Lasting progress is never achieved alone, it is built through partnership, dialogue and a shared commitment to the common good, said Khassim Diagne, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, in his remarks at the United Nations Open Day on Saturday in Nicosia.
Welcoming those attending the Open Day, Diagne shared a message by the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres. According to the UNSG, ‘on United Nations Day, we celebrate not only an Organization, but an idea: Humanity’s future depends on our ability to work together to advance peace, development and human rights’.
‘For 81 years, the United Nations has given life to that idea. Settling disputes – with diplomacy and laws, not weapons. Working to eradicate poverty and hunger, promoting human rights, and delivering life-saving aid to people facing war, disaster and displacement. From transportation, trade and technology, to safeguarding the health of people and planet, to championing gender equality and expanding opportunity for women and girls, to giving all countries an equal voice on the global stage, the United Nations is an essential part of the fabric of our world. And it’s needed more than ever’, he continued.
‘Our world is shaken by conflict. Battered by the climate crisis, scarred by rising inequalities, and transformed by technologies speeding faster than our ability to govern them. Now is the time to reaffirm the values that gave birth to the United Nations: Dialogue over division, cooperation over confrontation, solidarity over fear’, he added.
The UNSG also called on all countries to renew their commitment to these shared values and the obligations that underpin them. ‘Now more than ever, let us stand firm in our resolve to uphold the United Nations Charter and international law. And let’s work to strengthen the United Nations to best serve people and meet the challenges of our time”, he noted.
According to Diagne, the Secretary-General’s message resonates deeply in Cyprus.
‘Every day, we see people reaching across differences to build trust, strengthen communities and improve lives. That spirit is reflected in today’s theme, ‘UN Cyprus: Working Together for Peace and Progress’, because lasting progress is never achieved alone. It is built through partnership, dialogue and a shared commitment to the common good’, he said.
He added that the theme also captures the essence of the United Nations’ work in Cyprus, bringing people together, fostering understanding and helping address shared challenges.
‘Across the island, civil society plays a vital role in promoting dialogue, supporting vulnerable communities, advancing human rights, protecting the environment, preserving cultural heritage and empowering young people. The United Nations is proud to work alongside them, as well as our partners on both sides, academia, the private sector and local communities’, he further noted.
He also said it is especially fitting that that the event is held at Ledra Palace, a place that has long symbolized connection between communities. ‘At a time when the world can often feel divided, this serves as a reminder that dialogue remains one of our most powerful tools for building understanding and peace’, he stressed.
He then thanked all the United Nations agencies, funds and programmes participating today, as well as the many civil society organisations, youth groups, schools, community associations and volunteers “whose energy and dedication have made this event possible.”
He also thanked the Stelios Foundation for its support. ‘Thanks to the Foundation, this year’s commemoration has become a truly public celebration, where people from across Cyprus can engage with the United Nations and civil society partners, learn from one another, and explore ways to contribute to peace and progress’, he added.
‘I encourage you and your families to visit the stands, meet the dedicated people behind the many initiatives represented here, take part in the activities, ask questions and discover new ways to contribute to a more peaceful, inclusive and sustainable future’, he concluded.
Hundreds of visitors gathered at the event on Saturday afternoon, in front of Ledra Palas, in Nicosia buffer zone, to learn more about UN’s work on the island, through interactions with members of the UN organisations active in the country.
In particular, information stands were set up by UNFICYP, UNDP, UNHCR, IOM, and CMP, while local food and refreshments were available to visitors.
Civil society organisations, diplomats and representatives from both communities were also present during the event.