Delegates laud UN resolution on role of civil society in conflict prevention

Delegates attending an open meeting on the role of civil society in armed conflict prevention today praised the recent adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a resolution recognizing the important role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the global efforts for peace.

Speaking at the meeting held at the UN Headquarters in New York, General Assembly President Jan Kavan of the Czech Republic said his intention in organizing the meeting was to use the momentum from the success of the Assembly's resolution to explore interactively the future role of civil society in preventing conflict. He said he also wanted to give Member States an opportunity to concentrate on that important issue once more.

"We are not here to blame each other, but to try to find solutions to help ourselves become more effective in our important task," Mr. Kavan said, acknowledging that there were different views on the role of civil society in armed conflict prevention.

Praising the role of civil society, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Danilo Turk said it was clear that the UN could not do everything itself, and partnership was a major requirement for success. The resolution adopted by the Assembly represents a step forward in the long historic march towards the prevention of armed conflict, he added.

Jan Egeland, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs said NGOs are becoming increasingly effective as facilitators and mediators. He also stressed that he knew of no successful peace process where governments, NGOs and intergovernmental organizations were not involved.

On 3 July, the Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing the important supporting role of civil society in the prevention of armed conflict, and invited it to continue to support efforts to prevent armed conflict and to pursue practices that foster a climate of peace.