The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo met with representatives of the Bi-Communal Cyprus Women’s Coalition.

Speaking at the opening of the meeting at the Ledra Palace Hotel in the buffer zone, DiCarlo stated that ensuring the effective participation of women in all peace and conflict prevention processes in which the UN is involved, including Cyprus, is among their priorities.

Stating that although the leaders and negotiators in Cyprus have so far been men, women have also played key roles in the last round of negotiations on some issues.

DiCarlo said “If women continue to be included in the next round of negotiations and are included even more, the Cyprus peace process will be the peace process with the highest number of women in key roles among the peace processes in which the United Nations is involved.”

She also noted that the agreement by the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders in 2022 on an “action plan” to promote the full and effective participation of women in the reconciliation process was an important step.

“In order to find a way out that is acceptable to both sides, your leaders need not only your support but also your ideas and your ability to speak the truth,” DiCarlo said, noting that this is the longest period without formal talks on the Cyprus problem.

The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Cyprus Colin Stewart was also present at the meeting.