The g7+ and the Foundation for Post Conflict Development (FPCD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Eminent Person of g7+, H.E. Xanana Gusmão. In the spirit of this partnership framework, both organisation will work together to promote peace and stability through collective advocacy and peer learning in g7+ member countries. The signing ceremony took place at the g7+ European Hub in Lisbon, Portugal in the margins of the UN Ocean Conference.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Helder da Costa, General Secretary of g7+ said that the g7+ secretariat and the FPCD aspire to cooperate in pursuing peace and stability in the g7+ countries. The signing of the MoU lay down a steppingstone to operationalize cooperation in areas of peace and statebuilding. The presence of His Serene Highness, Prince Albert of Monaco, and H.E. Xanana Gusmão, Eminent person of the g7+ on this occasion indicate a political commitment to advance our joint cause.
In her intervention, Executive Director of FPCD, Ms. Claudia Abate said “In 1979, Princess Grace of Monaco visited Timorese refugee camps here in Val Do Jamor, Portugal. Her humanitarian heart inspired a generation. With the same heart, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, continues his mother’s legacy. He stands alongside Xanana Gusmão, the father of the generation who built a thriving nation in Timor-Leste, and, who now leads all others like it through a forum known as the g7+. The FPCD commits to advocate through the eyes of the developing rather than through the lens of the developed and the principles which the g7+advocates. In turn, we promise to be bold and innovative in applying those principles to practice”.
Eminent Person of g7+, H.E. Xanana Gusmão congratulated the g7+ and FPCD for solidifying its partnership through the MoU and said “the MoU reflects our common belief in the noble cause of lasting peace and stability in the conflict affected countries and elsewhere. It is my hope that under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, the foundation will contribute to the cause of g7+”
H.E. Xanana Gusmão expressed grief over the loss of precious lives in the recent devastating earthquake in Afghanistan that has killed and wounded 1000s of people. Referring to natural and man-made crises, the eminent person reminded that conflict affected countries “bear the brunt of these crises”
Referring to the current international politics that is marked by multipolarity, H.E. Xanana Gusmão added that “We, the g7+ are the only inter-governmental organization that is bound by sense of solidarity rather than economic and geopolitical interest and I request HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco to help us make our voice even widely”
Recognizing its role in advancing the cause of peace and statebuilding, the g7+ secretariat was awarded “FPCD 2022 Special Commitment Award”. Eminent Person of g7+, H.E. Xanana Gusmão receive the award on behalf of the g7+.
The signing ceremony was followed by a working lunch on transitioning from Fragility and Reimagining Development cooperation I conflict affected countries.
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