Inclusive Development for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security
Statement by the Permanent Representative Ambassador Nicholas Emiliou
January 19, 2015
Thank you Madam President.
I am honored to address the Security Council on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus on this very pertinent and timely topic. We commend and thank Chile for convening this important debate on inclusive development and its interaction with the maintenance of international peace and security. Cyprus has aligned itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the EU and I would like to make some additional remarks in my national capacity.
Madam President,
In adopting Resolution 2171, the Security Council recognized the effectiveness of preventive action in maintaining international peace and security. The Republic of Cyprus believes that a comprehensive approach to conflict prevention requires awareness and tackling of the root causes of conflict, as well as implementation of policies for sustainable peace. In order to build stable societies that live in peace and security, inclusive development is essential. We all recognize that development and peace are closely interlinked and mutually reinforcing. There cannot be peace without development; and in the absence of peace, no development can take place. That is why we believe that peace is the key prerequisite in the new post 2015 development agenda, so that it can be transformative and bring a real change in the world, in societies and to people.
Madam President,
Marginalization of communities or groups based on racial, ethnic, social, gender, religious, cultural and/or economic grounds undoubtedly contributes to the destabilization of societies and underlies many conflicts today. Social, ethnic, and religious divides have been a critical factor in leading to the conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Central Africa, and elsewhere.
Marginalization often gives rise to extremism which, in turn, exacerbates existing conflicts and risks leading to the radicalization of our youth. ISIL’s recruitment efforts provide an example of how nongovernmental actors can exploit cultural and religious divides to further conflict. Inclusion and tolerance can combat such radicalization and mitigate the effects of existing conflict in addition to preventing conflict in the future. For this reason, we agree with the statement of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon following the passage of Security Council Resolution 2178 that, “over the long term, the biggest threat to terrorists in not the power of missiles — it is the politics of inclusion.”
Madam President,
Exclusion, discrimination and deprivation are causes of poverty and inequality that threaten social cohesion. Meeting the imperatives of peace and security, means reaching to the most vulnerable, including women and girls, children and the elderly, people with disabilities, migrants, refugees, internally displaced and indigenous and minority groups. An inclusive society should provide equal opportunity for every citizen regardless of her/his background. Equal opportunity, tolerance, and sound democratic governance best ensure peaceful coexistence and welfare. At the same time, strong and effective institutions that are transparent, corruption free, accessible and accountable and democratic forms of participation are necessary ingredients for inclusive and sustained economic growth and for peaceful and stable societies.
The UN is a seminal actor in promoting inclusive development. The Security Council in particular has a unique opportunity to implement inclusive policies because its mandated peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations have a major role to play in rebuilding and developing societies in the wake of conflict.
Cyprus commends the Security Council’s efforts to increase the participation of women in peacekeeping operations, which is emblematic of inclusive policies. Similarly an inclusive society is one in which women have equal participation at all levels as their crucial role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts cannot be doubted.
Madam President,
Peace and security, respect of fundamental freedoms and combating discrimination and all forms of violence are critical conditions for development but at the same time they are developmental outcomes. Addressing the sources of conflicts requires a multidimensional approach, which must take into account the interrelated dimensions of development, human rights, peace, security and the rule of law. We firmly believe that 2015 provides us with a unique opportunity to shape a more peaceful, just and prosperous world that leaves no one behind.
Thank you Madam President