The UN Personal Envoy for Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín, on Wednesday praised the island’s Technical Committees as the clearest example of effective cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, citing their role in delivering practical results.
Speaking at an open event hosted by UNDP Cyprus at the Home for Cooperation in the Nicosia buffer zone, Holguín said sustained dialogue and shared purpose were key to progress, describing the committees as “the best example in Cyprus” of how engagement can yield tangible outcomes.
“I am convinced that cooperation and dialogue with a shared purpose are needed in Cyprus,” she said. “Important progress is achieved through relationships built over time, through dialogue and continuous engagement among people.”
Holguín is in Cyprus as part of contacts aimed at preparing the ground for a resumption of negotiations on the decades-old Cyprus issue, starting with securing a ‘5+1’ enlarged meeting, including the guarantor powers, under the Secretary-General’s auspices, expected to take place late July or early August. The envoy will see both leaders a second time before leaving on Sunday, meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides tomorrow at 5pm, followed by Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman on Saturday afternoon.
She commended committee members for largely unseen work that, she said, nonetheless has significant impact, helping foster trust and mutual understanding between the two communities.
Established in 2008, the Technical Committees have contributed to preserving cultural heritage, strengthening public health cooperation and advancing environmental initiatives, while implementing projects affecting daily life across the island, she said.
“These achievements may not always make headlines, but they matter deeply,” Holguín added, thanking members for their voluntary service and long-term commitment.
She urged committees to continue building bridges and promoting a shared vision for Cyprus, saying their work demonstrates that solutions are possible.
Negotiators praise work of committees
Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou said the committees show that an island-wide approach can deliver more effective results, calling them a tangible expression of the vision for a peaceful and reunited Cyprus.
He also pointed to Holguín’s ongoing contacts in Cyprus and abroad as part of broader efforts to relaunch talks towards a comprehensive settlement.
Mehmet Dana, Special Representative of the Turkish Cypriot leader, said the committees rank among the most successful cooperation mechanisms established over nearly two decades.
He cited progress ranging from the opening of crossing points and protection of cultural heritage to cooperation in public health, the environment, youth and gender equality, saying they have produced measurable benefits for both communities.
