Lasting progress is never achieved alone, but is built through cooperation, dialogue and a shared commitment to the common good, Kasim Diagne, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, said at the UN Open Day in Nicosia on Saturday.
Welcoming those attending, Diagne conveyed a message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Guterres said that “on United Nations Day, we celebrate not only an Organisation, 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 been bringing this idea to life. Settling disputes through diplomacy and laws, not weapons. Working to eradicate poverty and hunger, advancing human rights and providing life-saving assistance to people facing war, disasters and displacement.
"From transport, trade and technology to safeguarding the health of people and the planet, advancing gender equality and expanding opportunities for women and girls, and giving every country an equal voice on the international stage, the United Nations is an essential part of the fabric of our world. And it is more necessary than ever,” he added.
Dialogue over division
The Secretary-General also said that “our world is shaken by conflict, strained by the climate crisis, marked by rising inequalities and transformed by technologies evolving faster than our ability to manage them. Now is the time to reaffirm the values that gave life to the United Nations: dialogue over division, cooperation over confrontation, solidarity over fear”.
He called on all countries to renew their commitment to these shared values and the obligations that underpin them. “Now more than ever, let us remain resolute in our determination to defend the Charter of the United Nations and international law. And let us work to strengthen the United Nations, so that it can better serve people and respond to the challenges of our time,” he said.
According to Diagne, the Secretary-General’s message resonates deeply in Cyprus. “Every day, we see people overcoming their differences to build trust, strengthen communities and improve people’s lives. This spirit is reflected in today’s theme, ‘Cyprus and the United Nations: Working Together for Peace and Progress’, because lasting progress is never achieved alone. It is built through cooperation, dialogue and a shared commitment to the common good,” he said.
Connection between two communities
He added that the event’s 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 with them, as well as with our partners from both sides, academia, the private sector and local communities,” he further noted.
Diagne highlighted the significance of the event being held at Ledra Palace, a place that has long symbolised the connection between the two communities. “At a time when the world often seems divided, this reminds us that dialogue remains one of our most powerful tools for building understanding and peace,” he stressed.
He thanked all the United Nations organisations and programmes that took part, as well as the many civil society organisations, youth groups, schools, community associations and volunteers, “whose energy and dedication made this event possible”.
Hundreds attended
He also thanked the Stelios Haji-Ioannou Foundation for its support. “Thanks to the Foundation, this year’s celebration has become a truly public event, where people from across Cyprus can engage with 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 outside Ledra Palace in Nicosia on Saturday afternoon to learn about the work of the UN on the island and meet members of its organisations operating in Cyprus.
Information stands were set up by UNFICYP, the United Nations Development Programme, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization for Migration and the Committee on Missing Persons. Local food and refreshments were also offered to visitors.
Civil society organisations, diplomats and representatives from both communities also attended the event.
Source: CNA
