Rwanda, 2012

It is timely that we are meeting

here over the next few days to seek ways and means

to prevent and generally manage conflicts. While

it may seem that conflict is perennial and its forms

increasingly destructive, we have the urgent task of

seeking more effective ways to prevent, manage and

solve it. The losses we witness or experience on a

daily basis in terms of human life and devastation are

unacceptable. Moreover, at a time when widespread

poverty robs too many people of the opportunity to

realize their full potential in life, conflict also diverts

us from development. We might ask ourselves why, after decades of

efforts to rein in conflict on a global scale and foster

multilateral cooperation for sustainable peace, the

results are still not where they should be. The reasons

for this are several and multifaceted.

First, we must appreciate that many conflicts arise

when people are, or feel they are, excluded from full

participation in the affairs of their country, particularly

around issues that affect their everyday lives. Even

a cursory look at the conflict hotspots around the

world shows us the dangerous consequences of a

disenfranchised and despondent citizenry. Durable

solutions can come only from an inclusive approach to

both politics and development.

Secondly, thorough analysis of the specific

political and cultural contexts of any given conflict

is key to finding lasting solutions. Too often, the

inclination is to parachute into a situation with ready-

made answers based on a superficial examination of

the conflict’s dynamics, doing considerably more

harm than good, despite good intentions. There is

no one-size-fits-all remedy; these issues are complex

and should be approached as such to arrive at the best

possible outcome.

Thirdly, the links between conflict and

development are often overlooked. If we are looking

for peaceful ways to resolve and prevent conflicts,

promoting development tops the list. The stakes are

high. A civil conflict costs the average developing

country about 30 years of gross domestic product

growth, and violence can easily spill over borders, threatening hard-won progress. Since security and

development cannot be achieved without each other, we

all — from the average citizen to Government leaders

and global institutions like the United Nations — have

to play our roles in order to find inclusive solutions for

lasting peace and prosperity.

Finally, it is increasingly obvious that local or

regional initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts yield

more positive results because those involved have

a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. Their

proximity to the conflict makes them more invested in

a comprehensive resolution and enables the necessary

support for whatever process is agreed upon. We need

to see these initiatives strengthened. We should be

highlighting root causes as we address conflicts.

In the 50 years of our independence and

membership of the United Nations, Rwanda has lived

through conflicts. Our country was destroyed by

political exclusion and subsequent genocide. Over the

past 18 years, we have been able to rebuild the country

through policies that include all citizens in governance

processes and by applying home-grown conflict

resolution and development mechanisms.

While our experience with the United Nations

since becoming a Member has been a mixed one, it

has taken on a positive trajectory in recent years, and

we are optimistic that it will remain there. The history

of how conflicts have been handled in Rwanda, and

indeed in our region, however, shows that improvement

is needed. It is our obligation to point this out not in

order to be critical, but because we subscribe to the

ideals and principles on which the United Nations was

founded. We can and should do better.

Rwanda remains committed to a more effective

United Nations, particularly with respect to its work

towards a more peaceful, just and equitable world. We

will continue to contribute to various programmes for

development and peace, from our role in promoting the

Millennium Development Goals and supporting the

Broadband Commission for Digital Development to our

troops participating in peacekeeping missions. We hope

to contribute and participate even more going forward.

Let me conclude by saying that although the

challenge to better prevent and resolve conflict may

seem daunting, it remains ours to take on. When we see

leaders work with the people in an inclusive manner;

when development can proceed unhindered by conflict;

when regional groupings take greater responsibility in tackling their own issues; and when international

cooperation takes place in a spirit of true partnership,

I believe that the results will speak for themselves

and billions of lives across the globe will improve.

Ultimately, this is what we all should work towards.