Geneva Conference on “Preventing Violent Extremism – The Way Forward”

Excellencies,
Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,

As the Geneva Conference on ‘Preventing Violent Extremism – The Way Forward’ draws to a close, I sincerely thank our co-host, the Swiss Government, for its initiative and support in making this important event happen. I thank you, the more than 700 participants, for making time to be here and engage in the discussions. The 125 registered Member State delegations represented, together with more than 100 civil society organizations, have sent a clear signal that the world community stands together and recognizes preventing violent extremism as their joint priority. This fight can only be won together, as violent extremism does not stop at national borders as we have seen many times over the past months. It has become a global issue that concerns everyone, everywhere. This is precisely the reason why everyone, everywhere can and should be part of the solution.

The past two days have provided ample opportunity to discuss the way forward. In their statements, Conference participants have recognized and supported the Secretary General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism as an important roadmap for action. Member States have provided numerous examples of how they wish to translate the more than 70 recommendations of the Plan into national plans of action, as well as concrete projects, adapted to the realities on the ground. Let us use this momentum and capitalize on the current sense of urgency as the General Assembly prepares the Fifth Review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in June.

I thank the co-chairs for their concise and clear summary which reflects the rich discussion of yesterday and today. Ladies and gentlemen, the real work starts now! Geneva-based actors will be at the forefront of advancing prevention of violent extremism across the world. UN agencies and other international organizations here in Geneva are particularly well-placed to ensure cross-fertilization with other related areas in the human rights and development field. We look forward to working with all of you.

Ladies and gentlemen, I thank all those who have worked day and night to prepare this event and to ensure the logistical side - our colleagues in the interpretation booths, at conference management, security, technical services, the webcast team and all the others involved. I again thank the Government of Switzerland and the UN Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force-UN Counter-Terrorism Centre for organizing this conference. I would also like to thank delegations and partners; return home safely and I look forward to continue working with you in the spirit of the “all of UN”, “all-of-Government” and “all-of-Society” approaches that have been advocated for by the Secretary General and throughout the meeting.

I hereby declare, the Geneva Conference on ‘Preventing Violent Extremism’ closed.

Thank you.