
Watch the Recording:
Switzerland. © UNHCR/Markel Redondo 2023
“This government is now betting for total peace. What does this mean? Well, it means putting down arms. We want these territories that have suffered armed conflict for so long to be spaces for life -- for the good life, as we call it in Colombia.”
— H.E. MS. FRANCIA MÁRQUEZ, VICE PRESIDENT OF COLOMBIA
“The world can just not cope with more conflict. That's why we need to focus on prevention. We need to do what we can in order to mediate and share the various parties engaging in warfare are able to find sustainable solutions towards a peaceful outcome but we need to do what we can in order to inhibit conflict from breaking out.”
— H.E. MR. ANDREAS MOTZFELDT KRAVIK, DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER OF NORWAY
“Despite its significance, addressing the root causes of forced displacement has unfortunately been one of the areas that have received little attention among the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees. A number of factors drive and exacerbate forced displacement, but conflict remains the No. 1 driver of forced displacement all over the world.”
— AMB. AHMED IHAB ABDELAHAD GAMALELDIN, PERMANENT REP. OF EGYPT TO THE UN IN GENEVA
“We know that if we don't have an adequate and a holistic approach to address protracted displacement, which exists in so many parts of the world right now, that often threatens the peaceful co-existence between displaced populations and the host communities and host countries.”
— H.E. MS. ELIZABETH SPEHAR, UN ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR PEACEBUILDING SUPPORT
“The truth of what happened in Colombia is in exile. Without this truth there can't be any transitional justice as part of our peacebuilding process...
There is a Colombia outside of Colombia that needs to be heard and taken into account because it has many ideas that can contribute to peace.”
— MR. CARLOS ANDRÉS PÉREZ BERRIO, DIRECTOR OF ASOCIACIÓN URABÁ
“My message to the worldwide leaders is: why would you subject your people to misery and suffering? Is it possible to mitigate the conflict for power, geopolitical and self-interest in order to create a secure and a peaceful world without displacement and refugees? Recognize that while you may not be the one to sit in the shade where you plant the tree, your citizens will undoubtedly appreciate the shade it provides.”
— MS. NYAKUMA PETER GATKUOTH RIAK, DIRECTOR OF TOGETHER SOUTH SUDAN
Fostering Conducive Conditions for Safe and Dignified Return through Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
13 December 15:30-17:00 CET
A GRF 2023 parallel high level event to highlight key aspects of peacebuilding and conflict prevention actions that address the root causes of refugee movements and other forced displacement and create conducive conditions for return and reintegration.
FEATURING
H. E. Ms. Francia Márquez
Vice President of the Republic of Colombia
H. E. Mr. Sameh Shoukry
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt
H. E. Mr. Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik
Deputy Foreign Minister of Norway
Mr. Carlos Andrés Pérez Berrio
Director, Asociación Urabá Global
Ms. Nyakuma Peter Gatkuoth Riak
Executive Director, Together South Sudan
Moderated by Ms. Elizabeth Spehar
Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, UN DPPA
Closing Remarks by Ms. Elizabeth Tan
Director of the Division of International Protection, UNHCR
Colombia. @ UNHCR/Catalina Betancur Sánchez 2021