UN chief outlines ‘roadmap for inclusion’ to address root causes of conflict

The meeting, convened by the President of the Council for November, Mexico, was organized to examine the links between the various root causes of armed conflict, such as inequality and poverty.

“Exclusion and inequalities of all kinds – economic, social and cultural – come with a devastating toll for security. Indeed, growing inequalities are a factor in increasing instability.” said Mr Guterres.

a stake in the future

The UN chief outlined a four-point “roadmap to inclusion”, urging countries to take greater action on issues of people, prevention, gender and institutions.

“Without complete inclusion and equality, peace is a half-finished task. Because true, lasting peace can only be pursued by those who are supported, who are included and valued, who feel they truly belong to their society.” are part of – and have a stake in its future,” he said.

The UN chief urged countries to invest in human development, and a “new social contract” that includes universal health coverage, social protection and safety nets, as well as COVID-19 Vaccines for all.

visualize progress

He pointed out that last year, global military spending reached its biggest annual increase since 2009, and is now close to two trillion dollars annually.

“Imagine how much progress we can make – the peace we can build, the conflicts we can prevent – if we dedicate even a fraction of it to human development, equality and inclusion,” he said. They said.

The UN chief called for strengthening prevention on multiple fronts to address exclusion and inequalities, with a special focus on gender and youth during peace processes.

women and peacekeeping

He said that eliminating inequalities and exclusion is also important for achieving sustainable development, while women’s important role in building peace must also be given priority.

“We can draw a straight line between violence against women and civil oppression and violent conflict, and exclusion,” he said.

“From rape and sexual slavery being used as a tool of war. To the thread of malice that runs through violent extremist ideas. To the exclusion of women from leadership positions and peace processes.”

The Secretary-General highlighted how the United Nations stands up for the rights of women and girls around the world.

“This includes Afghanistan, where we continue to work with the de facto authorities to keep girls in school, and ensure that women can fully participate in civil and economic life,” she said.

equal rights and justice

For his final point, the Secretary-General stressed the need to build trust through national institutions rooted in human rights and the rule of law.

“It means a justice system that applies equally to all people – not just the rich or those in power,” he said.

“It means building institutions resilient to corruption and abuse of power – based on the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability.”

At the same time, he emphasized that policies and laws should protect vulnerable groups, while security and rule-of-law institutions should be responsive to the needs of all people.

global community plan

In his remarks, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said that his country would soon propose the establishment of a World Plan of World Fraternity and Wellbeing that would guarantee a decent life for 750 million people worldwide who would earn two dollars a day. survive on less than

Funding for the scheme will come from at least three sources: annual voluntary contributions from the world’s 1,000 richest people of four percent of their income; Equal contributions from the 1,000 largest private corporations, and two percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) of each of the G20 major industrialized countries.

President López Obrador estimated that it would generate about a trillion dollars each year. He stressed that the funds should reach the beneficiaries directly and without any middlemen.