Applauding Tunisian Winners of Nobel Peace Prize, Secretary-General Says Recognition Belongs to All Who ‘Gave Birth’ to Arab Spring

The following statement by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was issued today:

I am pleased that the 2015 Nobel Prize for Peace has been awarded to the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet.  I congratulate the members of the Quartet:  the Tunisian General Labour Union; the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts; the Tunisian Human Rights League; and the Tunisian Order of Lawyers.

In a larger sense, I salute the Tunisian people; this recognition belongs to all those who gave birth to the Arab Spring and are striving to safeguard the sacrifices of so many.  Above all, this tribute highlights that lasting progress requires an inclusive process.  The Arab Spring began with great hopes that were soon replaced with grave doubts.  Tunisia has managed to avoid the disappointment and dashed hopes that have tragically emerged elsewhere.

As leaders of civil society, the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet has helped drive the change the Tunisian people demanded — and been central to the country’s stability, integrity and pursuit of justice.  The Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet offers hope that serious political challenges can be overcome through dialogue and consensual politics.  Their example is an inspiration to the region and the world.

The United Nations will continue to proudly stand in solidarity with the awardees as they work to build the peaceful and democratic nation that the Tunisian people deserve.