Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Since I addressed this conference in May last year, there have been significant new developments, especially in the aftermath of the tragic earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria in February. First, we saw constructive moves from different sides in the humanitarian sphere, including the introduction of earthquake-related standing exemptions from unilateral sanctions and the opening of two border crossings for humanitarian operations, and there was a generous response to the flash appeal and gestures of condolence. This was followed by new openings between Arab countries and the Syrian government, bilaterally and then via meetings in Amman, Cairo and Jeddah. We saw intensified diplomacy involving the Astana players and the Syrian Government, including a meeting in Moscow of the Foreign Ministers of Iran, Russia, Syria and Türkiye

Plainly, the status quo in Syria is unacceptable and unsustainable. The causes and consequences of the conflict are still not being comprehensively addressed. We have heard from Syrian civil society what it means for Syrians themselves: average Syrians have yet to see any dividend from diplomacy. We have just heard senior Arab and Turkish officials voice their concerns about what the unresolved conflict means for the region. A political solution as envisaged in Security Council resolution 2254 is more needed than ever. We must renew the intra-Syrian political process. A starting point should be concrete and verifiable steps, that incrementally – step for step, and step by step – generate some trust and confidence, including among Syrians themselves, and move us forward on and towards Security Council resolution 2254.  I believe now that this concept is now widely accepted, as recent regional engagements have shown.

That is why I welcome renewed diplomatic attention on Syria. I look forward to working very closely with all players – the Syrian parties, the Arab actors, the Astana actors, the Western actors, the members of the Security Council. The new openings have been accompanied by humanitarian moves, which we can only welcome and of course we should continue. But we have not yet seen progress in the political process. In the coming months we will see whether this new engagement can be a circuit breaker for some political progress. This will require pragmatism, realism and frankness from all sides, not just some. The support of all key actors will be needed for this effort. The reality is, and we know this after twelve years of war and conflict, that no one group of players can alone dictate the outcome of the conflict. Many players have the means to block others from creating progress, especially if they are excluded. I will be seeking to work with the Syrian parties and all outside actors to make sure efforts are coordinated.

I also welcome calls from many quarters to reconvene the Constitutional Committee, which, as you know, stalled due to issues unrelated to the Syrian conflict. I am in close touch with relevant parties in a renewed effort to overcome these obstacles, to reconvene the Constitutional Committee in Geneva as soon as possible and see it develop some substance.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

For millions of Syrians, however, concerns are more immediate. Humanitarian needs have reached record levels. No part of Syria is spared from humanitarian stress. We must ensure that there is adequate funding to address ongoing essential needs. Generous pledges and swift disbursements of the funding are needed now more than ever, to support the Syrian people as well as host communities in the wider region. In support of the humanitarian imperative, let me underline again the need to ensure humanitarian access via all modalities, including cross-line and cross-border. As the Secretary-General has repeatedly said himself, a 12-month extension of the Security Council’s authorization of the UN’s cross-border mechanism is indispensable. Let me also note with appreciation ,  the moves made by sanctioning states in response to the earthquakes, but at the same time we continue to stress the importance of addressing concerns about over-compliance. This is still very much the case. And finally, let me also stress the need to rein in violence and bring about some calm.

Excellencies,

There has understandably been much focus lately on the question of refugees and the internally displaced. High Commissioner Grandi will elaborate on it this afternoon, but allow me to make a few brief remarks as it relates to my efforts to advance confidence building and, of course, the political track. The latest UNHCR intentionality survey describes two main reasons why many refugees remain reluctant to return to Syria in the short term: first, concerns about the lack of livelihoods and work opportunities, which is a domain where donors could help; and second, concerns about the lack of safety and security, which is the Syrian government’s remit. This means that if the Syrian government were to start to address the protection concerns of the displaced, working closely with the United Nations, and if donors were to help the United Nations do more to address livelihoods, then this could help begin to change realities on the ground for allSyrians – not only the displaced. I hope this is another incentive for donors to generously fund early recovery and livelihood programming.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

In recent days we have heard the voices of Syrian women and civil society representatives, during various side events and at the Day of Dialogue. Important topics were discussed, including the tens of thousands of arbitrarily detained, disappeared and missing persons in Syria. This remains a core issue for sustainable peace in Syria. I echo the Secretary-General’s call for Member States to support via the General Assembly the establishment of an institution dedicated to the missing.

I am pleased that this afternoon we will be joined by a representative from the Women’s Advisory Board and from the Civil Society Support Room. They will share insights, concerns and aspirations of a broad spectrum of Syrians. Regular engagement with civil society representatives and with women’s groups, networks and organizations remains vitally important. The legitimate aspirations of all Syrians must remain at the heart of our political efforts. We have continued our practice of rotating participation in these fora to expand and further open the space for dialogue to as many Syrians as possible.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

In conclusion, let me summarize: we are indeed at an inflection point, with renewed diplomatic attention on Syria. If this opportunity is seized and if players coordinate and work together, I am convinced that it is possible to move forward. We may not be able to reach a comprehensive political solution in one step, but I believe we can advance towards it gradually. The good offices of the United Nations will need your strong support in this next phase. I will look forward to working closely with all other actors who are seeking to move the process forward. I look forward to further engagement with you and all other actors concerned, in the spirit of promoting coordination, coherence and complementarity on Syria, and eliciting positive progress, consistent with my mandate in Security Council resolution 2254. Thank you.