SRSG/DSASG Colin Stewart gave an opening address at the 2024 Cyprus Forum.  Representing the UN family organizations in Cyprus, Stewart noted the recent adoption by UN member states the Pact for the Future, a wide-ranging recommitment to multilateralism.  Stewart emphasized that the Pact for the Future is also relevant to Cyprus in that member states showed they can come together around a common goal, summon spirit of dialogue and compromise, and come to an agreement.  It also shows that when the political will is there, agreement can be found even against all odds.  

 At the UN, efforts continue to build bridges across the divide and to remove walls.  "Economic ties remain the most effective ways to bring the island together, with economic integration paving the way for political unity". Cypriots across the island are just as concerned as everyone regarding global challenges, Stewart reflected. For example, Cyprus is particularly vulnerable to climate change – with an increasing risk of desertification.

 Stewart stressed to the gathering that the UN continues to facilitate regular meetings of the 12 Technical Committees where dedicated experts from both sides work effectively together to address issues of concern to all Cypriots. These include Technical Committees on environment, cultural heritage, gender equality, to name a few. When people interact, myths crumble, walls fall, and old misconceptions lose their hold, he reflected. Cypriots must learn to live together on the island again, to get beyond an “us versus them” mentality.  The first step is to increase mutual understanding, with the end result of interactions being contrary to the two non-intersecting and conflicting public narratives.  Concluding, Stewart said that in the face of all that is happening around this island, "let this be the year that we reveal the hidden common ground and agree on the way forward for Cyprus".

Since 2021, the United Nations Good Offices Mission in Cyprus, alongside the most senior UN official on the island, have actively engaged in the Cyprus Forum. Their ongoing involvement has consistently highlighted peacebuilding and bicommunal issues, contributing to discussions on topics such as youth participation, entrepreneurship, and sport as tools for peace.

Over the years, these efforts have promoted meaningful dialogue and cooperation across communities. For more insights, you can explore some of their past engagements:

https://uncyprustalks.unmissions.org/unlocking-potential-youth-path-sustainable-peace-cyprus

https://uncyprustalks.unmissions.org/panel-discussion-facilitated-un-cyprus-showcase-power-sport-foster-peace

https://uncyprustalks.unmissions.org/srsgdsasg-speaks-peacebuilding-panel-nicosia