16 Pledges 2011 - Ministerial Intergovernmental Event on Refugees and Stateless Persons these countries. We will work alongside these countries to meet the assistance and protection needs of refugees. We will endeavour to promote refugees’ self-sufficiency, with the aim of investing in their future durable solutions. 7. We remain deeply concerned that too many refugee situations have become protracted, and will strive to work with UNHCR and development actors, as appropriate, to resolve refugees’ plight and realize durable solutions in more effective and comprehensive ways, consistent with international law and relevant UN General Assembly resolutions. We will cooperate with countries of origin to foster conditions for voluntary repatriation, which remains the preferred solution, and pursue resettlement, in tandem with other solutions, and local integration where feasible. In this context, we recognize the need to address the root causes of refugee situations in accordance with international law. 8. We express our appreciation for the leadership shown by UNHCR and commend the Office for its ongoing efforts. We further commend the staff and implementing partners of UNHCR for the competent, courageous and dedicated manner in which they discharge their responsibilities. 9. We, while recalling the global nature of the refugee problem, note the efforts undertaken by UNHCR in partnership and cooperation with international, regional and national stakeholders. 10. We note that today's challenges in providing protection and achieving solutions continue to be serious, interconnected and complex. In this regard, we recognize the importance of enhancing international solidarity, strengthening action in accordance with the principles enshrined in applicable instruments and finding durable solutions. We will reinforce cooperation with each other and work with UNHCR and other relevant stakeholders, as appropriate, to deepen our understanding of evolving patterns of displacement and to agree upon ways to respond to the challenges we face in a changing global context. 11. We extend our gratitude to the Government and people of Switzerland for generously hosting the UNHCR ministerial meeting to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 50th anniversary of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.