By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
The United Nations UN system in Nigeria has underscored dialogue as an important tool towards supporting Nigeria capture and articulate efforts in tackling peace, conflict and security challenges in the country.
The UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria Mohamed Fall, made this known at the national stakeholders consultation forum in Abuja.
The consultation forum seeks to promote the use of dialogue as tool in tackling security challenges.
Mr. Fall, explained that the promotion of peace and security was central to the United Nations in accordance with the UN Charter of saving generations from the scourge of conflict.
“A world where cooperation has never been more important, it is harder than ever to pull off. No single nation can navigate these challenges alone. Only together can we take the hold action that match today’s realities and tomorrow’s threats and opportunities. We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”. He said
He said the Inaugural Peace and Security Summit was an important milestone for a collective shift, or moving of the needle, on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030.
Stressing that, Nigeria as Africa’s most populous nation, it has a huge role to play as regional power in shaping regional and global agenda on peace and security.
He said by assertively participating in these high-level deliberations, Nigerian stakeholders can amplify their nation’s voice and advocate for tailored solutions that better reflect the realities on the ground.
According to the UN Resident Coordinator, the maiden peace-building programme tagged: “Summit of the future-new agenda for peace” would advance measures aimed at tackling security related issues.
“In September 2024, there will be something called the Summit of the Future. The Summit is an opportunity for world leaders to gather and consider a wide-ranging set of ideas for global governance. From the deliberations, they will adopt a Pact for the Future and it will serve as an intergovernmental agreement to pave the way for getting us back on track to achieving the Sustainable development goals”.He said
The Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution ( IPCR) Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, called for stronger international cooperation among institutions and relevant stakeholders to tackle the spread of violent conflicts.
According to him, it has become imperative to tackle root causes of conflict, prevent crises before they escalate and build equitable world for all.
“As we reflect on the profound challenges that confront us, we must recognise the critical role of solidarity in fostering sense of shared responsibility and mutual support. As we embark on new agenda for peace, let us heed the call for unity, compassion and collective action”. He calls
Also speaking, the Deputy Head of Mission of German embassy in Nigeria, alongside the Director General National Orientation Agency ( NOA) represented by the Director of Documentation, Mr. John Asate, said with collaborations , Nigeria would be able to form a formidable force, as peace was a collective responsibility of every one.
The event which was organised by the UN in collaboration with Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) is in preparation ahead of the Summit of the future-new agenda for peace scheduled to hold from Sept.22 to 23, 2024 in New York, United States.
