Shama urges mediation before conflicts turn violent

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called for stronger mediation to resolve disputes before they turn violent.

She made the call at the 16th Ministerial Meeting of the UN Group of Friends of Mediation in New York.

“We must mediate before grievances turn into violence, when the human and financial costs are lowest,” she said.

Shama highlighted Bangladesh’s peacekeeping experience and stressed investment in mediation and peacebuilding capacity.

She also called for stronger partnerships among states, regional and local mediators and the UN, while respecting national ownership.

She urged greater support for preventive diplomacy through predictable funding, rapidly deployable mediation assistance and timely action based on early warnings.

She also stressed the responsible use of technology and AI in mediation, with safeguards for neutrality, transparency and confidentiality.

-AJM