As the world continues to
deal with crises, including conflicts across the globe,
we need to examine the role of mediation in the
peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and
resolution, and the part each one of us needs to play.
The effect of decades of conflict has been an
unacceptable loss of life and a reversal of global social
and economic progress. What has also become clear is
that although most conflicts are now domestic in
nature, they continue to have a destabilizing effect on
neighbouring countries and the rest of the world.
One needs to look carefully at the dividends of
striving towards shared global prosperity, which in turn
increases capacity to deal with conflict. By tackling
development issues, for example, through the
framework of the Millennium Development Goals,
established by this body and the Secretary-General, we
create conditions conducive to the formation of a more
stable world.
Figures from the United Nations itself indicate
that about $7.1 billion will be spent in the period
2011-2012 for peacekeeping purposes. Resources such
as these that are consumed by conflicts could otherwise
be channelled through the United Nations or other
relevant institutions to improve the lives of millions of
people.
Thus, while it is appropriate to talk about how
mediation can support efforts to prevent and manage
conflicts, we should also ask ourselves why, after
decades of trying, we are not making the progress we
would like to make in this regard. We know that the likelihood of conflict is high
when citizens feel disenfranchised and marginalized,
and where Governments do not govern in the interests
of their people. If the rule of law is absent and access
to opportunity is limited or exclusive, that is a problem
which we should address as a global community,
consistently and with commitment. It makes good
economic and political sense to invest in conflict
prevention, thus reducing future outbreaks and
avoiding short-term, quick-fix solutions.
Apart from traditional interventions that we
employ with varying success, there is one major asset
that remains under-utilized, and that is our youth.
Younger generations carry less historical and political
baggage and are more inclined to get the most out of
the global village that we all find ourselves sharing.
With social and communication tools, they are key
innovators and thought leaders not only of tomorrow
but of right now. We have an important responsibility
to empower them to believe in themselves and in a
better future.
Returning to the topic of mediation and the
associated issues of negotiation and reconciliation,
these practices are not new ones in Africa, or in my
country, Rwanda. They play a useful role, and one that
should be strengthened. However, various experiences
have shown that if mediation is to succeed, national
efforts should be supported in the first place, based on
specific cultural and political contexts. In Rwanda, for
instance, we have seen national efforts produce long-
lasting solutions and tangible results on the ground
because they are homegrown.
It is also important to involve in mediation efforts
regional and subregional players who have ample
knowledge of the often complex regional dynamics of
conflicts. These organizations should be supported
expeditiously before disputes escalate into intractable
conflicts.
Additionally, we need to take a good look at the
toll that traditional diplomatic mediation can have on
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the lives of people living in conflict areas. Too often,
while resolutions are being debated and refined, people
are dying. And sometimes when those resolutions are
eventually adopted, enforcement is slow, or they only
halt the conflict for a short time but with no sustainable
solutions.
Let us also remember the limitations faced by
external mediation experts who, even when having
good intentions, are often unable to foster any lasting
change at the root level of the conflict. National
ownership remains very critical. Mediation efforts
must be based on an overriding desire to help
conflicting parties to resolve their differences. But that
should not be confused with supporting one side in the
conflict or imposing a solution that is in the interests of
the mediators.
Let me conclude by saying that the most viable
option for preventing conflict is to empower our own
citizens, especially youth, politically, economically and
socially, so that they have a stake in the management
and stability of the nation. Ultimately, long-lasting
solutions are the ones that emanate from within.