The UN Secretary-General`s Special Representative in Cyprus and Deputy Special Adviser, Elizabeth Spehar participated in a panel discussion entitled ‘Grassroots Peacebuilding: Entrepreneurship, Research, and Creativity’ as part of the Cyprus Forum 2021 on 2 October 2021. 

The event brought together people from different walks of life contributing their ideas and sharing their experiences, and by doing so, highlighting the importance of grassroots peacebuilding in Cyprus. 

Answering questions from the moderator, Ms. Spehar noted that Cypriots on either side of the divide, for many years now, have largely grown up in separate spheres of solitude. If one wants to build a foundation for peace, she suggested, “people need to interact more with each other, preserve dialogue, build trust”. Also, Cyprus being a small island, opportunities multiply with more collaboration: Cypriots across the island have many basic, common concerns, and especially since the pandemic, those have grown, particularly in the economic realm and in terms of safety and health. 

She further echoed earlier speakers in the Forum who also referred to the key involvement of all stakeholders, especially ensuring that women and young people are heard, for policymaking and for a healthy democracy.

The United Nations Office of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Cyprus (OSASG) served as a knowledge partner for this panel. 

More information about the panel can be found here: https://www.2021.cyprusforum.cy/agenda/session/581734 

More information about the Gender sensitive socio-economic impact assessment (GSSEIA) conducted with the World Bank can be accessed here: https://uncyprustalks.unmissions.org/launch-un-world-bank-gender-sensitive-socio-economic-impact-assesment-settlement-cyprus