This week, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, arrived on the island and was welcomed by the Head of UNFICYP, Khassim Diagne, along with the Mission's senior leadership from military, UNPOL and Civil Affairs components.
During his visit, Lacroix paid tribute to the peacekeepers who have served with UNFICYP since its establishment in 1964, honouring their service and sacrifice over six decades.
In a forward-looking dialogue, Lacroix sat down with young Cypriots from both communities at Ledra Palace, listening to their perspectives on peace and the future of the island. Speaking about the role of youth, he stated: “Young people are on top of new technologies and on top of new ways of doing things. Not only in terms of using their motivation and enthusiasm to promote peace efforts, but they can also help others to have a bigger impact. Peace, as we all know, is made not only from the top to the bottom, but also from bottom to top.”
Together with SRSG Khassim Diagne and the mayors of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos and Mehmet Harmanci, Lacroix inaugurated the global United Nations exhibition "Through Her Lens: Women Rising for Peace."
The exhibition, currently at display outside Ledra Palace crossing, highlights women peacebuilders, UN peacekeepers, mediators, and human rights defenders, with each portrait captured by local women photographers, underscoring the resilience and leadership of women shaping peace in their communities. The exhibition features two young Cypriot women, Eleni Anastasiou and Ayshe Biyikoglu, who were also present at the opening.
During his visit, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations met separately with both Cypriot leaders, Greek Cypriot leader, Nikos Christodoulides, and Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhürman, for conversations on the current situation on the island. He also visited the Pyla/Pile plateau, where UNFICYP continues to play an impartial role in preventing tensions and promoting activities to foster cooperation between communities.
Reflecting on the broader peacekeeping efforts, he remarked: “It's about bringing together those who are working in support of the peace efforts. You have diplomats, you have peacekeepers, that is, of course, important. But you also have to bring together and in support of them the leaders, the civilians, the youth, the women, who are dedicating time and effort to supporting peace.”
Lacroix’s engagements on the island reaffirmed the United Nation’ steadfast support for Cypriots and its commitment to fostering dialogue, trust, and cooperation.
