NEW APPROACH TO PEACE

Tomorrow is the start of the high-level meeting on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace in New York. The meeting will bring world leaders together to focus on conflict prevention, mediation, dialogue and diplomacy, writes MIROSLAV LAJČÁK

WHEN the United Nations was created, its founders envisioned a different kind of world. A world in which disputes were resolved in meeting rooms and not battlefields. A world in which wars were stopped before they broke out. A world that didn’t wait for lives to be lost before springing into action.

But, violent conflicts are on the rise in many parts of the world today. They’re becoming more drawn out, complex and deadly. Civilians are no longer killed in cross-fire; they are now the targets of direct attacks. We are also seeing an unprecedented number of people leaving their homes, out of fear and desperation. And, that is why the UN needs a new approach to peace.

When I say peace, I’m talking about the kind of peace that can be taken for granted.

The kind of peace that won’t disappear at the next election cycle. The kind of peace that is measured not in months or years, but in generations.

This is what we call “sustaining peace”. And, this is what we should be working for — rather than scrambling for solutions, once conflict has broken out.

Some might say that true lasting peace is impossible in certain parts of the world. But, it is not.

I have seen this firsthand. When Montenegro split from Serbia, peace was not a given. In fact, some people were predicting serious violence. But, through intense diplomatic efforts, and real political will, peace persevered. And, it has lasted — with no signs that it will waver in the future.

Last month, I travelled to western Colombia and was inspired to see indigenous communities working with the UN to build peace through strengthening social bonds.

I was inspired to see villagers, some of whom had suffered through more than 50 years of war, excited about their futures.

One woman told me about her people’s determination not to slide back into conflict.

These are the examples of sustaining peace, which are taking place now — all around the world. We may have the bulk of our discussions in New York.

At the end of the day, what we can’t forget is that the UN was founded for peace. That’s what its flag should stand for.

Its success in preventing conflict should be the norm — not the exception.