Natsios, who lead the efforts of US to resolve ‘one of the worst humanitarian crises’ from 2006 to December 2007, was the keynote speaker at the opening session of the third annual Model United Nations Conference (MUN) yesterday.
He was of the view that only the countries with considerable influence, such as China, Saudi Arabia and Qatar could effectively bring all parties in Darfur to get to talk.
“The pre-requisite though is the willingness of the involved parties though, since in a civil war, you got to have parties ready to negotiate first,” he observed.
Natsios stated that political instability spreads outside the national boundaries much faster these days and other governments in the affected region must take initiatives to help resolve an ongoing conflict for their own good.
“We in the US or the United Nations cannot force any one. We can only encourage,” added Natsios, who advised the US president and the US secretary of state on ending the conflict in Darfur and bringing stability to all of Sudan.
From 2001 to 2005, he was administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), and has also served as Special Coordinator for International Disaster Assitance and Special Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sudan. Natsios has also worked for over 18 years with the UN in the global relief efforts.
“There is a perception, particularly in this region, that UN is a dysfunctional world body. But that’s not true at all. During conflicts, civil wars, famines, disasters or diseases, some attempts to bring calm succeed, while some simply don’t,” he explained to the young audience.
“Only because of the efforts of such branches of UN, as WHO, Unicef, UNHCR, Unesco and World Food Programme, did the world succeed in eradicating small pox, offered help to refugees and food to starving people. You must not give up hope,” he added.
“Some of you may become military personnel and in that case you can become part of the peacekeeping forces of the UN, who do a pretty remarkable job of maintaining order in the conflict areas around the world,” he told students attending the MUN.
“Many of the Arab states, Egypt and Jordan are also sending troops to Darfur to help some 2.5mn displaced people, and you can grow up to become part of it as well,” said the diplomacy veteran, who is a professor on the Practice of Diplomacy and Advisor of International Development at the Georgetown University, Washington DC.
Earlier, in his speech, Natsios urged the young members of the audience to take up diplomacy, since ‘representing one’s country at the UN is an honour.’
“Many of you may become diplomats in 10 years and may even end up at the UN, a rank which is next to your country’s Foreign Minister’s, but for that, you will have to take your responsibilities very seriously,” said the veteran diplomat.
