Remarks by Hon. Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal at the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
New York, Wednesday 26 September 2018 (9 AM – 1 PM)
As delivered.
[Theme- “Upholding the UN Charter and the Purposes and Principles of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): Towards a Culture of Peace”]
Mr. Chairman,
I would like to appreciate the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for the leadership provided to this movement.
I also thank the Coordinating Bureau for selecting a very relevant theme for today’s interaction.
Mr Chairman,
The world today is facing uncertainties. Multilateralism is confronting with cynicism. The idea of a rule-based, just and equitable international order meets with challenges.
In different regions, conflicts remain unabated. The race for armaments and disregard of international law endanger international peace and security. Violence in many parts of the world has brought untold miseries, deaths and agony.
The battle against poverty is still not won. Inequality within the countries as well as between the North and the South is increasing. The forces of globalization have not benefitted all. Tentacles of terrorism have plagued many countries and people.
In these uncertain times, the challenges today are many; and global are their ramifications.
This context calls us to go back to the basics-
- to reflect on the solemn pledge that the world made almost 73 years ago through the UN Charter, to save the succeeding generations from the ‘scourge of war’;
- to reflect on the fundamental principles of NAM which are time tested and are as relevant as they were at its founding.
These principles are the universal norms for conduct of healthy inter-state relations, and they make guiding ethos of the foreign policy of my country.
As the torch bearer of rule-based, inclusive and multilateral world order, the onus lies on our Movement to uphold the UN Charter as well as the principles of Non-Aligned Movement, both of which are the embodiment of culture of peace.
Mr. Chairman,
Also going back to another basic, we should not forget that the seed of wars and conflicts is sown by the ‘culture of violence.’
The first line of defence against this should be built in the minds of people –by instilling in them the ‘culture of peace’- the culture which is inclusive and tolerant; the culture of solidarity and social cohesion; and the culture of pluralism and peaceful co-existence. These are the values that the UN Charter and the founding principles of our Movement bind us together.
The citadel of peace cannot stand upright if we fail to anchor it well in the way of our living, thinking, attitude and behaviour.
The culture of peace is also about shared prosperity and full realization of all human rights, including the right to development. It is about full adherence to peaceful means for the settlement of disputes.
Mr. Chairman,
Our Movement – a mosaic of different cultures, faiths, political beliefs and social systems –has been a platform for promoting dialogue among cultures, civilizations and religions.
We cannot remain a bystander when members of our own Movement are engulfed in violence and conflicts. The very principles of the Movement must inspire the Member States towards building a culture of peace. We ought to muster courage to desist from such state of violence, and nurture culture of peace first within ourselves.
As a founding member of the Movement, Nepal upholds its faith in the principles of NAM. We firmly believe in its continued relevance as its principles transcend time.
A country that went through a decade-long conflict and resolved it resolved through a home-grown and uniquely successful peace process, Nepal is strongly convinced that peaceful and inclusive dialogue leads to the lasting peace.
Needless to say, sustaining peace cannot be complete without addressing the root causes of conflicts, delivering development, practicing equality, respecting diversity; and cultivating a sense of ownership among all. In multicultural societies, this is a precursor to peace, stability and harmony.
Nepal believes that the culture of peace is the ultimate signpost to the path of peace, happiness and prosperity for humanity.
In the end, Mr. Chairman, I would like to conclude by encouraging the fellow members to act with solidarity and unite our strengths to contribute to the world peace, while leaving no one behind.
I thank you all for your attention.