AlNasser Stresses Critical Role of Mediation in Peaceful Settlement of Disputes

AlNasser Stresses Critical Role of Mediation in Peaceful Settlement of Disputes

Madrid/Information Office/ 21 March 2015/ HE the UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Nassir bin Abdulaziz Al Nasser took part in the 'Mediation in the Mediterranean Seminar' held at the Casa Arabe in Madrid last night. Addressing the distinguished gathering at the seminar, HE Al Nasser said that Chapter VIII of the UN Charter lays out the critical role of regional organizations in maintaining international peace and security. He said that mediation is a preventive dispute resolution method. Since it is preventive, it is extremely cost effective as an early intervention before violence erupts. HE Al Nasser underlined the critical role mediation plays in the international community, noting that during his tenure as President of the 66th Session of the UN General Assembly, he chose mediation as the theme of the year. Not only had this, but the same session of the GA passed resolution 66/291 on strengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution. The Seminar is being held as part of the Initiative on Mediation in the Mediterranean, which unites 32 countries and five international and regional organizations. Its efforts are aimed at encouraging state and regional players to increase the use of mediation in conflict prevention and resolution, and in establishing peace in the region. The debate focuses on topics relating to the culture of mediation and conflict prevention in the Mediterranean region.