“Nothing is possible without people.
Nothing lasts without institutions.”
Jean Monnet
An Idea for Cyprus and the Region
If one takes a look at the map of Europe and asks where major global institutions are headquartered, they may notice that almost all of them are based in Northern Europe.
To name just a few: the two European Parliaments (in Belgium and France), the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands, NATO in Belgium, the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg, and the United Nations in Switzerland.
Why is this the case?
Because, as Jean Monnet insightfully put it – slightly paraphrased –
“People drive change, but institutions sustain it.”
Indeed, it is these very institutions that have upheld agreements and balances across Europe for decades.
Today, the world finds itself again in turmoil, with consequences unknown and potentially severe.
All the more reason for us to seek – or to build – solid foundations capable of supporting the future.
And there is no stronger foundation than that of peace, shaped and sustained by meaningful institutional presence and cooperation.
Let us take another look at the map.
From Northern Europe down to Southern Africa, there is a wide void – a “black hole” of sorts – where not a single global institution is based. A vast stretch, from Brussels to Nairobi, marked by absence.
With this in mind, I thought: if we are ever to see genuine progress on the Cyprus issue, then only an institution of global reach can truly foster a sense of safety for all Cypriots, reduce the fear of a solution, and significantly enhance the durability of any agreement.
Moreover, such a step could prove catalytic in reigniting negotiations themselves.
A glance at our region – a single look at the tragedy unfolding around us – should be enough to convince anyone of the urgency: any solution must come with a corresponding sense of lasting security.
Personally, I see no more meaningful or effective move than the establishment of a global institution, in a reunited Cyprus.
Cyprus requires it.
The region needs it.
The Mediterranean demands it.
I am fully aware of the scale of such an endeavour – and the challenges that come with it.
I have heard the counterargument: that this is perhaps impossible. But I firmly believe that nothing should be ruled out in advance.
‘Cyprus’ must no longer be seen and referred to around the world as a ‘problem’, but rather as a symbol of peace.
We must decouple Cyprus from the word “problem”, and link it instead with “peace.”
We must not withhold our support and applaud only when an idea is realized.
We must embrace and advocate from inception.
I would like to inform you that I have already begun promoting this idea.
I have met with many people and discussed the idea with key persons at all levels: European Commissioners, politicians, leaders of both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties, judges, lawyers, ministers, and dozens of other engaged members of society.
The proposal has received broad political support – culminating in a joint statement of endorsement by both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties.
To clarify:
If the two sides in Cyprus come to an agreed solution, then it is both necessary and beneficial – not just for Cyprus, but for the wider region – that the United Nations establish another headquarters on the island.
After all, as Jean Monnet said:
“Nothing is possible without people. Nothing lasts without institutions.”
I am convinced that one day we will see a new United Nations presence established in our region.
Let us work so that this development includes us.
It is our fundamental and moral duty –
to understand the signs of the times and to rekindle our belief in the future.
Or, better still, as Dionysios Solomos so beautifully wrote:
“First, the mind must conceive.
Then, the heart must nurture
what the mind has conceived.”