Mr. High Commissioner,

Dear Geneva-based friends of the rule of law,

First, allow me to express my gratitude to the Office of the High Commissioner for the invitation to address you, and my special thanks to the High Commissioner for his personal interest, advocacy, and commitment to this New Vision and to the rule of law in general.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to join you today in my capacity as Chair of the Rule of Law Coordination and Resource Group.

The Group, which I lead, has been tasked by the Secretary-General to implement his New Vision for the Rule of Law, which has been promulgated to advance Our Common Agenda.

The New Vision is a United Nations blueprint for our internal work. It is a lodestar for rule of law in the UN system and a way for us to be better prepared to provide technical assistance, build capacity and help Member States achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The New Vision was drafted through an intensive and inclusive inter-agency process, and we are pleased that there is such interest in it and commitment from the Office of the High Commissioner and our United Nations family in Geneva.

The New Vision does not redefine pre-existing terms and concepts. It is firmly grounded in agreed documents, including the landmark 2012 Declaration of the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Rule of Law at the National and International levels.

The New Vision is a comprehensive yet concise document that tackles the cross-section between the rule of law and several key contemporary issues, including technology, the planet, human rights, and access to justice.

While there is much about the New Vision that merits our attention, there are four key features that I would like to highlight for you today.

First, the New Vision is inclusive. As the New Vision sets out, rule of law is both a “means” and an “end” – it is not just of interest for people who work in what we traditionally think of as legal sectors. It is about and for women, children, youth and the most marginalized; those we cannot leave behind.

Second, it is people-centered. The New Vision advances gender equality and focuses our efforts on people while also supporting the institutions, which we must seek to make stronger, more resilient, and more representative if the rule of law is to prevail.

Third, it contributes to conflict prevention and peace, in line with the New Agenda for Peace. The New Vision acknowledges that the rule of law is fundamental to lasting peace and security. The rule of law is essential for addressing injustices and inequalities that fuel conflict and protecting civilians in crisis and post-conflict situations. Consequently, under the New Vision, national efforts and international cooperation to prevent and combat corruption, transnational organized crime and terrorism will be fostered and supported.

And last but not least, the New Vision accelerates SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by re-affirming the rule of law at the heart of our international system: It sees the rule of law as the basis of a global system that relies upon shared responsibility and cooperation.  

Going forward, the Rule of Law Coordination Resource Group, which I lead, will be taking the reins on the strategy to deliver on the New Vision. This must include proper information exchange and coordination at the highest levels.

If there is one overarching principle that the United Nations must promote, it is the rule of law. Our work cannot stop nor slow down until accountability to the law is ensured for all; 

… until there is full respect for human rights norms and standards;  

…until governance guarantees the supremacy of the law, separation of powers, participation in decision-making, independence of the judiciary, and transparency; 

… until there are safe and open spaces for the flow of reliable and fact-based information; and 

… until equality between all human beings is universally achieved.

Reaching these goals is the only viable path to global peace and prosperity.

In facing these challenges, we must respond with redoubled and concerted action guided by the rule of law as the foundation of friendly and equitable relations between states and the basis of fair and just societies.

In this spirit, I am very grateful for the opportunity to discuss the New Vision with all of you today. I once again thank the Office of the High Commissioner for the constant inspiration it provides through its tireless work.  And I thank you for your attention as well as your unwavering support for the United Nations rule of law programmes.

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