Geneva Peace Talks

President of the State Council, Mr. Charles Beer
Director-General of Interpeace, Mr. Scott Weber
Dear Colleagues
Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am pleased to be with you this evening following the launch of the Geneva Peace Talks - a new and innovative event that we hope will continue in Geneva in the years to come. I would like to thank our co-hosts, Interpeace and the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform for their collaboration on such a unique and inventive format, which truly represents a departure from the norm. This partnership shows the value of all actors joining efforts to promote peace, each with their own strengths that are all needed.

I would also like to express my appreciation to the City and Canton of Geneva, the Swiss Confederation, and the Fondation pour Genève, without whom the Geneva Peace Talks would not have been possible.

This event could have only happened in Geneva, thanks to its tradition as ‘City of Peace’ and its diverse community of stakeholders working for peace. We all realize that this spirit and community of International Geneva is one of the greatest assets in our work to build a more peaceful world.

Today’s International Day of Peace has been all about a personal reflection on peace. What does it mean to us and how can we better and more practically promote it?

We have heard the varied and moving experiences of the speakers this afternoon. We have heard the voices of young people – as speakers, as participants and as creators of the artwork used as the backdrop for our talks. This artwork is not only in the Palais des Nations, but is also now flying on the Pont de Mont-Blanc!
And we will hear more next April through an essay contest on education and peace – the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace - sponsored by the United Nations Office at Geneva.

I would like to add my own reflection to these voices. What does peace mean to me? First of all, it means disarmament. We cannot achieve our peace and development goals unless the elimination of weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons, illicit arms trafficking and weapons stockpiles is supported by all. Geneva, as the home of the Conference on Disarmament and other instruments, plays a critical role in making this goal a reality.

Peace also means tolerance. Religious tolerance; ethnic tolerance.

Peace is based on the respect of human rights.

Peace is the rule of law; the rule of good law!

Peace is development.
Ladies and Gentlemen:

On this International Day of Peace - and following the very first ‘Geneva Peace Talks’ - let us all share our voices to promote and to build a sustainable peace together.

Thank you and I look forward to seeing you at the next edition of the ‘Geneva Peace Talks’!