CONSOLIDACIÓN DE LA PAZ - Sustaining Peace

Advancing multilateralism goes ‘hand-in-hand’ with work of the UN

rheamahanta — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 17:17:00 +0000

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Revitalizing the United Nations to “strengthen a multilateral rule-based world order” tops a list of priorities the General Assembly President told UN Member States on Tuesday.

Convinced that “revitalizing the UN and advancing multilateralism go hand-in-hand”, Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces said that she was engaging with world leaders in New York and abroad, “to promote this objective”.

She also vowed to work on revitalizing the General Assembly, as well as on reforming the UN Security Council and aligning the UN’s objectives to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Calling the 2030 Agenda “a cornerstone of the success of multilateralism”, she stressed the importance of building greater public understanding and support for it.

Her second priority was on implementing two new global accords on refugees and migrants, for which she had appointed two co-facilitators to consult with Member States on arrangements for the International Migration Review Forums – the primary intergovernmental platform for States to discuss implementing and share progress on the Global Compact.

“I will also continue raising awareness about the importance of an informed debate on international migration, which is based on facts and figures, to help Member States develop their own policies and support the implementation of Global Compact for Migration” she stated.

I am committed to strive towards gender parity within the General Assembly and gender equality in its outcomes – UN General Assembly President

As a Gender Champion, Ms. Espinosa’s third priority focuses on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“I am committed to strive towards gender parity within the General Assembly and gender equality in its outcomes, starting with my Office where gender equality is a reality”, she emphasized, noting her newly established Group of Gender Equality Leaders.

Fourth, under the priority related to the creation of decent work opportunities, she spotlighted the need to build on the momentum created around the review of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in July as well as the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Protecting the environment is Ms. Espinosa’s fifth priority.

Nearing the first milestones of the 2030 Agenda, she committed to encouraging all participants to work collectively on climate and environmental action, as “more needs to be done to prevent dangerous levels of global warming.”

“We need to see climate change response as an opportunity to set a course for a better future for human beings and towards a greener, cleaner and more sustainable world”, she maintained, particularly as it “is accelerating faster than our efforts to address it”.

On plastic pollution, she asked for partners in “walking the talk” by reducing single use plastics within missions and at UN facilities.

Under the rights of persons with disabilities, her sixth priority, she said that a Steering Committee on Accessibility at the UN had been launched in December on the eve of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

Moreover, she plans to launch the campaign for the Universal Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities this month and host a High-Level Event on Persons with Disabilities in June.

For her final priorities, peace and security, the Assembly President said she would seize on, or take advantage of, all existing mandates and events” to promote issues related to conflict prevention, peacebuilding and sustaining peace” to build more “peaceful and resilient societies.”

Priority activities on the horizon

29 January: In collaboration with the UN Foundation, the first meeting of the Group of Gender Equality Leaders will be kicked off to accelerate women’s empowerment.
31 January: Along with the President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), will brief Member States on aligning both body’s work with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
4 February: Meeting with former General Assembly presidents on the theme: “Revitalization of the United Nations in favor of a strengthened multilateral rules-based system” to craft recommendations for a UN that delivers effectively and efficiently for the people.
14 February: Convene a joint briefing with the Special Envoy for the Climate Summit to outline the roadmap for preparations towards the Climate Summit in September.
19 February: Meeting with mayors and others under the theme: “From Global Issues to Local Priorities: The role of Cities in the Global Agenda, including Cities for Sustainable Development, Food Security, Nutrition and Climate Change” to share experiences of effective local practices and strategies to address global challenges, such as climate change, food security and malnutrition.
21-22 February: Will organize with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) the 2019 Parliamentary Hearing at the UN, on the theme: “Emerging challenges to multilateralism: a parliamentary response”.
27 February: Will organize a High-Level Debate on International Migration and Development.
12 March: Convene a High-Level Event on Women in Power, dedicated to promoting women’s leadership by bringing together senior leaders to share experiences and young women leaders to foster the environment of dialogue.
28 March: Host a High-Level meeting on the Protection of the Global Climate for Present and Future Generations of Humankind to pave the way for the Climate Summit.
9 April: In the context of the ECOSOC Youth Forum, conduct a Town Hall on the linkages between decent work and Youth, Peace and Security
10 April: In close collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and ECOSOC, convene a High-Level Event on “The Future of Work for Decent Work”.
24 April: Host a High-Level Event on the International Day on Multilateralism to exchange views on its role with diplomacy in advancing of the UN’s three pillars of sustainable development, peace and security and human rights.
27 April: Organize with Norway and Antigua and Barbuda during its annual ‘Sailing Week’, a festival to raise awareness, celebrate successes, and push forward progress to address plastic pollution.
13 September: Organize, a High-Level Event on Culture of Peace to shine a light on the observance of the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.
September: High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) will be convened for the first time under the auspices of the General Assembly (HLPF Summit).

Looking back

Ms. Espinosa outlined the work the Assembly had already achieved since she took office in September, beginning with the “unprecedented” number of world leaders at the 2018 general debate, which sent “a strong message” in support of multilateralism and the Organization.

She noted that in Marrakech, “we adopted the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration”, and also the “so-called rulebook” for the Paris Agreement at the Climate Conference in Poland.

Among others, she: conducted a one-day High-Level Meeting on Middle-Income Countries that yielded concrete recommendations to address gaps in implementing the 2030 Agenda; launched a series of Morning Dialogues with Ambassadors on thematic issues challenging the Organization; and appointed 28 co-facilitators and co-chairs, almost 60 per cent of whom are women.

Via UN News

Secretary-General's remarks to the Peacebuilding Commission

Kensuke Matsueda — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 16:09:00 +0000

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THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

REMARKS TO THE PEACEBUILDING COMMISSION

AMBASSADORIAL-LEVEL MEETING ON “LEADERSHIP, ACCOUNTABILITY AND CAPACITIES”

New York, 7 September 2018

[as delivered]

Thank you for your focus today on enhancing leadership, capacities and accountability to sustain peace.

Effective, responsible and accountable leadership – supported by the right capacities and resources – lies at the heart of my vision for sustaining peace.

It is also crucial for fostering coherent and effective action in support of national governments and their people.

UN leaders and their teams, particularly in conflict-affected settings, must navigate a complex, politically sensitive environment while often operating with limited staff and limited financial resources.

We need to work together to enhance their authority and their capacities.

We also need to invest more – and much earlier – in prevention and peacebuilding.

I have outlined a number of options in my report on peacebuilding and sustaining peace. I urge you to consider them seriously.

I also repeat my conviction in the Peacebuilding Fund as a key instrument to drive coherence across our peacebuilding activities.

I renew my appeal to significantly scale up your contributions to this vital Fund which often plays a catalytic role in assisting countries seeking to build and sustain peace.

In Guinea-Bissau, for example, the Peacebuilding Fund provided critical support for the inclusion ofwomen and youth in the political process, that we hope will lead to a successful outcome in the near future.

In Colombia, the Peacebuilding Fund became the first contributor to the United Nations Post-Conflict Multi-Partner Trust Fund, helping mobilize more than $90 million from bilateral donors for implementation of the peace agreement.

In the Central African Republic, Peacebuilding Fund support helped strengthen a UN system-wide approach to responding to peacebuilding priorities.

Beyond financing, senior United Nations leaders in the field must receive dedicated and sufficient assistance from Headquarters, including surge capacities, guidance and training.

They must have delegated authority to take calculated risks in support of national priorities – and benefit from adequate, predictable and sustained financing for peacebuilding.

In return, senior leaders across the UN system must be held accountable for bringing the UN system and its partners together around a common strategy for sustaining peace in support of Member States.

We have progress to build upon.

In Sierra Leone, my Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, together with the Resident Coordinator’s office, worked closely with national and regional partners to defuse tensions and encourage political dialogue during and after the presidential elections in March 2018.

In Liberia, former President Obasanjo of Nigeria was deployed as member of my High-Level Advisory Board on Mediation, complementing the sustained efforts of my Special Representative to diffuse tensions surrounding the second round of the presidential elections in November 2017.

In these and other cases, effective leaders tapped into available capacities, such as regional political offices, Peace and Development Advisers, Human Rights Advisers, electoral experts and others. The Peacebuilding Fund has also provided valuable support to make it possible.

Of course, good leadership relies on solid strategic vision.

With its bridging and convening role, the Peacebuilding Commission can support the development of such vision in national and regional contexts and marshal resources for peacebuilding priorities.

Such was the case with the development of a peacebuilding plan in Liberia and enhancing the strategic coherence of international efforts in the Sahel.

We must do more to ensure effective strategic leadership during transitions from one form of UN engagement to another and especially when Missions end and Country Teams need to assume a number of additional responsibilities.

Recent experiences in Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia were important test cases in ensuring the continuity of senior leadership and personnel through different phases of UN engagement, coupled with strengthened capacity of the respective UN Country Teams.

The Peacebuilding Commission has here a very important role to play. During the transition of UNMIL, for instance, a mapping of capacity of the Country Team against peacebuilding priorities was discussed with Member States through the Commission.

Allow me to also highly commend the PBC for promoting the crucial role of women in peacebuilding and adopting a gender strategy, the first of its kind for a UN intergovernmental body.

My reform agenda features several proposals that are relevant to enhancing our leadership, accountability and capacities in support of countries’ efforts to build and sustain peace.

I am grateful to Member States for your support.

Management reform will improve accountability and effectiveness of programme delivery.

It will empower field leadership, simplify administrative policies, decentralize decision-making closer to the point of delivery and better align the responsibility for mandate implementation with the authority to manage resources.

The repositioning of the development system will ensure that a new generation of Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams benefit from better cross-pillar support, risk-informed joint analysis and planning, policy advice, monitoring and reporting.

Empowered and impartial Resident Coordinators will have experience across the UN system and multiple skills including in integrated planning, risk management, gender issues and human rights. This will ensure more coherence across the humanitarian-development-peacebuilding continuum.

The restructuring of the peace and security pillar will bring greater effectiveness and alignment.

The Peacebuilding Support Office will have the capacity to act as a “hinge”, facilitating greater coherence across the UN and its different pillars.

Of course, success of these efforts will also depend on ensuring that the leadership culture is principled, inclusive, pragmatic, and action-oriented.

As part of this effort, gender parity within the UN system is an absolute priority.

Empowering women and attaining long-overdue gender parity throughout the ranks of the Organization – as we have achieved already in the Senior Management Group – is of course the right thing to do.

It will also position the UN system to better support Member States in achieving inclusive and sustainable peace.

None of this happens on its own. We need to back our resolve with resources.

I committed to allocate at least 15 per cent of United Nations peacebuilding funds to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

I am proud to report that the Peacebuilding Fund more than doubled this target, devoting 36 per cent of funds for projects supporting women’s peacebuilding work last year.

We must also re-focus United Nations leadership to fully engage with young women and men in building and sustaining peace – and underscore it in the independent Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security.

Once again, thank you for your focus on effective and accountable leadership.

Let us continue to build up on our progress to sustaining peace and to peacebuilding.

Thank you.

What Works in UN Resident Coordinator-Led Conflict Prevention: Lessons from the Field (UNU-CPR)

Kensuke Matsueda — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 19:56:00 +0000

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June 18, 2018 - UN Secretary-General António Guterres has placed conflict prevention at the top of his agenda. One of the key challenges he will face is that of making Resident Coordinators (RCs) in fragile and conflict-affected countries without peace operations more effective prevention actors.

While so-called “non-mission settings” are widely recognised as the frontline of preventive action (peace operations are usually deployed once efforts to avert outbreak of violent conflict have failed), they also tend to be contexts where the UN faces some of its most acute challenges in making prevention work. This is because RCs, who head the UN’s development presence in such places, face significant political, mandate, and resource constraints in the pursuit of prevention.

Against this background, the UNU Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR), with the support of the UK Mission to the United Nations, has undertaken a research project to extract lessons of RC-supported preventive action in nine countries, where such support has generally been effective.

The project had two central aims: first, to produce analytical narratives of success stories, detailing how RCs and UN Country Teams (UNCTs) have effectively engaged across various settings in a preventive manner; and second, to identify good practices of what has worked in RC-supported prevention in the past, and how those lessons might be relevant to RCs in other settings.

The lessons, findings and recommendations emerging from the nine case studies are synthesised in a Policy Paper, What Works in UN Resident Coordinator-Led Conflict Prevention: Lessons from the Field, by Sebastian von Einsiedel.

For more information, please visit: United Nations University Centre for Policy Research

Delegates Praise Expansion of Efforts to Build, Sustain Peace as General Assembly Considers Commission’s Report

Kensuke Matsueda — Thu, 24 May 2018 16:25:00 +0000

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GA/12019

24 MAY 2018

SEVENTY-SECOND SESSION, 90TH MEETING (AM)

Speakers Urge More Predictable Funding, Better Coordination with Parent Organs

While the Peacebuilding Commission had become more adaptive — expanding its work to the Gambia, Solomon Islands and the Sahel — it must do more to coordinate its efforts, particularly with the Security Council, delegates in the General Assembly stressed today, as they explored how the advisory body could foster coherence among United Nations endeavours in building and sustaining peace around the world.

In opening remarks, Assembly President Miroslav Lajčák (Slovakia) said that while much progress had been made, more must be done, especially in the area of conflict prevention. The Assembly’s high-level meeting on peacebuilding and sustaining peace had outlined a framework for follow-up and produced a resolution mandating the Secretary-General to continue reporting on progress, he said.

Outlining priorities, Commission Chair Ion Jinga (Romania) described its efforts to expand its work beyond the five country-specific configurations on its agenda with a view to creating deeper partnerships in the Sahel, helping Gambia engage with the international community, and fostering relationships with the Economic and Social Council through a joint event on building and sustaining peace.

Holding their annual debate, delegates praised the Commission for having improved its advice to its parent organs — the Assembly and the Security Council — strengthened its partnerships, upgraded its work methods and built synergies, both within and beyond the United Nations system. The advisory body’s eleventh session, many said, had been characterized by efforts to implement recommendations in the twin “sustaining peace” resolutions adopted by the Assembly and the Council in 2016.

Canada’s delegate, speaking also on behalf of Australia and New Zealand, emphasized that the Security Council must make greater use of the Commission’s convening role to provide strategic and actionable advice on a range of country and regional situations.

In similar vein, India’s representative welcomed the Commission’s expanded support to the Solomon Islands, Colombia, and Sri Lanka, as well as the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, and Great Lakes regions, in addition to its five country-specific configurations. However, the financing available through the Peacebuilding Fund was not even 1 per cent of the annual peacekeeping budget, he noted.

Nonetheless, said the Gambia’s delegate, “the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Support Office played a critical role in supporting a peaceful and democratic transition in the Gambia”. Through policy advice and immediate financial support, he added, his country had embarked on transitional justice, rule of law and security sector reform.

Liberia’s representative agreed that the Peacebuilding Fund was an important tool for sustaining peace, emphasizing: “We must continue to explore creative ways to invest in preventing conflict.” Thanks to the Fund and the resilience of Liberians, the country would continue to deepen democracy, he said.

Pakistan’s delegate said the Commission could provide a vital advisory link in pursuing “the primacy of politics”, both during transition and after the withdrawal of peacekeeping missions. It could advise the Security Council on socioeconomic issues to encourage countries to find political solutions. It could also be a critical player during and following peace operations, she added.

In other business, the Assembly took note of Sierra Leone’s appointment to the Committee on Conferences for a term beginning today and expiring on 31 December 2020. It also appointed Argentina, Azerbaijan, Colombia, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria and Switzerland to the board of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns for terms beginning on 16 September 2017 and ending on 15 September 2019, after having decided that Kenya and Nigeria could be re-nominated.

Also speaking today were representatives of Brazil, Indonesia, Colombia, Germany, United Kingdom, China, El Salvador, Italy, Kenya, Sweden, Morocco, Japan, Ethiopia, Portugal, Estonia, United States, Guatemala, Nigeria, Bangladesh and Norway.

Also speaking was the former Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission.

The General Assembly will reconvene at a time and date to be announced.

Opening Remarks

MIROSLAV LAJČÁK (Slovakia), President of the General Assembly, recalled that world leaders had gathered more than 15 years ago to change the way in which they dealt with post-conflict situations. “We had the tools to deal with conflicts that break out but not with what to do after.” The Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund had been created to deal with the aftermath of war, and while there had been much progress since then, more remained to be done, particularly in the area of conflict prevention. Last month’s meeting on peacebuilding, having attracted the highest levels of attendance, had outlined a framework for follow-up and produced a resolution giving the Secretary-General the mandate to continue his reporting on the progress of sustaining peace.

Recalling that he had heard horrifying stories shared by survivors of conflict, he stressed the need to hear more from women, adding that another challenge was chronic underfunding of the Peacebuilding Commission. “Inclusion is still an exception and not the norm,” he continued, noting that women and young people continued to be blocked from participating in peacebuilding. While the Peacebuilding Commission had become more flexible and adaptive — as demonstrated through its work in the Gambia, Solomon Islands and the Sahel — it must do more to coordinate its work, particularly by engaging with the Security Council, he emphasized, while reminding Member States that they had signed on to the United Nations Charter as a promise to protect future generations from the scourge of war.

CHO TAE-YUL (Republic of Korea), former Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, presented that body’s annual report on its eleventh session (document A/72/721-S/2018/83), noting that, in implementing the twin resolutions on the peacebuilding architecture, adopted in 2016, the Commission had carried out a number of activities to assist countries and regions with their peacebuilding priorities. First, the Commission had continued to improve the quality of its advice to enrich the deliberations of its parent organs, the General Assembly and the Security Council, while strengthening its bridging role among intergovernmental bodies in pursuit of a coherent, integrated approach to building and sustaining peace. As a result, its interaction with the Security Council had grown more active around the country-specific situations on the agendas of both organs — Burundi, Liberia, Central African Republic and Guinea Bissau.

In the area of partnerships, he said, the United Nations should take advantage of a growing interest among international financial institutions and the private sector in working with the Organization. For its part, the Commission continued to strengthen its partnerships with key stakeholders, he said, recalling that he had led a delegation of the Commission to Washington, D.C., last June to discuss with World Bank officials the ways in which they could enhance their collaboration. He encouraged greater use of such meetings with the World Bank to help mobilize resources for the countries supported by the Commission.

He went on to state that the Commission had also been improving its working methods to become more efficient and flexible. Beyond the work on its country‑specific configurations, it had considered other countries and regions, upon their request. Most notably, it had assisted the Gambia at its critical time of political transition by sustaining global attention on the country after the Security Council had stopped its deliberations on the situation. Also, for the first time, the Commission had deliberated on situations in the Solomon Islands, Colombia and Sri Lanka at their request. Those meetings had demonstrated how countries eligible for assistance from the Peacebuilding Fund could use the Commission as a platform to secure global political support for their peacebuilding priorities. Other discussions on thematic issues had been held on gender, youth, financing, institution-building and national ownership, he said.

ION JINGA (Romania), current Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, said the body continued to support efforts to sustain peace at the country and regional levels. One priority was its focus on the Sahel, specifically creating deeper partnerships with the countries of that region with a view to advancing implementation of the Integrated Strategy for the Sahel. He said the Commission’s annual session on 26 June would focus on the Sahel, bringing together Member States, United Nations officials — including the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General — regional organizations, international financial institutions and civil society to discuss how to deepen partnerships for building and sustaining peace in the Sahel, with a focus on national ownership. Partnerships, including with the private sector, could be explored further, he said.

He said the Commission would convene a joint event with the Economic and Social Council on peacebuilding and sustaining peace, bringing together the Commission’s role with that Council’s expertise in building partnerships with the private sector. Another priority area was the Commission’s engagement with the Gambia, where it had provided a forum for that country to engage with the international community. A high-level meeting had provided an opportunity for the Gambia to present its peacebuilding priorities ahead of a conference on that country’s situation held in Brussels two days ago. Regarding the Peacebuilding Fund, he said Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands had approached it to share their challenges and experiences, adding that he looked forward to continuing such efforts with a view to raising the profile of peacebuilding experiences around the world.

Statements

MICHAEL BONSER (Canada), speaking on behalf of Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the Peacebuilding Commission’s recent work, recalling that it had provided a platform for the new Government in the Gambia to share its priorities for peace in the wake of the 2017 post-election crisis. He emphasized that the Security Council must make greater use of the Commission’s flexibility and convening role to provide strategic and actionable advice on a range of country and regional situations. Regarding the Peacebuilding Fund, he said that its annual report demonstrated another year of innovative action. He commended the Fund for having exceeded the Secretary-General’s 15 per cent target for women’s empowerment projects. Emphasizing that donors had a key role to play in addressing the fragmentation of financing for peacebuilding and sustaining peace, he said that by requesting joint analysis and contributing to pooled and earmarked funds, donors could powerfully incentivize coordinated and coherent United Nations peacebuilding efforts. Sustaining peace could not be seen as the work of just one part of the United Nations architecture, he said, adding that, while the Fund and the Peacebuilding Commission had a pivotal role to play, the peacebuilding and sustaining peace agenda would fail if it was relegated to a single office.

FREDERICO S. DUQUE ESTRADA MEYER (Brazil) said it was important to bear in mind that the existing country-specific configurations continued to bring added value to the Peacebuilding Commission. The configuration chairs devoted significant amounts of work to follow closely the situations in the field and to engage with national stakeholders. They also benefitted from important historical, cultural and diplomatic ties between the countries chairing the configurations and those receiving their support. Noting that his own country and Guinea-Bissau were both members of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, he said that, since 2007, Brazil had been engaged in supporting the African nation’s peacebuilding efforts as Chair of it’s the country-specific configuration on Guinea-Bissau. More recently, Brazil was assisting the efforts of the Bissau‑Guineans to overcome a political impasse, he said, stressing the need to prepare for upcoming elections. That would require adequate resources from the international community. He welcomed the Secretary-General’s declaration in 2017 that Chad, Colombia and the Solomon Islands were eligible for peacebuilding funding.

DIAN TRIANSYAH DJANI (Indonesia) commended the Commission’s work in espousing transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding in various countries. More must be done to capitalize on the Commission’s role in advocacy and mobilization of resources, he added, calling on the Commission and the Fund to explore additional ways to facilitate much-needed financial resources for affected countries. It could do so by focusing on the wider avenues of trade, as well as domestic and international investment. For its own part, Indonesia would continue to facilitate tangible pathways to generate resources for conflict-affected countries, he said. He also underscored the benefits of South-South and triangular cooperation for peacebuilding and the Commission’s role as an advisory body to the Security Council.

MALEEHA LODHI (Pakistan) said the Commission had a unique role to play in advancing intergovernmental coherence because it dealt with an array of issues, from cross-border and regional issues in the Great Lakes region and the Sahel, to the adoption of a gender strategy. Pakistan had seen first-hand the outcome of its work, both as a member and as one of the top troop contributors in countries where much of its work took place. The Commission could provide a vital advisory link in pursuing “the primacy of politics”, both during transition and after the withdrawal of peacekeeping missions. Recalling that the Secretary-General’s “Action for Peacekeeping” plan emphasized the need for political solutions to support peacekeeping, she said the Commission could advise the Security Council on socioeconomic and development issues to encourage countries to find political solutions. It could also be a critical player during and following peace operations, she said, adding that the Peacebuilding Fund’s role as a catalyst for peacebuilding would be enhanced in the coming years.

MARÍA EMMA MEJÍA VÉLEZ (Colombia) said that, as a member of the Commission, her country looked forward to the culmination of its work. “We can prevent conflicts and build a peace that will last,” she said, noting that Colombia was an example of the work that the Commission and the Fund could do. The peace agreement had been signed, and as the President of Colombia had stated in April, “peace is a cathedral built stone by stone” and everyone made an important contribution. The mobilization of resources also facilitated the active involvement of the private sector and civil society as direct participants in the peacebuilding process, she noted.

JUERGEN SHULZ (Germany) said prevention was the foundation of building and sustaining peace, adding that shifting from reaction towards prevention could save lives and reduce costs provided action was taken early and in an inclusive and collective manner. The Peacebuilding Commission could be the political forum to put prevention into practice by convening relevant stakeholders and proposing targeted efforts to tackle root causes while preventing the outbreak of crises. Scarce resources should not be wasted and duplication of efforts must be avoided, particularly within the United Nations system, he said, emphasizing that, in order to become fit for purpose, the Peacebuilding Support Office must fulfil its role in support of the Peacebuilding Commission.

JONATHAN GUY ALLEN (United Kingdom) said that the Peacebuilding Commission’s overall goal should be to drive the implementation of the sustaining peace agenda. Since its creation in 2006, the United Kingdom had committed $170 million to the Peacebuilding Fund, making it the largest cumulative donor to date. The Fund had driven United Nations coherence and led the way on conflict prevention, including by dedicating resources to women’s empowerment. While the United Kingdom supported the Secretary-General’s proposal to see the Peacebuilding Fund grow, a quantum leap in the number and size of peacebuilding projects would not, on its own, deliver the scale of change required, he said. The Peacebuilding Commission must become a forum in which the United Nations would be able to engage and forge partnerships with a variety of partners he added, stressing: “We should not pretend that the United Nations can do everything, but it has the legitimacy to help ensure that the wider international community gets everything done.”

WU HAITAO (China) said the United Nations peacebuilding architecture had collaborated closely to implement the mandates of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacekeeping Fund in support of reconstruction in post-conflict countries. The Organization and its peacebuilding partners must uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter, respect the interests of the countries concerned, and provide leadership, he emphasized. The international community, more specifically the peacebuilding mechanisms, must focus on empowering the countries concerned to eventually achieve self-sustaining peace. ��Ϲ�� must continue to play its role as a unifying platform that strengthened all stakeholders so that they could complement each other and avoid duplication. Underscoring the role of regional organizations, he urged the international community to support the African Union in implementing Agenda 2063 in order to help the continent achieve lasting peace and development.

LEWIS GARSEEDAH BROWN II (Liberia) said his country agreed that the Peacebuilding Fund was proving to be a useful and important tool in sustaining peace. “We must continue to explore creative ways to invest in preventing conflict and sustaining peace,” he added. The Peacebuilding Fund could never substitute that, but it had proven successful in bringing partners and important national stakeholder together to ensure continued commitment. Liberia was heartened to learn that the Fund was on track to meet its targets, he said, emphasizing that it must never be used as a substitute for development assistance. Each Member State must take responsibility for its own development, he said, stressing that the Fund must be able to adjust to the changing needs of the country in which it was engaging. Thanks to the Fund and the resilience of Liberia’s people, he said, the country would continue on the path to consolidating peace and deepening democracy.

SANDEEP KUMAR BAYYAPU (India) said the Peacebuilding Commission’s efforts to expand its support to the Solomon Islands, Colombia, Sri Lanka, Sahel, Lake Chad Basin region and the Great Lakes region, in addition to its five country-specific configurations, was notable. Welcoming its efforts to build partnerships with the World Bank and the African Development Bank, among others, he said the Commission’s role as a bridge among the General Assembly, Security Council and Economic and Social Council was also important and must be strengthened. However, the concept of peacebuilding, now extended to post-conflict situations, continued to struggle due to a lack of funding. While high donor contributions to the Peacebuilding Fund in 2017 were a clear sign of confidence in United Nations peacebuilding, the funds available were not even 1 per cent of the annual peacekeeping budget, he noted. The financing options presented in the Secretary‑General’s report must be given serious consideration, he emphasized, adding that the fact that more than one third of the funds allocated in 2017 to support gender equality and women’s empowerment was worth noting.

RUBÉN ARMANDO ESCALANTE HASBÚN (El Salvador) said peacebuilding was not a transitional stage in a country’s development; it was ongoing. Emphasizing the importance of strengthening public institutions and building awareness of peacebuilding, he highlighted the Commission’s 2017 thematic priorities, especially national ownership. “We must support women and young people in decision-making processes,” he added. Only through innovative financing would it be possible to meet overall objectives. El Salvador advocated building a close link between Sustainable Development Goal 16 and the sustaining peace agenda, he said, encouraging interaction with countries not on the Commission’s agenda, as well as coordination with countries that requested it, as in the case of Colombia, Solomon Islands and Sri Lanka. El Salvador was among the 31 countries that benefitted from the Fund, and with that support, it had begun cross-border initiatives with Guatemala, he said.

LAMIN FAATI (Gambia) said his country had come a long way in its democratic transition from the political crisis of December 2016, adding that, today, it enjoyed peace. “The Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Support Office played a critical role in supporting a peaceful and democratic transition in the Gambia,” he said. Through policy advice and immediate financial support, the country had embarked on transitional justice, rule of law and security sector reform, he said. Two days ago, the Gambia and the European Union, alongside bilateral, multilateral and regional partners, had convened a donors’ round table in Brussels, where the Commission had made a substantial financial commitment.

He said that his country’s new development plan hinged on consolidating peace, as well as promoting democracy, good governance and respect for the rule of law. Outlining lessons learned, he said the early mobilization and timely intervention by the United Nations and the Commission had made a critical difference in the support they had provided to the new Government. By responding to its specific needs, a platform for national ownership had been created. The engagement of regional actors had been critical to finding the right partners to solve transitional challenges, he said, adding that it had also allowed for burden-sharing and better coordination between the Government and various actors. As the Gambia consolidated its democratic gains, it would count on the support of the United Nations while calling on bilateral, multilateral and regional partners to support its national development plan.

INIGO LAMBERTINI (Italy) said that, as a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2017, Italy had witnessed the important added value of the Peacebuilding Commission. The Fund had also proven to be an unparalleled tool for addressing multiple challenges in a rapid and meaningful way. Participants in last month’s high-level meeting on peacebuilding and sustaining peace had repeatedly referred to the strengthening the Commission and the Fund as essential to realizing the peace continuum enshrined in the concept of sustaining peace, he recalled. Reaffirming Italy’s strong support for the Secretary-General’s efforts to put a vision of sustaining peace into practice, he said that vision linked prevention and mediation, the promotion of and respect for human rights, and development.

KOKI MULI GRIGNON (Kenya) said her country attached great importance to peace support operations, including prevention, conflict resolution and national recovery, all of which required proper financing. “We can do more,” she emphasized, adding that assessed contributions for sustaining peace remained the optimal financing option. Welcoming the memorandum of understanding signed by the African Union and the United Nations on providing a framework for sustaining peace efforts in Africa, she said that building strategic and meaningful partnerships was critical to ensuring genuine participation by national Governments. She also underlined the importance of stronger, results-oriented collaboration among the Commission, Security Council, Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly in implementation of resolutions pertaining to the peacebuilding architecture.

IRINA SCHOULGIN NYONI (Sweden) said that the rest of the United Nations system would view the Peacebuilding Commission as champions of the sustaining peace agenda, particularly given its unique structure and flexibility. The Commission’s advisory role with the Security Council could be further developed to become even more relevant, she said, underscoring that there was great scope for the Commission to keep evolving. This year was one of action and continued implementation, and the sustaining peace agenda must become a core task of the entire United Nations system. Noting that the agenda would be implemented in a complex and resource-scarce environment, she said commitment to its implementation must be supported by sufficient investment in peacebuilding. Sustaining peace and avoiding a relapse into conflict entailed reaching inclusive political solutions and addressing the root causes of conflict, she added.

OMAR KADIRI (Morocco) said the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund had demonstrated their ability to adapt quickly. The Secretary-General’s report refocused on the need to grapple with the deep-rooted causes of conflict and underscored the importance of revising the peace architecture in that context. Turning to the Central African Republic configuration, of which Morocco was the Chair, he said the Commission had helped the Government there to carry out its national recovery and peacebuilding plan. Progress had also been made on investments during 2017, as well on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and on combating impunity. Following the Chair’s visit in July 2017, an agreement had been reached to increase the troop ceiling of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), he noted.

YASUHISA KAWAMURA (Japan) shared an example of effective support on the ground by locally led, community-driven and internationally supported interventions, saying Japan’s project in Somalia sought to improve basic social services in communities affected by conflict and the inflow of internally displaced persons. It was jointly funded by the Peacebuilding Fund and the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security, he said, adding that, by combining those resources, the implementing agencies could apply the dual “protection and empowerment approach” to finding durable solutions. Stressing the importance of flexibility in the use of donor resources, he said it was crucial to discuss how to strengthen the Fund’s budget while enhancing transparency and accountability. Since State resources were limited, it was important to enhance partnerships with non-governmental bodies, the private sector and international financial institutions, he noted.

MAHLET HAIU (Ethiopia) said that during its eleventh session, the Peacebuilding Commission had carried out significant tasks with a view to implementing recommendations from the 2016 sustaining peace resolutions. The concept of sustaining peace was aligned with the priority of conflict prevention, and had brought about a paradigm shift in how States should address peace and security issues. She emphasized the need to make full use of the Commission’s convening, bridging and advisory roles with relevant United Nations organs, as well as scaling up its contributions in that regard. She applauded the Commission’s recent advice to the Security Council on a number of regional and country-specific issues, underscoring more broadly the need to enhance partnerships with regional and subregional organizations, international financial institutions, Governments and civil society across the spectrum of the conflict cycle. Ultimately, sustaining peace was a national endeavour requiring national ownership and inclusivity. What was required of the United Nations was assistance in building national and local capacities for sustaining peace, which must be well‑explained and understood by all in order to avoid misunderstanding.

FRANCISCO DUARTE LOPES (Portugal) said that the idea of sustaining peace could only be attained on the understanding that it was a process built on partnerships involving all relevant actors at the international, regional, national and local levels. To realize peace and prevent relapse into conflict, the international community must rely on joint effort with the concerned countries. The principle of national ownership must also draw attention to the role of local communities in peacebuilding efforts and its direct link to inclusivity, particularly in terms of the empowerment and participation of women and young people. The engagement of local communities in the peacebuilding process helped its legitimization, making it far more likely to succeed, he said, adding that 2017 had been a year of growing demands, necessitating the mobilization of additional funding for the peacebuilding and sustaining peace agenda.

MINNA-LIINA LIND (Estonia) said that conflict prevention should be at the heart of the work of the United Nations, stressing: “Peace will only be sustainable if we make progress in development and address the root causes of conflict”. Democratic governance, the rule of law, protection of human rights and transparent, accountable State institutions were essential for stability and peace, she said, drawing attention to the need to empower women and youth. It was clear that the United Nations system must work in a more flexible, integrated and coordinated manner, both at the country level and at Headquarters. In that connection, the Peacebuilding Commission was a central actor, especially through its convening power. Yet, the sustaining peace agenda was the primary responsibility of Member States, particularly given the need for predictable funding for support countries in transition and those likely to relapse into conflict.

DAVID ASHLEY BAGWELL (United States) said that, although peacekeeping missions had long helped to create space for peace, alone they could not produce lasting peace. To sustain peace called for a focus on prevention, and not only on the consequences of conflict. Sustaining peace must also involve a larger, multidimensional strategy in which national Governments and other stakeholders did their part to fulfil responsibilities and commitments on the ground. The Peacebuilding Commission had an important role to play in ensuring that the entire United Nations system recognized the inextricable links between sustainable development and sustainable peace. The United States recognized the important work of the Peacebuilding Fund, including its engagement with civil society organizations to promote gender and youth initiatives, he said. “Peacebuilding provides a space for partnerships and cooperation and it is in this space — where everyone is brought to the table and all voices are heard – that effective and lasting transitions to peace are made possible,” he added.

JORGE SKINNER-KLEÉ ARENALES (Guatemala), recalling that his country had presented an initiative at the Organization of American States on sustaining peace and creating closer links between regional organizations and the Peacebuilding Commission, called on other regional bodies to adopt peacebuilding to ensure that the peacebuilding could be more widely known and applied in effective ways. He also underscored the need to meet important challenges relating to violence against women. He reiterated his delegation’s support for the Secretary-General’s proposed reforms of the peace and security sectors, saying they must lead to strengthening prevention.

SAMSON S. ITEGBOJE (Nigeria) called for the annual peacebuilding session to generate stronger partnerships and cooperation, champion the cause of inclusive national ownership and ensure that women and young people took their rightful places in the quest for lasting peace. The Peacebuilding Fund was invaluable in dealing with such issues as food security, poverty, climate change, terrorism and transnational organized crime. A culture of safeguarding peace, keeping peace, restoring peace, building peace and sustaining peace must be entrenched, he stressed, adding: “This is the cardinal value of the United Nations.”

MASUD BIN MOMEN (Bangladesh) welcomed the Security Council’s recognition of the growing relevance of the Peacebuilding Commission’s recommendations. Additionally, testimonies about the efficiency of the Peacebuilding Fund had validated its commitment to promoting national ownership and addressing root causes of conflict in an inclusive manner. Noting that the Secretary-General’s proposals on peace and security reform recognized the Commission’s critical role, he said the Peacebuilding Support Office could open the doors for enhanced coordination across the three pillars of United Nations, a hinge function that could only be delivered through measures that reinforced the human resources of that Office. He proposed that the Secretary-General assume responsibility for following up on the resolution adopted after last month’s high-level meeting, and stressed that review of the Commission’s work methods should be an ongoing process. Bangladesh recognized the need for a “quantum leap” in financing for the Peacebuilding Fund, while maintaining its rapid response, and recommended discussion of the Secretary-General’s proposals in that regard.

MAY-ELIN STENER (Norway) said the Peacebuilding Commission had become more dynamic and flexible and called for building on those gains. It had contributed to positive developments in the Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone, offering a model for “how we should work” — firmly led by the countries themselves but supported in a coherent manner by the United Nations, in partnership with regional and subregional organizations. Stressing that Norway fully supported the Chair’s emphasis on the Sahel region, she said the Commission had improved the quality of its advice and strengthened its bridging role. The joint “Pathways for Peace” study made a strong case for greater partnership between the United Nations and the World Bank at headquarters level, and States must ensure that such efforts explored the comparative advantages of those bodies, she said. Underscoring the need to ensure adequate, predictable and sustained financing for peacebuilding, she pointed out that Norway was among the largest donors to the Fund and pledged to increase substantially its contribution for 2018.

For information media. Not an official record.

The original article was published in Meeting Coverage.

Adopting Resolution 2413 (2018), Security Council Takes Note of Secretary General’s Proposals to More Speedily Implement United Nations Peacebuilding Agenda

Kensuke Matsueda — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

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The Security Council, acting in parallel with the General Assembly today, took note of a raft of proposals by Secretary‑General António Guterres on ways to accelerate the United Nations “Peacebuilding and sustaining peace” agenda, as well as the Assembly’s decision to track progress towards its implementation. (For more information, please see Press Release GA/12014.)

Unanimously adopting resolution 2413 (2018) on the heels of the Assembly’s high‑level meeting on peacebuilding and sustaining peace — and a similar high‑level briefing to the Council — the 15‑member body welcomed the report of the Secretary‑General (document A/72/707‑S/2018/43) and took note of the recommendations and options contained therein. It also took note of the Assembly’s decision to invite relevant United Nations bodies and organs — including the Peacebuilding Commission, established in 2005 to support peace efforts in conflict‑affected countries — to further advance, explore and consider their implementation.

Also by the terms of the resolution, the Council took note of the Assembly’s decision to request the Secretary‑General to present, during its seventy‑third session, an interim report further elaborating on his recommendations and options, including those on financing for United Nations peacebuilding activities. It also took note of the Assembly’s decision to request the Secretary‑General to submit a detailed report on the issue during its seventy‑fourth session.

The meeting began at 4:50 p.m. and ended at 4:55 p.m.

Resolution:

The full text of resolution 2413 (2018) reads as follows:

“Recalling the relevant mandates, decisions and resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly, as well as Security Council Presidential Statements S/PRST/2017/27 of 21 December 2017 and S/PRST/2018/1 of 18 January 2018,

“Reaffirming its resolution 2282 (2016) of 27 April 2016 and General Assembly resolution 70/262, and taking note of the efforts and progress made to date as well as encouraging further action by Member States and the United Nations system to implement the resolutions,

“Welcoming the consultations with Member States undertaken by the Secretary‑General with respect to his reform proposals and taking note of the ongoing work in this regard,

“Taking note of the discussions on peacebuilding and sustaining peace at the high‑level briefing of the Security Council held on 25 April 2018 and at the high‑level meeting of the General Assembly held on 24‑25 April 2018,

“1. Welcomes presentation of the Secretary‑General’s report on Peacebuilding and sustaining peace (document A/72/707‑S/2018/43), takes note with appreciation of the recommendations and options it contains and decides to discuss them further;

“2. Takes note of the General Assembly decision to invite the relevant United Nations bodies and organs, including the Peacebuilding Commission, to further advance, explore and consider implementation, as appropriate, of the recommendations and options contained in the report of the Secretary‑General, in accordance with the established procedures, during the seventy‑second and seventy‑third sessions of the General Assembly;

“3. Takes note of the General Assembly decision to request the Secretary‑General to present to the General Assembly, during its seventy‑third session, an interim report further elaborating on his recommendations and options, including those on financing for United Nations peacebuilding activities;

“4. Takes note of the General Assembly decision to request the Secretary‑General to submit to the General Assembly, during its seventy‑fourth session, a detailed report in connection with the next comprehensive review of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture, focusing on continued implementation of its resolution 70/262 and progress of implementation of the recommendations and options contained in his report on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace;

“5. Decides to remain seized of the matter.”

This article was originally published in Meeting Coverage.

General Assembly Concludes High-Level Debate on Sustaining Peace with Consensus Resolution Encouraging Further Action by United Nations, Member States

Kensuke Matsueda — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 21:57:00 +0000

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The General Assembly capped its high-level debate on peacebuilding and sustaining peace today with a consensus resolution welcoming the Secretary-General’s January 2018 report on those activities and deciding to further discuss his recommendations to address existing gaps.

Adoption of the text, titled “Follow-up to the report of the Secretary-General on peacebuilding and sustaining peace”, coincides with the passage of a similar one in the Security Council (please see Press Release SC/13319), both encouraging action by Member States and the United Nations to implement the “twin” sustaining peace resolutions of 2016.

By its terms, the Assembly invited the relevant United Nations bodies and organs — including the Peacebuilding Commission — to further advance, explore and consider implementation of the report’s recommendations and options during its current and upcoming sessions.

By other terms, the 193-member body requested the Secretary-General to present, during its seventy-third session, an interim report elaborating on his recommendations and options, including for financing United Nations peacebuilding activities.

During the seventy-fourth session, he was requested to submit a report in connection with the next comprehensive review of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture, focusing on continued implementation of resolution 70/262 and progress in the implementation of his recommendations and options contained in his report (document A/72/707-S/2018/43).

Throughout the day, delegates commended United Nations peacebuilding assistance as an important instrument for helping States overcome conflict and preventing its recurrence, while calling for more coordinated efforts among United Nations agencies and structures. Expressing concerns about sovereignty, several speakers called for interventions to be carried out in line with the United Nations Charter and according to the desires of Member States.

Calling for more national ownership, several underscored that peacebuilding and sustaining peace were the primary responsibility of Governments. Among them was Indonesia’s representative, who said that if the affected countries did not take charge of their destiny, lasting peace could not be achieved on the ground. The international community must listen to those countries, especially as they transitioned into the post-conflict phase.

Other speakers said national efforts would only succeed with predictable and sustained financing. Calling for increased contributions to help countries with capacity-building, several delegates underscored the importance of aligning resources and working effectively with regional and local partners.

In that context, Sudan’s representative called for structural changes to humanitarian assistance and a new generation of peacekeeping, with a view of boosting development. Noting that the lack of development was a main reason behind the conflict in his country, he said investment was needed to help achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adding that the transfer of peacekeeping assistance towards that agenda would have a major impact on States.

Trinidad and Tobago’s delegate highlighted the unique security concerns of small island developing States, which must rely on the rule of law, strict observance of the Charter, and collective security mechanisms to guarantee their right to a secure, sovereign and peaceful existence. In her country, sustainable development was intricately linked to the safety and security of its people.

Meanwhile, the speaker from the University for Peace stressed that without education, societies would be condemned to repeating cycles of conflict and violence. That involved education for non-violence, for social inclusion and for the rule of law, with a focus on promoting skills, values and behaviours.

Reflecting on the success of the high-level meeting, Miroslav Lajčák (Slovakia), President of the General Assembly, said the international community had recognized that holistic approaches and a culture of peace were needed for sustaining peace. While that goal was a difficult task, the international community had not shied away. Indeed, amid conflict and crises, it had a shared responsibility to bring sustaining peace to the people on the ground.

In other matters, the Assembly adopted a draft decision titled “United Nations high-level international conference on nuclear disarmament”, postponing the conference and its one-day organizational meeting to a date to be determined.

Subsequently, the Assembly elected Chad and Italy as members of the Committee for Programme and Coordination for a term beginning on the date of election and expiring on 31 December 2020.

Also speaking were representatives of Burkina Faso, Kazakhstan, Russian Federation, Serbia, Angola, Namibia, Ethiopia, Andorra, United States, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, Belarus and Syria, as well as the Permanent Observers of the Holy See and the State of Palestine.

Speakers from the Inter-Parliamentary Union and International Development Law Organization also addressed the Assembly.

The representatives of Iran, Turkey and Syria spoke in exercise of the right of reply.

The Assembly will reconvene at 3 p.m. on Monday, 30 April, for the International Law Commission.

Statements

YEMDAOGO ERIC TIARE (Burkina Faso) said conflicts costs a lot more to States than prevention. Prevention must therefore be at the heart of peacebuilding. Peacebuilding and sustaining peace were the responsibility of Governments, as was involving all sectors of society. Such efforts would only succeed with predictable and sustained financing. Nevertheless, there was still some way to go on that front, he said, appealing for greater contributions to the Peacebuilding Fund. It was important to both channel and align regional resources for peace. Without security, there could be no development, and without development, there could be no peace, he said. Indeed, this was a priority for Burkina Faso, which had experienced an uprising in 2015. Expressing support for the Secretary-General’s recommendations, he said a holistic approach must be taken towards reforms.

DIAN TRIANSYAH DJANI (Indonesia), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, the MIKTA countries (Mexico, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Turkey and Australia), and the Group of Friends of Sustaining Peace, said his country had witnessed various challenges and opportunities in building peace. Indonesia had learned that while achieving peace was difficult, sustaining it was even more so. If the affected countries did not take charge of their destiny, lasting peace could not be brought about on the ground. The international community must listen to those countries, especially as they transitioned into the post-conflict phase. He went on to note that no one organ of the United Nations could itself promote peacebuilding, sustaining peace, or the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. As such, he called for stronger and inclusive partnerships with regional organizations to establish good governance and economic policies, with economic incentives as tools for prevention.

KAIRAT UMAROV (Kazakhstan) said, in these times of turbulence, the imperative for peace was growing, and the people looked to the United Nations for vision, leadership and action. Recalling Kazakhstan’s nuclear disarmament efforts, he said conflicts should be addressed with a strengthened security-development nexus, a regional approach and coordinated efforts among United Nations agencies and structures. Confidence-building measures were a powerful tool for peacebuilding, while diplomatic engagement and constructive negotiations should be the main means to resolve and prevent conflicts, he said, noting Kazakhstan’s role in hosting talks on Syria and the Iran nuclear deal. He went on to underscore the primary responsibility of Member States in implementing peacebuilding strategies, with inclusiveness being at the core.

VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation), expressing regret that some delegations had used the high-level meeting for political public relations, said United Nations peacebuilding assistance was an important instrument for helping States overcome conflict and preventing its recurrence, subject to regular review by Member States in light of changing realities. The Russian Federation fully supported strengthening United Nations work in preventing conflict, but that must be carried out in line with the United Nations Charter and relevant decisions of Member States. With every conflict having its own unique set of causes, a delicate and unbiased approach would be required. Member States must act on the basis of the Charter rather than on controversial concepts such as humanitarian intervention and the responsibility to protect. He went on to say that human rights were too often politicized, and that interference in domestic affairs was the most common source of conflict. ��Ϲ�� should not be part of that. Relevant United Nations system bodies must adhere strictly to their mandates, and the parameters of peacebuilding assistance should be defined by the priorities of host country. He agreed on the need for adequate, predictable and sustainable financing, adding that the Secretary-General had the necessary powers in that regard. Concluding, he underscored the importance of an unbiased, unpoliticized and transparent approach to sustaining peace that would, without mentoring, support beneficiary countries.

MAGDI AHMED MOFADAL ELNOUR (Sudan), associating with the “Group of 77” developing countries and China and the Non-Aligned Movement, said the lack of development often led to armed conflict, which in turn prevented sustainable development. The General Assembly and Security Council resolutions of 2016 had reasserted that peace was indispensable for development. Assistance should be directed to countries facing internal conflicts since it would be tantamount to sustaining peace, without which economic, social or environmental development could not be achieved. He called for structural changes to humanitarian assistance, allowing people to gain a decent livelihood in a manner that preserved their dignity and become producers than receivers. A new generation of peacekeeping was also needed with a view to boosting development and establishing communications with country teams, while paying greater attention to construction and engineering assistance. Meanwhile, he highlighted the need to strengthen the United Nations role in conflict settlement and its partnerships with regional organizations. At the same time, it was important to tailor responses with local Governments, while increasing contributions to the Peacebuilding Fund. The lack of development was a main reason behind the conflict in Sudan. Investment was needed to help countries achieve the 2030 Agenda, and the transfer of peacekeeping assistance towards development would have a major impact on States. There was a golden opportunity for the international community to build peace in Sudan.

PENNELOPE ALTHEA BECKLES (Trinidad and Tobago) said the inclusive and ambitious 2030 Agenda must not be lost in rhetoric. The challenge was to make the world peaceful and secure. That was especially true for small States that must rely on the rule of law, strict observance of the Charter, and collective security mechanisms to guarantee their right to a secure, sovereign and peaceful existence. For Trinidad and Tobago, sustainable development was intricately linked to the safety and security of its people. While her country was in a region that had not been affected by armed conflict, it was impacted by armed violence. Indeed, transnational organized crime posed a daunting challenge to the security of small island developing States. At the same time, lasting peace could only be achieved if women were more involved in decision-making for peacebuilding and post-conflict development, she said.

MILAN MILANOVIĆ (Serbia), associating himself with the European Union, and emphasizing the link between peace, stability, growth, development and respect for human rights, said that as a host country to several international and regional organizations, Serbia understood the need to work closely with such bodies. In that regard, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) was of paramount importance for stability and creating the conditions conducive for a lasting solution to the question of Kosovo and Methohija. On the European Union-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Priština, he said the Serbian side had confirmed time and again its readiness to compromise in the quest to find mutually acceptable solutions. “Only through a committed dialogue will it be possible to resolve all outstanding issues and build a stable region,” he said.

JOÃO IAMBENO GIMOLIECA (Angola), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, said conflict prevention and peace processes must be rooted in national leadership and inclusive ownership. Achieving peace and sustainable development required strong collective actions, enhanced collaboration and partnerships, including with the private sector, civil society and regional and subregional organizations. After a long war, Angola now lived in peace and was making bold efforts towards economic and social development, while deepening its democracy. Indeed, Angola was a success story that should make all nations proud. He rhetorically asked whether it made sense to discuss the preservation of peace, while creating tensions in parts of the world.

NEVILLE MELVIN GERTZE (Namibia), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, said that although his country had been independent for 28 years, obstacles remained from its long war, violence and deprivation of the apartheid system. Yet, Namibians were determined to implement a policy of reconciliation. And while that policy had not been without its tests and tribulations, it had succeeded in bringing people together. Policies of reconciliation had also resulted in better services, such as electricity and education, and had significantly reduced maternal and infant mortality and HIV deaths. “We remain steadfast in our resolve to overcome these challenges and to ensure that in our struggle to lift people from poverty and hunger through economic emancipation, no one is left behind,” he said.

MAHLET HAILU GUADEY (Ethiopia) said conflict prevention and sustaining peace must be at the heart of the United Nations work, but that could not be achieved without fully realizing the potential of the Peacebuilding Commission, whose convening, bridging and advisory role must be scaled up. At the same time, the Organization could not address the myriad international challenges alone. Partnerships with regional and subregional organizations, international financial institutions, Governments, civil society and the private sector must therefore be enhanced. She voiced hope that the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Peacebuilding Commission and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would strengthen cooperation in peacebuilding and sustaining peace in Africa.

Joan Josep López Lavado (Andorra), expressing support for the Secretary-General’s proposals to focus on better conflict prevention, cited the role that institutions had played in maintaining peace in his country for centuries. However, peace could never be taken for granted. Rather, it should be seen as an end and as a bedrock. He emphasized the role of education, which in Andorra focused on creating a global citizenry, as well as respect for diversity and human rights. He went on to convey support for the Secretary-General’s proposals for a more effective and accountable United Nations development system.

KELLEY A. ECKELS-CURRIE (United States) said peace “is not merely the silencing of guns. Peace is built over time, forged through trust, openness, and goodwill between a Government and its citizens.” While peacekeeping missions could help create space for peace, they must be a part of a larger strategy. Most critically, Governments must also uphold their end of the deal, by seeking political solutions and commitments on the ground. ��Ϲ�� must change how it did business and she voiced support for the Secretary General’s reforms. However, the United States did not believe that throwing money at a conflict would result in peace as it would not fix the fundamental obstacle to effective peacebuilding. As a newer United Nations initiative still trying to prove itself, peacebuilding should be voluntarily funded and not tied to the peacekeeping budget. Nevertheless, the operational ties between those two areas should be strengthened.

JAMAL FARES ALROWAIEI (Bahrain) said peacebuilding and sustaining peace required mechanisms on human rights, development and the rule of law. He stressed the importance of the role of women and youth in building peace. More broadly, there was a need to mainstream practices so that the United Nations could prove its ability to face challenges. Indeed, political will was needed to ensure stability and security around the world, especially at the same time when terrorism had become a tool used by some countries to serve their own interests. For its part, Bahrain had established partnerships to ensure security in its region, counter terrorism and protect trade routes.

MOHAMED KHALED KHIARI (Tunisia) said the increase in intra- and inter-State conflicts required a stock-taking of international prevention efforts. The $233 billion spent on humanitarian interventions, peacekeeping and hosting refugees should be rededicated towards strengthening early warning mechanisms, as well as enhancing national and regional leadership to foster resilient societies. Outlining issues that were essential to effectively promote sustainable peace, she said all means should be devoted towards implementation of the 2030 Agenda. At the same time, community-led initiatives to strengthen social cohesion and local solutions remained paramount. Sustaining peace was also deeply linked to women’s role when addressing the causes of conflict, she said, encouraging women’s participation in mediation.

ZAKIA IGHIL (Algeria) set out a number of elements that were essential for peacebuilding and sustaining peace, including broad, inclusive national ownership, overcoming the fragmentation of United Nations activities, addressing the nexus between security and development, and involving more women and youth in conflict prevention. Urging greater cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union, she said that Algeria, having won its battle against terrorism in the 1990s, took a preventative approach to stability that focused on deradicalization and combating violent extremism. That policy included addressing the factors behind marginalization and exclusion, while promoting national reconciliation, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

VALENTIN RYBAKOV (Belarus) described a world in which unprecedented conflicts were evolving, with hundreds of thousands of people suffering due to the aggressive geo-political conduct of certain States. A third world war was under way, with one third of States involved in combat operations — more than in the Second World War. Massive air strikes had subjected Syria to a blatant act of aggression, while there was probably still someone in Iraq looking for weapons of mass destruction. Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) might have been defeated, but an end to war was nowhere in sight. Claims of chemical weapons use, the spread of bogus stories, the bullying of States and the imposition of sanctions had meanwhile taken the situation to the point of absurdity. For some leaders, war was a means of self-assertion. However, the status of super-Power implied super-responsibility, not becoming a barbarian wielding a modern tomahawk. Responsible, civilized States must talk to each other, show political will and unite for peace. “Our common future depends on the good-faith efforts of each and every country,” he added.

MOUNZER MOUNZER (Syria), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, recalled how the founding of the United Nations had created a new hope for the world’s people. Importantly, the Organization had emphasized the responsibility of Governments to sustain peace. He urged respect for the Charter, which stressed sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal State affairs, while condemning the practices of some Member States that did not heed such principles. Those countries attempted to change regimes by force or by igniting strife. He questioned whether foreign interventions had built peace in the world or whether, in some States, they had only brought about raging war and breeding grounds for terrorists. Indeed, foreign occupation threatened global peace and security. Any effort to counter terrorism would fail if it contravened international law and was taken without the consent of Governments concerned. Pointing to hypocritical remarks by his counterpart from Turkey, he expressed dismay at his claim that countries must interfere in order to prevent conflict, noting that Turkey had been the main cause of terrorism in Syria for years.

BERNARDITO CLEOPAS AUZA, Permanent Observer of the Holy See, said societies could not thrive if they were torn by conflict and strife. Indeed, citizens could not realize their potential if they were engulfed by instability and insecurity. He stressed the need to develop a practical, comprehensive and integrated strategy to promote peace that took into account national responsibility. He also highlighted the need to address the deep roots of conflict, while taking collective responsibility to eliminate extreme poverty. Meanwhile, measures to prevent the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflict required a coherent, integrated and coordinated approach, he said, noting that the Peacebuilding Commission could help strengthen coordination. In most conflicts, there were “no winners and everyone loses. That is why we must commit ourselves to being artisans of peace,” he concluded.

RIYAD H. MANSOUR, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine, said that, having been deprived of peace for so long, Palestinians understood how invaluable and fundamental it was for all aspects of life. The attention span of the international community was increasingly hard to sustain, with too many crises, too many cold conflicts and too many violent conflicts. “Diplomacy cannot just follow the news cycle,” he said. Rather, it must respond to early warnings and engage in situations both before they made the news and after they had left television screens. On the situation in the Middle East, he said Palestine was suffering from double standards and an “a la carte” approach to the implementation of Security Council resolutions, alongside an exemption for Israel that had allowed it to escape accountability. “Our tragedy has proven over and over again that impunity is the enemy of peace,” he said, appealing for a revival of the ideals underpinning the international system and for the law to be upheld.

ANDREA CARONI, Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), said antagonisms and divergences were inevitable, and that platforms to address them — including, at the national level, parliaments — were therefore indispensable. But as the United Nations reorganized itself to better prevent conflicts, it was a matter of concern that parliaments and parliamentarians were often missing from the Organization’s debates and reports, despite the essential role they could play in sustaining peace. He recalled the resolution on sustaining peace adopted by the IPU Assembly in March that highlighted the need for inclusivity and partnerships. Parliaments had much to offer when it came to sustaining peace, he said, asking relevant actors to keep that in mind.

FRANCISCO ROJAS ARAVENA, Rector of the University for Peace, said education was a fundamental tool for peace. That involved education for non-violence, for social inclusion and for the rule of law. Such education must promote skills, values and behaviours. Without it, societies would be condemned to repeating cycles of conflict and violence. Sustaining peace also required prevention, addressing the roots and consequences of crises. He stressed the need to provide broad and effective education to achieve the 2030 Agenda. For its part, the University for Peace was at the heart of the United Nations, highlighting the role of women and young people in conflict prevention, and educating and training leaders in prevention, mediation, transformation and conflict resolution. “If we want peace, we must work for peace”, he concluded.

PATRIZIO M. CIVILI, Permanent Observer of the International Development Law Organization, said many root causes and drivers of conflict stemmed from, or were exacerbated by, the absence of the rule of law. “For peace to take hold, people must have confidence in justice institutions,” he said. Noting his organization’s work in fragile and conflict-affected countries, he said meaningful and sustainable justice sector reforms were only possible when they were nationally led and owned and tailored to specific contexts. Rule of law initiatives — including the empowerment of those seeking justice, notably women and girls — must be both top-down and bottom-up. Greater and more sustained investment in justice sector reforms were required as well, he said, warning that short funding cycles and unrealistic time frames risked alienating stakeholders when they failed to deliver.

Action

The General Assembly then took action on draft resolution A/72/L.49 titled “Follow-up to the report of the Secretary-General on peacebuilding and sustaining peace”, adopting it without a vote.

By its terms, the Assembly invited the relevant United Nations bodies and organs — including the Peacebuilding Commission — to further advance, explore and consider implementation, as appropriate, of the report’s recommendations and options during its current and upcoming sessions.

It requested the Secretary-General to present to the Assembly, during its seventy-third session, an interim report further elaborating on his recommendations and options, including those on financing for United Nations peacebuilding activities.

It also requested the Secretary-General to submit to the Assembly, during its seventy-fourth session, a report in connection with the next comprehensive review of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture, focusing on continued implementation of resolution 70/262 and progress in the implementation of the recommendations and options contained in his report.

Statements

MIROSLAV LAJČÁK President of the General Assembly (Slovakia) thanked delegations for a successful meeting, as the Assembly had gained more understanding and ideas for the future. Member States recognized that holistic approaches and a culture of peace were needed for sustaining peace. While that goal was a difficult task, the international community had not shied away. Prevention was a key theme, he said, noting that it was no longer an abstract concept. The importance of a coherent approach and national ownership were also emphasized throughout the meeting. Touching on inclusivity, particularly the role of women, young people and civil society, he said: “When we pull up more chairs to the table, we see more results. We must open our doors wider.” The private sector must also play a greater role in making our planet more peaceful. It had also emerged that Member States could do more to fully grasp the preventative potential of the 2030 Agenda and that the United Nations must learn from regional organizations. Noting that many Member States had called for increased funding for the Peacebuilding Fund, he said the international community had a shared responsibility to bring sustaining peace to the people on the ground.

Right of Reply

The representative of Iran, speaking in exercise of the right of reply, said his counterparts from Saudi Arabia and Yemen had made unfounded remarks against his country. Claiming that Iran had intervened in Yemen was a naïve and false scenario aimed at diverting attention away from war crimes being committed there. He added that the Persian Gulf was the correct name for that body of water; it had been so for centuries and would remain so forever.

The representative of Turkey rejected the intervention by her counterpart from Iran. It was appalling that such a regime could even take the floor in the context of a meeting on peace and security, she said, adding that those responsible for the suffering of the Syrian people would be held accountable for their crimes.

The representative of Syria said Turkey country had cooperated with others to support terrorist groups in Syria, including ISIL/Da’esh and the Nusrah Front. Among other things, Turkey had enabled terrorists to train on its territory and helped them to develop chemical weapons for use against Syrian civilians. Turkey continued to support terrorists inside Syria, he added.

The representative of Turkey, taking the floor a second time, rejected the comments by Iran’s delegate.

This article was originally published in Meeting Coverage.

At Security Council, UN chief calls for ‘quantum leap’ in funding activities to prevent conflict, address root causes

Kensuke Matsueda — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 00:27:21 +0000

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Peacebuilding and sustaining peace requires a more coherent strategy across the United Nations system, as well a ‘quantum leap’ in funding activities that prevent the outbreak, escalation, continuation and recurrence of conflict, Secretary-General António Guterres said Wednesday.

“This is first and foremost about enhancing our strategic coherence to support efforts by national governments and their people […] and enhancing support for inclusivity, particularly of those who are frequently marginalized and excluded,” the UN chief told the Security Council during a briefing on his report, Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace.

Today’s Council briefing coincided with the UN General Assembly’s two-day meeting on the same topic, where world leaders have recognized that efforts to sustain peace are necessary not only once conflict breaks out but also long beforehand, through preventative measures like dialogue and mediation, and addressing root causes.

In April 2016, the General Assembly and the Security Council concurrently adopted what have become known as the ‘sustaining peace resolutions,’ which Mr. Guterres said send a clear joint message: while Member States have primary responsibility for building and maintaining peace, “we can all do more to strengthen the foundations of stability, wellbeing and cohesion.”

The Secretary-General told the Council today that “building and sustaining peace requires addressing the roots of conflict, which often lie in poverty, exclusion, inequality, discrimination and serious violations of human rights,” adding that the human and financial cost of focusing on responding to crises was unsustainable.

“Prevention is the foundation of building and sustaining peace,” declared the UN chief, stressing that sustainable, inclusive development – deeply rooted in respect for all human rights – is not only an end in itself, but also the world’s best preventative tool against violent conflict and instability.

“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is our common global blueprint to tackle these root causes and create more peaceful, stable and resilient societies, founded on a fair globalization,” he said.

Calling for smarter investment in UN peacekeeping missions, he noted that his report also set out several options to increase, restructure and better prioritize funding dedicated to peacebuilding activities.

Prevention is the foundation of building and sustaining peace – UN Secretary-General António Guterres

He reiterated his call for a “quantum leap” in Member States’ support for the UN Peacebuilding Fund, concluding that – following the General Assembly’s imminent adoption of a resolution outlining the joint path forward – “now it is time for action.”

Also briefing the Council, Dan NecuIÿescu, of Romania, Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, reflected on the Commission’s role in fostering coherence at the intergovernmental level in the Sahel, Liberia and the Gambia, which in turn allowed the UN to be “more valuable, strategic and effective in the field – where it matters.”

Smail Chergui, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union (AU), spotlighted the implementation of an AU Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Policy, which employs both preventative and stabilization dimensions. He also described the AU’ss quick-impact and peace-strengthening projects and work it carries out through its various liaison offices.

Citing critical lessons learned in the AU’s work, he said there is an urgent need to strengthen cooperation in prevention, which remains the most cost-effective, but least-resourced, tool.

There is also a need to shift towards a more people-centred paradigm, with a specific focus on peace dividends, especially for women and girls, he said, also stressing that “local perspectives must be incorporated and marginalized communities must be empowered.”

This article was originally published in UN News.

Speakers Call for Addressing Causes of Conflict, Rather Than Investing in ‘Bullets and Tanks’, as General Assembly Continues High-Level Debate on Sustaining Peace

Kensuke Matsueda — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 23:58:00 +0000

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The General Assembly continued its high‑level debate on peacebuilding and sustaining peace today with speakers underscoring the value of the Peacebuilding Fund, a people‑centred approach to human security and the need to tackle poverty and other causes of violence by way of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The meeting was convened by the Assembly President Miroslav Lajčák (Slovakia), in line with General Assembly resolution 70/262 and Security Council resolution 2282 (2016), renewing the United Nations commitment to conflict prevention, as embodied in its Charter. (For background, please see Press Release GA/12010.)

Several delegates conveyed their support for a draft resolution that would have the Assembly, alongside the Security Council, invite relevant United Nations bodies to advance, explore and consider the implementation of recommendations and options set out in the latest report of the Secretary‑General on the topic (document A/72/707–S/2018/43).

“We have come a long way [since the twin 2016 resolutions] in the pursuit of a more inclusive and integrated approach to sustaining peace and addressing the root causes of conflict, instead of just responding to crises,” said Mexico’s representative, on behalf of the Group of Friends of Sustaining Peace.

In the same vein, Panama’s representative, on behalf of the Human Security Network, said a human security approach — with a strong focus on human rights — could help Governments and the United Nations come up with policies and strategies that addressed the causes of conflict, promoted social integration, fought poverty and built more secure and sustainable environments.

The representative of Liberia, where a United Nations peacekeeping mission successfully completed its mandate in March, said the steep human and monetary cost of war should be enough of an incentive for countries to use their collective ingenuity and resources to invest in prevention, particularly at a time of reduced funding commitments. “Imagine, rather than investing in bullets and tanks, we could have [people] invest in roads and energy, hospitals and schools,” he said, seeing in conflict prevention and sustaining peace a pathway for bending the present trajectory of fear and war.

Echoing that view, Sierra Leone’s delegate recalled a joint United Nations‑World Bank study which stated that additional investment in conflict prevention could save the international community $1.5 billion each year. He credited the Peacebuilding Commission and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) for aiding in a peaceful change of Government.

Lebanon’s delegate said the Organization must go “back to basics” and commit to its core principles. To drown out hatred, oppression and incitement, people must be bold and flood every space available — especially cyberspace — with a message of peace. She emphasized that peacekeeping was not an alternative to peace, and that root causes — notably occupation, inequality and exclusion — must be addressed.

Sri Lanka’s delegate, noting that his country had embarked on a process of peacebuilding after many years of conflict, said international engagement had been essential, with the United Nations playing an important role. Funding from the Peacebuilding Commission had been invaluable, covering a range of programmes, he said, adding that Sri Lanka was an example of the need for sustained and predictable funding for the Peacebuilding Fund.

Japan’s delegate was among several speakers who praised the Peacebuilding Fund, welcoming in particular the priority it attached to women and youth. Financing was a critical factor in implementing and enhancing such activities, he said, highlighting the importance of predictable, flexible and transparent budgets.

The representative of the Dominican Republic said the traditional concept of peace and security was not in line with the multifaceted problems faced by small island developing States, for which climate change was a threat. He urged the international community to address the specific vulnerabilities of those States and come up with coordinated action.

While several speakers from Africa reiterated the call for deeper cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union, Singapore’s delegate highlighted the critical role that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could play in fostering peace among the region’s many ethnicities, cultures, religions, languages and histories.

Also speaking today were senior officials and representatives of Denmark, Finland, Libya, Cuba, Jordan, China, Canada, Jamaica, Egypt, Thailand, Myanmar, Senegal, Uruguay, Japan, Yemen, Guatemala, Morocco, Chad, Honduras, Pakistan, Kuwait, Viet Nam, Republic of Korea, Chile, Timor‑Leste, South Africa, Liechtenstein, Burundi, El Salvador, New Zealand, United Republic of Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Malta, Lithuania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Australia, Cyprus, Netherlands, Botswana, Slovakia, Nepal, Solomon Islands, Costa Rica, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Cambodia, Mali, Malaysia, Gabon, Ecuador, Argentina, Oman, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

The General Assembly will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Thursday, 26 April to continue its high‑level meeting and take action on a related draft resolution.

Statements

MELITÓN ARROCHA RUÍZ (Panama), speaking on behalf of the Human Security Network, said human security was at the core of sustaining peace and sustainable development. Noting that conflict‑related human suffering had reached unacceptable levels, he said a human security approach could help support Governments and the United Nations in designing and implementing policies and strategies that addressed root causes, promoted social integration and harmony, combated poverty and inequality, and built more secure and sustainable environments. Emphasis should be placed on inclusion, notably greater recognition and support for women’s participation and harnessing the ideas of youth. He added that a prevention‑oriented approach — including strong promotion and protection of human rights — was fundamental to address the causes of threats. Efforts must also be guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

JONAS BERING LIISBERG, State Secretary for Foreign Policy of Denmark, called on all Member States to invest more in the multilateral framework for peace and security. Denmark had been a long‑standing supporter of United Nations efforts to prevent conflict and sustain peace. A central focus of Denmark’s development and humanitarian strategy was promoting stability and supporting the most vulnerable in fragile situations. Human rights must remain at the core of efforts towards preventing conflict and sustaining peace. He stressed that the international community could not succeed in sustaining peace without a strong focus on human rights and the core values on which the United Nations was built. “An essential cause of violence and extremism is a feeling of being left out and excluded,” he said. ��Ϲ�� must ensure that the protection of human rights remained at the heart of its prevention and peacebuilding efforts.

ANNE SIPILÄINEN, Under‑Secretary of State of Finland, aligning herself with the European Union, said that sustaining peace was a core mandate of the United Nations, which must mobilize to accomplish that robust task. Indeed, it flowed through all three pillars of the United Nations and was reinforced by the Organization’s common determination to promote peaceful and inclusive societies. She commended the efforts of the Secretary‑General to ensure the United Nations responded in a more integrated manner to complex conflicts. Already, many parts of the system were trying to better address crises and integrate a more preventative approach. In that connection, she called for more joint efforts in the field. At the same time, the prospects for durable peace were better if it included all of society, including youth, women and civil society. She went on to highlight the role of conflict prevention and mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes and as a cost‑effective and life‑saving tool of the United Nations.

JUAN JOSÉ IGNACIO GÓMEZ CAMACHO (Mexico), speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends of Sustaining Peace, said the cross‑regional group of 40 Member States focused on deepening dialogue and the implementation of the sustaining peace agenda as both a goal and a process. Since the 2016 adoption by the Assembly and the Security Council of twin resolutions on that issue, “we have come a long way in the pursuit of a more inclusive and integrated approach to sustaining peace and addressing the root causes of conflict, instead of just responding to crises”. States would continue to pursue those efforts in line with national ownership, priorities and strategies, he said, also calling on the United Nations system to do the same across its three pillars. Welcoming the new procedural resolution on peacebuilding and sustaining peace as a reflection of Member States’ commitment, he concluded: “We look forward to keeping this momentum going.”

LEWIS GARSEEDAH BROWN II (Liberia) said the steep human and monetary cost of war should be enough of an incentive for countries to use their collective ingenuity and resources to meaningfully invest in prevention and eliminate the main drivers of conflict, particularly at a time of declines in commitments to fund such activities. For its part, Liberia, after decades of war, was a post‑conflict society struggling to consolidate its cherished peace with development plans and inclusive policies to leave no one behind, efforts that must be constantly supported to ensure progress. Liberia, like many other countries, had seen the resilience of ordinary people stretched to breaking points, yet the people had endured. “Imagine if we brought such resilience to preventing conflicts,” he said. “Imagine, rather than investing in bullets and tanks, we could have them invest in roads and energy, hospitals and schools. Imagine how we can use science and technology — yes, to spy on each other — but, also to enrich lives. Pursuing the path of preventing conflict and sustaining peace gives us a real chance to lift our humanity and bend the present trajectory of fear and war.”

AMAL MUDALLALI (Lebanon) said the United Nations must go “back to basics” and commit to the principles of the Organization, which defined its mission as saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war. To save humanity from hell, peacemakers were needed. “The disrupters were so many and so loud, while the peacemakers were few and timid,” she said. To drown out hatred, oppression and incitement, people needed to be bold and flood every space available — especially cyberspace — with a message of peace. She expressed support for conflict prevention and the role of peace operations and peacekeeping towards that end, such as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). However, peacekeeping was not an alternative to peace, she continued, underscoring the need to address the causes of conflict, notably occupation, inequality and exclusion. Investing in education was also crucial, by raising generations better equipped to enter the job market, as was promoting a culture of peace and fostering constructive dialogue.

ELMAHDI S. ELMAJERBI (Libya) said mediation was needed so as not to neglect certain issues nor leave anyone behind. He emphasized the importance of national ownership and the link between peace, security and development. At the same time, this was a different era in which the pace of change was swift, and the United Nations needed to keep up through innovative solutions to tackle today’s challenges. Highlighting the difficulty of accountability in conflict‑ridden countries, he said the Organization nevertheless had a wealth of skills at its disposal that must be used optimally. Expressing support for partnerships with regional and international organizations, he cited the African Union’s partnership with the United Nations as a success story that had yielded results in the areas of peace and security. He went on to reiterate support for the Secretary‑General’s reform efforts in building and sustaining peace and expressed hope that future reports would include the role of media and how they could help raise awareness and provide context to situations. That was particularly important when terrorist groups were exploiting social media with their hateful rhetoric, he said.

ANAYANSI RODRÍGUEZ CAMEJO (Cuba), associating herself with the Non-Aligned Movement, said her country echoed calls made by African delegations for more funding to be directed to peacebuilding activities. Member States must decide to ensure adequate, predictable and continued financing. Emphasizing the need for a international climate based on multilateralism, and the principles of the United Nations Charter, she warned that efforts in that regard could be brought to an abrupt halt by the unilateral use of force against States, unilateral coercive measures, intimidation and trade inequalities. Sustaining peace would also require ending the causes of conflict. Priority must be given to the 2030 Agenda, including building the capacities of developing countries through, among other things, development assistance and technological transfers with no strings attached.

SIMA SAMI I. BAHOUS (Jordan), underscoring the link between peacebuilding, sustaining peace and the 2030 Agenda, emphasized the importance of national ownership and sufficient financing, as well as strengthening the Peacebuilding Support Office. In the Middle East, peace and security required ending the Israeli occupation. Removing injustices against Palestinians was an international moral obligation, she said, calling for a two‑State solution and the establishment of a sovereign and viable Palestinian state with pre‑1967 borders and east Jerusalem as its capital. There must also be a political solution to the Syrian crisis. She recalled that Jordan — despite unprecedented economic challenges — hosted more refugees than any other country, and requested more international help in that regard. The international community had a responsibility to uphold international values for peace, justice, human rights and solidarity.

BURHAN GAFOOR (Singapore) said his country was an example of how the United Nations could work with other countries towards building peaceful and inclusive societies. Underscoring the role of regional organizations in fostering peace and development, he emphasized that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had played a critical role in fostering peace in South‑East Asia. He also noted the region’s immense diversity and its many ethnicities, cultures, religions, languages and histories. He expressed support for the Secretary‑General’s goal to build a better United Nations focused on making a real difference on the ground. Calling on Member States to live up to their United Nations Charter obligations, he said it was essential to examine how the peace continuum could be best supported by the current financial structures.

ZHAOXU MA (China) said that sustainable development and sustaining peace were common global aspirations. Concerning the United Nations work on the latter, he said peacekeeping must respect the honour and will of the country concerned and suit its specific situation. Those activities must focus on building national capacity, while assisting in conflict prevention and reconstruction. United Nations peacekeeping must also place equal weight on development and security, he said, addressing both the symptoms and causes of conflict. He called for the strengthening of peacekeepers’ coordination as well as deepened partnerships with regional organizations, which in turn must play an active role in peacebuilding in their respective regions. He also expressed support for the international system and the norms guiding international relations.

MICHAEL DOUGLAS GRANT (Canada), recalling that “conflicts that no longer make the news every day”, stressed that the Organization should be better structured, equipped and supported to prevent the outbreak, escalation and relapse of conflict. Stressing the central role of women in sustaining peace, he commended the Peacebuilding Fund for exceeding the Secretary‑General’s 15 per cent target for women’s empowerment projects. Long‑term peacebuilding required broad consultations with national stakeholders and access to resources, he said, also noting the key role of donors in addressing the fragmentation of financing.

DIEDRE NICHOLE MILLS (Jamaica) said the focus on peacebuilding and sustaining peace must be couched in the long‑term focus on attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. The case for greater policy and operational coherence — within the framework of promoting complementarity among stakeholders — could not be overemphasized. She went on to underscore the value of partnership among different networks and stakeholders, with a simultaneous focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of conflict. Welcoming the emphasis given to youth and women in the context of conflict prevention and peacebuilding, she said her country had long regarded peacekeeping to be a key component of the work of the United Nations, having contributed police officers and civilians to various missions over the years.

MOHAMED FATHI AHMED EDREES (Egypt) said the twin resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council on sustaining peace had begun a new era in the United Nations efforts to build and sustain peace. Concerning implementation of the sustaining peace principles, he stressed the need for a unified framework among all Member States. Such a concept must consider the specificities of each country, as there “was no single solution for all conflicts”. Root causes also must be addressed. At the same time, a vision for a single system of work was needed to support national recovery efforts to rebuild institutions. Indeed, efforts must stem from national ownership to carry out national priorities and economic social development. Noting that a regional approach to sustaining peace was important to ensuring a full recovery, he said partnerships with regional organizations were vital. Despite progress made in the development of international tools to support peacebuilding, the nature and scope of current challenges required renewed political and financial commitment to make them more robust. On that note, he expressed hope that Member States would come together on proposals for reform.

NONTAWAT CHANDRTRI (Thailand), commending the Secretary‑General for taking serious steps towards restructuring the Secretariat and reforming the peace and security pillars, said that financing for peacebuilding remained an outstanding issue. While it was worth exploring innovative proposals, such as attracting funds from the private sector, the most sustainable and predictable source was through increased assessed contributions. Recalling that previous attempts to act in a timely manner to prevent conflicts or mass atrocities had often lost momentum because Member States had different interpretations of “responsibility to protect”, he called on delegates to seize the moment and “concretize a substantive framework to address any interpretative complications”.

HMWAY HMWAY KHYNE (Myanmar) said that for her country, which had endured seven decades of internal armed conflict, reconciliation and peace were national priorities. Ten armed groups had now signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement and two Union Peace Conferences had taken place, with a third to follow next month. However, lasting peace must be accompanied by sustainable and equitable development, she said, inviting the international community to help Myanmar find lasting solutions to its long‑standing problems. “We don’t want Myanmar to be a nation divided by religious beliefs, ethnicity or political ideology,” she said, adding that everyone must work together because they belonged to one nation. All conflicts arose from hate or fear, and it was only by removing the sources of those feelings that it would be possible to remove conflict from Myanmar and the world.

SALIOU NIANG DIENG (Senegal) called for strengthened partnerships with regional and subregional organizations, especially the African Union, given their effective contributions to conflict prevention. He drew attention to the successful engagement of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Gambia’s post‑electoral crisis, which spoke volumes about the importance of a regional approach. Welcoming this week’s high‑level meeting on Gambia ahead of an international donor conference in Brussels on 22 May, he emphasized the need for adequate, sustained and predictable financing for countries in peacebuilding phases over the long term. Unfortunately, such funding was limited, irregular and unpredictable, he said, calling on donors and Gambia’s partners to make robust commitments at the Brussels conference.

ELBIO OSCAR ROSSELLI FRIERI (Uruguay), aligning himself with the Human Rights Caucus, emphasized the importance of conflict prevention and addressing the causes of conflict. He welcomed that the United Nations was moving from conflict prevention to a model of sustaining peace in order to build a shared vision of society. Noting that the 2030 Agenda would be fundamental to implementing sustaining peace, he said achieving those goals, in turn, was a precondition for achieving sustainable peace worldwide. For its part, Uruguay was focused on strengthening institutions as well as human rights in the prevention of conflict. He went on to highlight States’ responsibility to lead the process towards sustaining peace, and providing their people with a life of freedom as laid out in the United Nations Charter.

KORO BESSHO (Japan) said promoting human security was essential to building and sustaining peace. The human security approach that was people‑centred, comprehensive and focused on prevention aimed to protect and empower vulnerable individuals. Institution‑building and human resources development were also needed to prevent a relapse into conflict, while respecting national ownership. Furthermore, financing was a critical factor in implementing and enhancing peacebuilding activities and sustaining peace, he said, highlighting the importance of predictable, flexible and transparent budgets. More broadly, sustainable peace could not be achieved without enhancing the role of women and youth, he said, while welcoming the Peacebuilding Fund’s priority on such issues.

FRANCISCO ANTONIO CORTORREAL (Dominican Republic) said it was impossible to seriously discuss the promotion of peace without addressing poverty, inequality and social exclusion. Promoting economic development meant promoting resilience in fragile States. Elaborating, he said the traditional concept of peace and security was not in line with the multifaceted problems faced by small island developing States, for which climate change was a threat. He urged the international community to address the specific vulnerabilities of those States and come up with coordinated action. He added that this week’s Assembly debate marked a significant step towards a change of vision and new peacebuilding structures.

KHALED HUSSEIN MOHAMED ALYEMANY (Yemen), associating himself with Non‑Aligned Movement, said that since his country’s student‑led revolution in 2011, the United Nations had played a critical role in facilitating political transition. Three Special Envoys of the Secretary‑General had been appointed to help conduct peace negotiations between the Government and rebels. However, those negotiations had collapsed due to the intransigent position of the Houthi militia supported by Iran. Still, Yemen would continue to extend a hand for peace, he said, adding that Iranian intervention in Yemen and the region must end. He went on to voice support for the Secretary‑General’s reforms, adding that Yemen hoped to contribute once again to United Nations peacekeeping operations.

JORGE SKINNER-KLEÉ ARENALES (Guatemala) said sustaining peace was integral to the process of prevention, with a focus on societal well‑being. It was a tangible option to ensure that development led to a stable and peaceful coexistence. Guatemala had been affected by the polarization of a political doctrine that had weakened its institutions and prevented the Government from providing services. ��Ϲ�� had helped Guatemala strengthen its capacities, particularly in the areas of justice and public services. Guatemala had taken ownership and was now bolstering those institutions. In the 15 April referendum regarding Guatemala’s dispute with Belize, people had opted for a peaceful resolution to that territorial dispute, a sign of their commitment to sustaining peace. He stressed the importance of breaking down silos to more efficiently implement United Nations mandates in the field, underscoring the need to move away from the fragmentation that had prevailed among its three pillars.

AMRITH ROHAN PERERA (Sri Lanka) said the importance of peacebuilding had never before been felt so intensely. Sri Lanka had emerged from a long conflict and embarked on a process of peacebuilding. By addressing the hearts and minds of the Sri Lankan people, the Government had endeavoured towards a peaceful and prosperous country. In its efforts to achieve long‑lasting peace, the engagement of the international community had been essential. In particular, the United Nations had played an important role in his country’s journey. Funding from the Peacebuilding Commission had been invaluable, covering a range of programmes. It was most critical to receive the correct assistance at the correct time. Indeed, Sri Lanka was an example of the need for sustained and predictable funding for the Peacebuilding Fund and a strengthened Peacebuilding Support Office.

OMAR HILALE (Morocco), noting that the conditions which led to the founding of the United Nations had changed over the years, said a coherent and coordinated approach must be forged for countries in transition facing a myriad of challenges. Peace was a cross‑cutting issue that was both a process and an objective, as well as the primary responsibility of all States. He reviewed Morocco’s contributions to peace since independence, including the deployment of more than 60,000 personnel to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Describing the Peacebuilding Commission as a credible and adaptable body, he called for predictable funding through voluntary and assessed contributions. Peace was a right, not a privilege. The Secretary‑General’s reform proposals were promising and it was incumbent on Member States and the international community to strike the right balance and show political will to make peace a reality.

ALI ALIFEI MOUSTAPHA (Chad), recalling how his country had been desecrated by unspeakable violence, said Chad was not only striving to rebuild peace, but also to share peace in those places where it was lacking. The Government had undertaken various initiatives to fight cross‑border crime, drug trafficking and trafficking in persons. Domestically, peacebuilding mechanisms had been set up to keep alive the spirit of dialogue and consultation. Chad also appreciated the Peacebuilding Support Fund for helping to meet urgent financing needs in local communities. Noting that Chad had made strengthening national unity a linch‑pin of its 2030 development vision, he welcomed the Secretary‑General’s proposals for repositioning the United Nations development system.

YOLANNIE CERRATO (Honduras) said that, given her country’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, it supported the concept of sustaining peace. There was a need to reform the United Nations’ peace and security pillar to adapt to new realities. For its part, Honduras endorsed a holistic approach to reform that considered the aspirations of women and young people. To achieve a lasting peace, sources of instability must also be addressed. In addition, cooperation must be strengthened between various stakeholders and synergies between various local, regional, and international actors must be identified. She went on to note the importance of dialogue before thanking the Secretary‑General for his approval of a tri‑national project for resilience and cohesion in Northern Central America. Peace and development were interlinked and the 2030 Agenda could not be achieved in situations of conflict, war or instability, she said, calling on Member States to peacefully resolve conflicts.

MALEEHA LODHI (Pakistan) said that, while Member States agreed on the importance of achieving and sustaining peace, they had not translated that broad agreement into real progress on the ground. Sustained political processes must be at the core of all peace endeavours, covering all phases of conflict, she said. The path towards durable peace began with a clear understanding of the causes and nature of conflict, and could not be achieved until they were addressed. Outlining factors that were vital to the success of sustaining peace efforts, she said greater coherence and synergy across the United Nations system was needed, as were regional strategies that included the full participation of national actors. She also highlighted the importance of supporting the role of women and youth, as well as restructuring and prioritizing funds for peacebuilding activities.

MANSOUR AYYAD SH. A. ALOTAIBI (Kuwait) recalled the concept of re‑establishing peace, published in a 1992 report by the then‑Secretary‑General which envisioned an integrated and global approach to international security. Welcoming the current Secretary-General’s report, he urged the Assembly to adopt the proposed draft resolution on peace and security. Stating that the Peacebuilding Commission had filled a gap in the United Nations between emergency aid and development, he said Kuwait’s own approach was based on preventative diplomacy, reconciliation and mediation which, if used appropriately, could prevent conflicts from erupting. He also emphasized the need to look at the causes of conflict.

NGUYEN PHUONG NGA (Viet Nam), calling for a holistic and people‑centred approach to sustaining peace, said that it was critical to carry out comprehensive policies with concrete measures to help conflict‑affected States, especially those vulnerable to crises. Allocation of adequate resources was crucial, and financing should be sustained, predictable and well managed. Welcoming the Secretary‑General’s reports on the comprehensive reforms of the United Nations and his concrete proposals to enhance the coherence and efficiency of peace operations, she also added that Viet Nam had consistently followed a policy of peacefully settling all disputes, including that concerning the East Sea, also known as South China Sea.

CHO TAE-YUL (Republic of Korea), associating himself with the Group of Friends of Sustaining Peace and the “MIKTA” Group (also including Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey and Australia), said that while the United Nations had made progress in building partnerships with international financial institutions and regional organizations, greater efforts were needed in partnering with the private sector and civil society. “The UN, which has a brand like no other, is best poised to convene these different actors,” he said. While most large‑scale armed conflicts had ended in Asia, subnational and low‑intensity conflicts persisted, fuelled by growing economic inequalities, exclusion and aggressive nationalism. He also stressed that peacebuilding strategies must understand the historical and cultural sensitivities of the country they sought to support.

MARÍA DEL CARMEN DOMÍNGUEZ ÁLVAREZ (Chile) said peace was a prerequisite for promoting and protecting fundamental rights. Meanwhile, social inclusion and social development were preconditions for peace. She called for coherent responses to global problems, noting that sustaining peace was almost as difficult as achieving it. Indeed, traditional threats had been replaced by new ones, such as terrorism, trafficking and environmental deterioration. Moving forward, the international community must examine the causes underlying those threats and invest much more in prevention. As the Secretary‑General said, “the price of failing to do so was too high”. She expressed hope that other United Nations reforms under way would contribute to forging an integrated and coherent response to conflict.

ADALJIZA ALBERTINA XAVIER REIS MAGNO, Vice‑Minister for Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste, sharing lessons from her country’s experience in emerging from violent conflict, said reconciliation had called for healing wounds and promoting peace with the country’s immediate neighbour. By looking within and using traditional methods of reconciliation, Timor‑Leste had taken important steps towards sustaining peace. Outlining various new measures, she said the Government was restoring trust in society while paying particular attention to victims, veterans, widows and orphans. To achieve peace and development in conflict‑affected countries, it was essential to build solid national structures. Peace processes did not end when a peace agreement had been signed, she stressed, adding that international cooperation and multilateral partnerships should adjust to challenges so that resources could be maximized.

AZIZ PAHAD (South Africa), associating himself with the Non‑Aligned Movement, stressed the importance of security sector reform. Peacebuilding was a post‑conflict necessity; it marked the difference between squandering gains made through arduous mediation and peacekeeping, and consolidating those gains. Further, countries locked in conflict missed an opportunity to advance in the fields of climate change mitigation, ecosystem and environmental preservation, and reversing food insecurity. Recalling the great contributions of Winnie Madikizela‑Mandela, he said South Africa had long recognized the important leadership of women in its liberation. Gender mainstreaming helped build inclusive societies that drew on the strengths of all its members, and South Africa had drawn on that principle to overcome a system of institutionalized oppression.

CHRISTIAN WENAWESER (Liechtenstein) said the twin resolutions provided an important conceptual shift in the discussion by offering a more comprehensive approach to building and sustaining peace. Criminal justice was a central element of the discussion — ensuring justice worked to consolidate peace but also to prevent cycles of conflict and to support reconciliation. The International Criminal Court was essential to providing criminal accountability where national judiciaries failed to do so. However, the Court’s founders did not seek to have as many criminal proceedings before it as possible. Rather, the Rome Statute was based on the principle of complementarity, and therefore, it offered a powerful incentive both for States to strengthen their national capacities and for the international community to achieve that goal.

ALBERT SHINGIRO (Burundi) stressed the importance of coherence, financing, prevention and the role of women and young people in the processes of peacebuilding and sustaining peace. Experience had shown that to prevent conflict, international actors must strengthen their coherence of action for peacebuilding. “There is no doubt that the most decisive support is generally the one provided from Member States in the region,” he said, underscoring the advantage of understanding cultural and historic context. Building lasting peace was not the job of outside actors; external intervention must be based on local knowledge, particularly in identifying priorities. Addressing the causes of conflict required fighting poverty and social exclusion, he said, adding that with “2030 not that far off” the world would soon judge the progress made. Burundi sought to empower women and young people. “Peace must be woven throughout the fabric of a society,” he said.

ADIKALIE FODAY SUMAH (Sierra Leone), associating himself with the Non‑Aligned Movement and the Human Rights and Conflict Prevention Caucus, recalled a joint United Nations‑World Bank study according to which additional investment in conflict prevention could save the international community $1.5 billion each year. Sierra Leone had achieved a milestone in its peaceful transition from one Government to another. “This did not happen overnight,” he stressed, noting successive Government efforts, the support of donors, the Peacebuilding Commission and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), as well as the contributions of interreligious organizations and civil society. Meaningful partnerships were crucial for sustaining peace, he emphasized.

RUBÉN ARMANDO ESCALANTE HASBÚN (El Salvador) said peacebuilding was not just a transitional task but a permanent responsibility that extended to building public institutions and educating citizens. Just as a State must involve all its elements in peacebuilding, the United Nations must incorporate the peace component into all its actions. As a constant member of the Peacebuilding Commission, El Salvador welcomed the effort to bring prevention back into the heart of the Organization’s discussions. Highlighting the role of the Commission and the Fund, he called on other parts of the Secretariat and the United Nations system to complement those bodies. El Salvador was not only an active participant in peacekeeping operations; it had experienced armed conflict first‑hand 16 years ago. True, sustained peace could not be achieved without the engagement of women and young people, he added.

CRAIG JOHN HAWKE (New Zealand) expressed support for the Secretary‑General’s focus on conflict prevention, scaling up of United Nations mediation capabilities and gender parity efforts. He called on the United Nations to address the problem of fragmentation, adding that the Organization must undergo cultural changes. Member States had an obligation to support peacebuilding, rather than wait for a crisis to erupt. Meanwhile, the Security Council could take small steps, for example, to think more broadly about whom the body engaged with and how consultations could be more effective. He also expressed support for wider United Nations reforms proposed by the Secretary‑General, emphasizing that an integrated approach to peacebuilding and sustaining peace was a task that extended well beyond the mandate of any one body.

MODEST JONATHAN MERO (United Republic of Tanzania) highlighted the need to reduce the likelihood of conflicts and the relapse of violence in post‑conflict countries. In that regard, addressing issues of inequality, unemployment, poverty, human rights, climate change, governance, law enforcement and transnational crime was essential. While the United Nations had the capabilities and commitment, it was separated by its silos, he said, calling on the Organization to align its work around what was most important for ending and preventing conflicts. Moreover, the lack of inclusion of women and youths in peace processes meant that peace agreements did not recognize the needs of the population as a whole. He urged the international community to explore ways to include women and young people in formal peace processes.

ABDALLAH Y. AL-MOUALLIMI (Saudi Arabia) said that without justice there could be no peace, adding that Palestine was a clear example of that. On Yemen, he said Saudi Arabia had led peace operations which had allowed for a peaceful transition of power. In Syria, Saudi Arabia had sought to unite the opposition, as well as implement the Geneva communiqué and relevant Security Council resolutions. In Libya, Iraq, and the wider region, Saudi Arabia had worked to promote a culture of dialogue and tolerance through various centres focused on combating extremism and terrorism. ��Ϲ�� could play a greater role in peacebuilding and sustaining peace by working with regional organizations, he said, emphasizing: “We seek to be proactive while respecting the sovereignty of States.”

CARMELO INGUANEZ (Malta), aligning himself with the European Union, expressed deep concern about ongoing violence in the immediate neighborhood of his country, noting that those events could have implications on regional and international peace. It was crucial to identify challenges before they turned into conflicts, he said, stressing that Governments should work towards increasing and creating new employment opportunities, and offering their citizens the conditions for success. Also emphasizing rule of law and access to justice, he urged the United Nations to evolve and adapt in order to retain its role as the most important player in the international arena.

AUDRA PLEPYTÈ (Lithuania), aligning herself with the European Union, said that peaceful and sustainable coexistence between countries required collective effort, as well as national commitment. “Peace is not only the absence of violence; there are institutions, structures, communities and attitudes that underpin it,” she said. Touching upon issues of particular importance, she highlighted the need for inclusivity and resourcing for sustaining peace activities. When credible mechanisms for broad public participation existed in peacebuilding efforts, that generated legitimacy and trust in the State and its institutions. While there was growing evidence that women’s participation led to peace and stability, investment in women, peace and security remained woefully low. Indeed, the effectiveness of United Nations efforts towards sustaining peace hinged on appropriate resourcing, she said.

JAN KICKERT (Austria), noting the paradigm shift in how the United Nations addressed conflict, said that had become necessary because traditional approaches had failed. The Organization’s deepened engagement in conflict prevention was an opportunity for Member States to avail themselves of international support, not only before potential outbreaks of conflict but also in phases of transition afterwards. “We cannot look the other way anymore in the case of mass atrocities,” he stressed, also welcoming the Secretary‑General’s system‑wide strategy on gender parity. Highlighting Austria’s support for various peacebuilding initiatives, he added that early warning and response systems were crucial in countering transnational security threats.

YASHAR T. ALIYEV (Azerbaijan), associating himself with the Non‑Aligned Movement, expressed support for the Secretary‑General’s determination to help prevent war and efforts to reform the process with a view to responding early and effectively. The concept of conflict prevention, in its inter‑State dimension, was linked to the principle of peaceful dispute settlement, as enshrined in Article 2 of the United Nations Charter. However, that principle, and the concept of prevention as its non‑legal equivalent, could not be misused to cover up aggression and must not be interpreted as implying continuation of situations created through violations of the Charter. Azerbaijan’s position on that stemmed from its experience of facing armed aggression, foreign military occupation and ethnic cleansing, he stressed.

GILLIAN BIRD (Australia) said Member States expected the entire United Nations system, not just traditional peacebuilding areas, to advance the sustaining peace agenda. Priority must be given to organizational change, with reforms making a difference in the field. Financing, including from the private sector and innovative sources, would be essential. Noting the General Assembly’s new resolution on sustaining peace, she said time must be used well, moving beyond slogans to build an effective United Nations.

KORNELIOS KORNELIOU (Cyprus), associating himself with the European Union, said the concept of “sustaining peace” represented a shift in practice, as it espoused a system‑wide approach that included peacekeeping, sustainable development, human rights and humanitarian activities. The Cyprus question remained an issue of international peace and security. As it had been sheltered by and relied on United Nations peacekeepers, Cyprus could attest to the valuable role of those missions and the need to ensure that their mandates remained indispensable. ��Ϲ�� was the only forum through which a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus could be achieved.

KAREL JAN GUSTAAF VAN OOSTEROM (Netherlands) said that the preamble to the Organization’s Charter was a clear definition of peacebuilding. Noting that sustaining peace was at the core of his country’s foreign policy, he stressed the importance of national ownership in preventing conflict. Also highlighting the need for inclusive approaches, he said political and social exclusion and the lack of accountable justice systems were key causes of conflict around the world. Marginalized groups, from religious minorities to women, must participate in peacebuilding. Enhanced partnerships were vital to the success of peacekeeping operations, he said, highlighting the success of the global focal point arrangement for police, justice and corrections areas in the rule of law in post-conflict and other crisis situations.

CHARLES T NTWAAGAE (Botswana), associating himself with the African Group and the Non‑Aligned Movement, said prevention and sustaining peace were in everyone’s interest and should not be seen as a threat to sovereignty. “The signs are always there,” he said, as conflict stemmed from exclusion, discrimination, and political and economic inequalities. Prevention required addressing the causes of conflict and instability. He noted that Botswana’s “Vision 2036” was closely aligned to the 2030 Agenda, underscoring the importance of investing in people. “Everyone in society must have a strong feeling of belonging to a community in order for peace to prevail,” he added. Civil society had a critical role to play in ringing the alarm when regimes cracked down on fundamental freedoms.

MICHAL MLYNÁR (Slovakia), associating himself with the European Union, said that that too often public grievances and violence against States were driven by politics of exclusion. A round table on security sector reform, which Slovakia had co‑hosted on 23 April, had helped enhance knowledge and understanding of how to sustain peace. Participants discussed the importance of national policy and governance frameworks, as well as the inclusion of women and civil society. The benefits of sustaining peace were clear and convincing. Moving the United Nations system around the goal of preventing conflicts would be daunting but eventually rewarding. It was the only way to build open and inclusive societies.

SURENDRA THAPA (Nepal) said his country’s experience confirmed that conflict prevention and sustaining peace would only succeed when the causes of conflict were addressed. While Governments had primary responsibility for sustaining peace, the international community should support those efforts. Equally important was engaging all stakeholders in charting a path for development, in line with the 2030 Agenda. Highlighting the revitalization of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework, he said Governments should be fully consulted with while analysing conflict risk so as to ensure understanding of local context and culture. Emerging from armed conflict, mega‑earthquakes and other crises, Nepal was determined to implement its human rights‑based Constitution, the culmination of a successful peace process. Local, provincial and federal elections in 2017 were also landmark achievements. Having entered a new era of political stability, Nepal was determined not to let go of an historic opportunity.

ROBERT SISILO (Solomon Islands), recalling the armed conflict in his country in late 1998, said that with assistance from the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands, fondly known as “RAMSI”, the country had restored peace in July 2003. The mission was remembered as a positive example of friends coming together in support of a neighbour in crisis, and seeing them through a period of tension towards renewed confidence in national law enforcement institutions. However, like other countries in post‑conflict situations, the Solomon Islands faced challenges, he said, expressing appreciation for the support of the Peacebuilding Commission. Noting that climate change could trigger conflicts, he said Pacific island countries were in immediate danger. An unstable climate and subsequent displacement of people could exacerbate the core drivers of conflict, such as migratory pressure and competition for resources, he cautioned.

ROLANDO CASTRO CÓRDOBA (Costa Rica), aligning himself with the Human Security Network, said respect for human rights was directly linked to respect for law and peaceful governance. There could be no sustainable development without peace and vice versa, which made it essential that the international community support United Nations development activities. Such integral strategies must take into account the empowerment of women and education. Sharing Costa Rica’s experience, he said the abolition of the army in 1948 had enabled the country to divert resources earmarked for military towards education and social welfare. “We must make multilateralism into a shared tool,” he stressed.

MIRGUL MOLDOISAEVA (Kyrgyzstan) said sustaining peace was a common task and responsibility for all Government and national stakeholders. She urged all parties to overcome the United Nations present disunity and increase its capacity to support Government efforts to preserve peace, and respond promptly to conflicts and crises. Also critical were efforts to revitalize the Peacebuilding Support Office and strengthen the United Nations partnerships with Governments; international, regional and subregional organizations; international financial institutions; civil society groups; youth and the private sector. All that work should consider national priorities and policies, she said, underscoring the need to address the issue of financing for United Nations peacebuilding.

SEBASTIANO CARDI (Italy), aligning himself with the European Union, said that giving the sustaining peace agenda substance meant looking at the future of the United Nations. Italy would put the Secretary‑General’s recommendations into practice, and for that reason, would increase its contributions to the Peacebuilding Fund and the conflict prevention activities of the Department of Political Affairs. Indeed, a common effort to move “from vision to action” was needed more than ever, he said, noting that challenges facing the Mediterranean, Sahel and Horn of Africa required comprehensive and prompt action from all. At the same time, the capacity of the United Nations must be fully exploited by improving synergy, cooperation and coordination among all actors, both at Headquarters and on the ground. He reiterated full support for the Secretary‑General’s reform proposals.

RY TUY (Cambodia) said the Sustainable Development Goals must serve as building blocks in the attainment of peace. Sustainable peace and development were reinforcing in nature. Investing in education fostered peace globally, increased employment and decreased extremism. Sustaining global peace required focus and coordination. Over the years, Cambodia had contributed thousands of peacekeepers worldwide, he said, underscoring the principles of sovereignty, independence and non‑interference in domestic affairs. Sustainable financing must be available, he said, welcoming “serious discussions” with the private sector.

KANISSON COULIBALY (Mali) said sustaining peace required increased partnerships and stakeholder engagement. Mali was committed to emerging from crisis, he stressed, recalling the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali (the “Bamako Agreement”) emanating from the “Algiers process”. That accord was instrumental to guaranteeing peace throughout the Sahel region. Acknowledging the support of bilateral and multilateral partners, including the Peacebuilding Fund, he said the Secretary‑General’s proposals were relevant to the challenges facing the international community.

KENNEDY MAYONG ONON (Malaysia), associating himself with the Non‑Aligned Movement, said that sustaining peace initiatives must more coordinated, integrated and inclusive, especially of women and young people. He emphasized the importance of national ownership and the role of regional and subregional organizations as well as civil society, the media and private sector. Poverty eradication, economic revitalization and stabilization must be among the core objectives of peacebuilding and sustaining peace initiatives, which also required predictable, sustained and adequate financing, and political will.

MICHEL XAVIER BIANG (Gabon) said that a transformation of the United Nations system was necessary given the evolving nature of crises and conflict. Despite greater efforts by the Organization, threats to international peace and security had grown in number and become better planned. While prevention efforts remained an essential tool in achieving comprehensive peace, they had been inadequately financed, which often fostered the resurgence of crisis in transition situations. Welcoming the Secretary‑General’s proposal to support the prevention and peacebuilding mechanisms, he said the participation of women and youth at all levels was fundamental.

DIEGO FERNANDO MOREJÓN PAZMIÑO (Ecuador) said that peace was linked to all of the Sustainable Development Goals and urged political commitment from Member States to guarantee financing and technical cooperation. Ecuador also backed “complete and total” disarmament. On the peace process in Colombia, he underscored Ecuador’s relations with its neighbour, emphasizing that it hosted tens of thousands of refugees from Colombia. Currently, at least 200,000 Colombians were requesting to move to Ecuador. More must be done to protect journalists and civilians, particularly on the border with Colombia, where three Ecuadorian journalists had been killed earlier this month. Indeed, Ecuador was focused on contributing to peace in the region, including in Colombia and Peru.

MARTÍN GARCÍA MORITÁN (Argentina) said overcoming fragmentation in the United Nations work would enable a holistic focus on conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Peace missions could help host States in their implementation of the 2030 Agenda, as they were in an excellent position to address the causes of conflict and find solutions based on national responsibility. The Peacebuilding Support Office must be strengthened, while adequate, predictable funding must be provided for peacebuilding activities. Expressing support for the draft resolution, he called on delegates to support the Secretary‑General in advancing his proposed reforms.

KHALIFA ALI ISSA AL HARTHY (Oman) said diplomacy could have prevented many conflicts, thereby sparing money and energy for implementing sustainable development objectives. Since the Sultan had assumed power, Oman had worked hard to prevent conflict, in partnership with the United Nations and peace‑loving nations. Sustaining peace could not be achieved without national consensus, he stressed, cautioning against double standards. ��Ϲ�� was not trusted in many parts of the world and it must change that impression. He voiced hope that the current meeting would spark a move in that direction.

AMPARO MELE COLIFA (Equatorial Guinea) pressed the international community to explore ways to restructure the United Nations architecture, welcoming the Organization’s increased effectiveness in peacebuilding and integration of a gender and youth perspective in sustaining peace strategies. Investing in development was the best tool to prevent conflict. Peacebuilding was the responsibility of all Member States, she said, commending the Peacebuilding Commission in that context. More clarity was needed on the repercussions of restructuring the United Nations three pillars. She requested practical examples and tables to help understand those reforms at national and regional levels, particularly in areas that risked becoming “blind spots” for the world’s vision.

SAMSON SUNDAY ITEGBOJE (Nigeria), associating himself with the Non‑Aligned Movement, said his country had seen its fair share of crises. Sustaining peace should not be a guise for infringing upon State sovereignty. He stressed the importance of ensuring adequate, predictable and sustained financing for peacebuilding, exploring innovative financing solutions, as well as options for assessed and voluntary funding. Citing Nigeria’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions, he underscored the importance of protecting human rights. National security reform must be linked to good governance and the promotion of law, he said, also describing Nigeria’s focus on empowering women and youth in peacebuilding.

KUMBIRAYI TAREMBA (Zimbabwe), associating herself with the Non‑Aligned Movement, said more investment was needed in conflict prevention. The twin 2016 resolutions acknowledged that Member States had the primary responsibility in building and sustaining peace. National ownership was the cornerstone for peacebuilding, she said, and the United Nations must provide coherent, comprehensive and coordinated support to Member States. According to a recent United Nations‑World Bank report, more resources were spent on addressing the aftermath of conflicts than preventing them from flaring and escalating. Calling for predictable and sustainable funding, she said Zimbabwe was enjoying “tremendous peace after a peaceful transition ushered in a new political dispensation in November 2017”.

Briefing Security Council, Secretary-General Calls for ‘Quantum Leap’ in Funding Activities to Prevent Conflict, Address Root Causes

Kensuke Matsueda — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 23:48:13 +0000

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With the adoption of landmark resolutions on the concepts of peacebuilding and sustaining peace imminent, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged Member States to strengthen their focus on conflict prevention, address its root causes and embark on a “quantum leap” in funding those critical activities, in a briefing to the Security Council this afternoon.

“Building and sustaining peace requires addressing the roots of conflict, which often lie in poverty, exclusion, inequality, discrimination and serious violations of human rights,” Mr. Guterres told the 15-member organ. The General Assembly’s adoption on Thursday of the draft resolution formally titled, “Follow‑up to the report of the Secretary-General on peacebuilding and sustaining peace” — to be followed by an identical text in the Council — would outline a joint path forward, allowing it to track the United Nations progress towards implementing the recommendations outlined in his report. Urging States to build upon positive examples seen in the work of the Peacebuilding Commission — established in 2005 to support peace efforts in conflict‑affected countries — he said sustaining peace required support for inclusivity and a firm rooting in respect for human rights.

Dan Neculăescu (Romania), Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, said the resolutions to be adopted by the Assembly, and subsequently by the Council, provided opportunities for Member States to demonstrate their commitment to the concepts of peacebuilding and sustaining peace. The Commission would, in turn, provide a forum for related discussions and play a bridging role to enhance partnerships with actors beyond the United Nations, including civil society, international financial institutions and the private sector. Citing several examples, he said the Commission had supported more coherence in the United Nations work in the Sahel region, and assisted national authorities to develop a peacebuilding plan and carry out successful elections in Liberia.

Also briefing the Council today was Smail Chergui, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union, whose presence was cited by many Council members as a strong signal of the United Nations deepening collaboration with regional organizations. Emphasizing that peace could not be achieved without development nor development without peace — and that neither would thrive without human rights and good governance — he said that approach underpinned the African Union’s work from the Central African Republic to Somalia to the Lake Chad Basin region. He cited several important lessons learned, including the need incorporate local perspectives and empower marginalized communities. Spotlighting his organization’s expanding financial responsibility, he expressed hope that the Council would also provide assistance. Funding Africa’s peace operations should be a collective priority in today’s complex and interconnected world, he said.

Council members — including several ministerial-level representatives — took the floor following those briefings, roundly voicing support for the Secretary‑General’s efforts to bolster the United Nations conflict prevention and peacebuilding activities. Many speakers called for more coherent, inclusive and transparent approaches to the Organization’s peace and security activities, while others warned against the temptation to apply one-size-fits-all approaches to the many diverse conflicts around the world. Still others cautioned against relegating peacekeeping — long the flagship activity of the United Nations — to the background as attention shifted to prevention.

Margot Wallström, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, said the Secretary-General’s report offered a clear road map forward, and “we must move to action”. Boosting equality and inclusive national ownership were essential, as were improving early warning systems and commitments to preventive actions. The Council must establish a practice of addressing situations of concern with a view to preventing conflict. Other essential elements were targeting and addressing the drivers of conflict, ensuring cross-pillar cooperation and a system-wide approach and closer work with regional partners, she said.

Marcel Amon-Tanoh, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire, shared his country’s experience, noting that concerted efforts had helped the Government to calm the security situation following its 2011 elections. International support had also helped it advance reconciliation efforts, identify vulnerable groups and draft a plan of action to consolidate peace. Côte d’Ivoire’s spectacular economic growth was leading to post-conflict progress, improved social cohesion, national reconciliation and reconstruction, he said, calling on developed countries, multilateral partners and the private sector to provide the Peacebuilding Fund with the resources needed to more effectively help post-conflict countries to truly ensure peace was sustained.

France’s representative noted that “the United Nations was born of the goal of prevention”, but said that goal had been side-lined for too long. The Council, for its part, should be better able to pre-empt crises. Vulnerable countries must be assisted in developing the capacities necessary to stave off weaknesses, he said, emphasizing that, when prevention failed, it remained the United Nations’ responsibility to intervene. Indeed, peacekeeping operations remained a critical tool, but their mandates should be tailored to specific contexts and should prioritize political solutions. Now that the links between peace and development had become evident, it was up to the international community to act.

The representative of Bolivia, meanwhile, said sustaining peace should be approached through tools and policies based on dialogue and negotiated political solutions. That meant working to reach common ground and taking into account the perspective of all parties. Calling for strict adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter, she emphasized that breaking the vicious cycle of conflict required tackling its structural roots. States must avoid interventionist approaches that had historically led to chaos, destruction and terrorism which were still being felt today.

Also speaking were the representatives of Peru, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Kuwait, China, Equatorial Guinea, Poland, Kazakhstan, United States, Russian Federation and Ethiopia.

The meeting began at 3:06 p.m. and ended at 5:27 p.m.

Opening Remarks

ANTÓNIO GUTERRES, Secretary-General of the United Nations, said peacebuilding and sustaining peace were, first and foremost, about enhancing the Organization’s coherence in support of nationally owned solutions. They required strong partnerships beyond the United Nations system and collaboration with host country authorities, regional and subregional organizations and international financial institutions, such as the World Bank, as well as other multilateral donors, civil society and local actors. For its part, the Peacebuilding Commission could bring far greater coherence by providing a platform for complementarity and partnership across the United Nations three pillars. “It also brings national and local voices to the table,” he said.

Urging Council members to build upon such positive examples as the Peacebuilding Commission’s support in the Sahel region, he said sustaining peace required support for inclusivity — particularly of those who were frequently marginalized or excluded, such as women, girls, young people, the elderly and those with disabilities. Women’s empowerment through meaningful participation was a proven way to deepen the effectiveness and sustainability of peacebuilding, he said, calling on the Council to more consistently apply its own robust women, peace and security agenda. “Most critically, building and sustaining peace requires addressing the roots of conflict, which often lie in poverty, exclusion, inequality, discrimination and serious violations of human rights,” he said, adding that the human and financial cost of focusing on responding to crises was unsustainable. Prevention was the foundation of building and sustaining peace.

In that vein, he said, sustainable, inclusive development — deeply rooted in respect for all human rights — was not only an end in itself, but also the world’s best preventative tool against violent conflict and instability. Indeed, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was the world’s common blueprint to tackle the root causes of conflict and build more peaceful, stable and resilient societies. Noting that his peace and security reform proposal included a 50 per cent increase in regular posts in the Peacebuilding Support Office at no cost, based on gains in efficiency in other areas, he said the High-Level Advisory Board on Mediation would build on the experience of skilled diplomats and strengthen relationships with regional organizations and others engaged in activities critical for peace.

United Nations peacekeepers, he said, had a crucial role to play on the front lines of those efforts. Their overriding objective was to create the space for political processes, while also helping to contain violence and protecting civilians. In order to make peacekeeping operations fit for those purposes, he launched the Action for Peacekeeping initiative in March. It would refocus United Nations peacekeeping in three areas, namely: setting realistic expectations; making them stronger and safer; and mobilizing more support. Key conditions for success would be clear, defined, more focused mandates, as well as a long-term view and adequate exit strategies.

Calling for smarter investment in those missions, he said his report on peacebuilding and sustaining peace also set out several options to increase, restructure and better prioritize funding dedicated to peacebuilding activities, including assessed and voluntary contributions and innovative financing. In that regard, he reiterated his call for a “quantum leap” in Member States’ support for the Peacebuilding Fund, concluding that — following the General Assembly’s imminent adoption of a resolution outlining the joint path forward — “now it is time for action”.

DAN NECULĂESCU (Romania), Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, said the resolutions to be adopted by the Assembly and the Council provided opportunities for Member States to demonstrate their commitment. The Commission would, in turn, provide a forum for related discussions ahead of a follow-up meeting and the envisaged 2020 review, which reflected its bridging role to enhance partnerships with actors beyond the United Nations, including civil society, international financial institutions and the private sector.

Offering several examples, he said the Peacebuilding Commission had supported more coherence in the work of the United Nations in the Sahel, having collaborated with affected countries and regional partners and keeping apprised of developments. In Liberia, it had actively assisted national authorities and engaged with civil society, United Nations leadership on the ground and relevant partners to support a national peacebuilding plan and discuss election preparations. In the Gambia, it was responding to requests from the Government for assistance during a critical period of transition, bringing together United Nations actors, Member States, global banks and civil society.

SMAIL CHERGUI, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union, emphasized that peace could not be achieved without development, nor development without peace, and neither would thrive without human rights and good governance. That approach underpinned the African Union’s work to achieve a peaceful and prosperous African continent, he said, adding that it had assumed greater responsibilities on conflict prevention, management, resolution and post-conflict reconstruction and development over the last decade. Spotlighting the implementation of an African Union Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Policy — which employed both preventative and stabilization dimensions – he also described the organization’s quick-impact and peace-strengthening projects and work carried out through its various liaison offices.

To date, he said, the African Union had provided support to the Central African Republic, Liberia, Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, the Lake Chad Basin region, the Sahelo-Saharan region and Somalia. Its efforts ranged from strengthening human rights institutions to scaling up health facilities to reforms of security sectors and in the rule of law. The African Union was currently providing technical advisers to support security sector reform and transitional justice processes in the Gambia, as requested by that country. It also planned to scale up stabilization efforts in such areas as the Lake Chad Basin — where initiatives would tackle areas impacted by Boko Haram — in Somalia within the framework of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and in Sudan through African Union‑United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID).

Citing some critical lessons learned in the African Union’s work, he said there was an urgent need to strengthen cooperation in prevention, which remained the most cost-effective, but least-resourced, tool. There was also a need to shift from the current top-down approach towards a more people-centred paradigm with a specific focus on peace dividends, especially for women and girls. Local perspectives must be incorporated and marginalized communities must be empowered. That shift also meant taking into consideration the regional dimensions and transnational nature of conflicts in Africa. Noting that the African Union had already begun to incorporate those lessons in its work, he said another was the importance of establishing close cooperation and working relationships among national, regional and international actors. The recently signed Joint African Union-United Nations Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security and the subsequent memorandum of understanding with the Peacebuilding Support Office provided a solid basis in that regard.

However, he continued, all those efforts would yield few results without the mobilization of adequate resources for the implementation of defined priorities. The African Union was working to assume greater responsibility for funding its peace activities, including by operationalizing its Peace Fund. Expressing hope that such efforts would help convince the Council to respond positively to Africa’s demands in that regard, he emphasized that “sustainable funding for peace efforts in Africa should not be considered only as an African priority, but also an international and strategic imperative” against the backdrop of the world’s complex and interconnected threats.

Statements

NÉSTOR FRANCISCO POPOLIZIO BARDALES, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru, and Council President for April, spoke in his national capacity, saying that promoting sustainable peace involved taking an effective approach. That included addressing root causes and strengthening State institutions, with women included in the process going forward and targeted efforts tackling persistent challenges, such as terrorism. For its part, Peru had used broad national consensus on development, the protection of human rights and fostering peace to overcome conflicts of the past. In times marked by deep global interdependency, working together was critical to overcoming broad challenges, from desertification to violent extremism. The proliferation of violent conflicts and humanitarian crises had recently extended the Council’s agenda, he said, adding that the United Nations and the Council must play their respective roles in building capacities to overcome such challenges, working in tandem with the Peacebuilding Commission. The Council must also adopt a more systemic approach to conflict prevention, which had been proposed by former United Nations Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar in 1991, and must underscore the need for strengthening collaboration with regional partners, including the African Union, in sustaining peace.

MARGOT WALLSTRÖM, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, wondered if the world could afford to remain inactive in preventing conflict, given increasingly complex security challenges. As the Secretary-General’s report offered a clear road map forward, “we must move to action”, she said, outlining core commitments to operationalize the sustaining peace agenda. Boosting equality and inclusive national ownership were essential, as were improving early warning systems and commitments to preventive actions. The Council must establish a practice of addressing situations of concern with a view to preventing conflict. Other essential elements were targeting and addressing the drivers of conflict and ensuring cross-pillar cooperation and a system-wide approach led to results that were greater than the individual parts. Also critical was working closely with regional partners, she said, emphasizing the importance of the Peacebuilding Commission and Peacebuilding Fund. Preventing violent conflict was a United Nations Charter obligation, with the sustaining peace approach allowing the Council to improve its ability to do its part in delivering on that responsibility.

MARCEL AMON-TANOH, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire, sharing his country’s experience, said concerted efforts had helped the Government to calm the security situation following the 2011 elections, advance reconciliation efforts, identify vulnerable groups and draft a plan of action to consolidate peace. The State had been the cornerstone for sustaining peace, with efforts focusing on a range of activities, including economic development, opportunities to ex-combatants and reducing poverty and inequalities. Côte d’Ivoire’s spectacular economic growth was leading to post-conflict progress, improved social cohesion, national reconciliation and reconstruction. Highlighting several lessons learned from Côte d’Ivoire’s experience, he said that, in order for the United Nations to be effective on the ground, it must work collaboratively. He called on developed countries, multilateral partners and the private sector to provide the Peacebuilding Fund with the resources needed to more effectively help post-conflict countries to truly ensure peace was sustained.

ANDRÉ HASPELS, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, said there were no quick fixes and to prevent conflict and address its root causes, it was critical to respect fundamental human rights, the rule of law and human dignity as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace. In addition, efforts must be made to implement the Sustainable Development Goals as a path to peace and to promote inclusive negotiations and political processes. While an inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process had taken a good direction, the recent attack in Kabul had darkened the path forward. Situations of increasing risks must be brought in a timely manner to the Council’s attention, which should improve its role in preventing violence from escalating. Welcoming the Secretary-General’s action plan for peacekeeping, he said an integrated approach must resolve root causes through political solutions and implementing peace agreements. “All too often, we have learned the hard way the risks of relapse,” he said, adding that efforts must be made to strengthen the Council’s cooperation with the Peacebuilding Commission. “Liberia represents a successful example,” he said. “But, without our political will, the only result is an irresponsible standstill. The bloody conflict in Syria shows us the consequences of this Council’s lack of action. ��Ϲ�� system and we, the Member States, must play the role that people expect from us.”

JONATHAN GUY ALLEN (United Kingdom) echoed expressions of alarm about the complexity and costs of today’s escalating conflicts. Welcoming the Secretary‑General’s focus on peacebuilding and sustaining peace, as well as his emphasis on prevention, he said that approach should be adopted throughout the United Nations system. In that vein, the United Kingdom had decided that over half of its development assistance would be spent in fragile and conflict-affected States. That did not, however, mean that the mandates of some United Nations bodies were under threat, he said, calling for stronger partnerships between peacebuilding actors and the World Bank, as well as more effective diplomacy and the enhanced participation of women. Smoother peacekeeping transitions from mission to non-mission settings were also crucial, he said, declaring: “Right from the moment when we deploy peacekeepers, we should be thinking about their exit.” In that regard, the Secretariat could provide deeper analysis and clear benchmarks — allowing the Council to track a mission’s progress — which was an approach currently being tested in Haiti. “Not everything is up to the United Nations,” he said, emphasizing that national ownership and smooth handovers to Governments — as had been successfully accomplished in Côte d’Ivoire — would help ensure that the United Nations did not take over tasks that should rightly be led by States themselves.

FRANÇOIS DELATTRE (France), noting that the United Nations now took into account the whole lifecycle of conflict — rather than just focusing on crisis response — said conflicts often had their roots in development and governance gaps. Member States should adopt a cross-cutting, holistic approach, and the Council, in particular, should step up its prevention initiatives. “��Ϲ�� was born of the goal of prevention,” he stressed, saying that goal had been side-lined for too long. The Council should be better able to pre-empt crises. Regional organizations also had a critical role to play, as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had demonstrated in the Gambia. Vulnerable countries must be assisted in developing the capacities necessary to stave off weaknesses. When prevention failed, however, it was the United Nations responsibility to intervene, as France had done in both Mali and the Central African Republic. Indeed, peacekeeping operations remained a critical tool, but their mandates should be tailored to specific contexts and should prioritize political solutions. Now that the links between peace and development had become evident, it was up to the international community to act.

Ms. CORDOVA (Bolivia) said the United Nations efforts to support States in post-conflict situations were some of the Organization’s most critical activities. Describing cooperation with regional and subregional organizations as a crucial element of that work, she said that sustaining peace should be approached through tools and policies based on dialogue and negotiated political solutions. That meant working to reaching a common ground and taking into account the perspective of all parties, which would help maintain peace following a conflict and prevent re-escalation. Calling for strict adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter, she underlined the importance of stronger cooperation among the Security Council, General Assembly and the Peacebuilding Commission, as well as more support for national ownership, efficiency, flexibility and inclusive dialogue. Women must play an active role in prevention, mediation, dialogue and in negotiating conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. Breaking the vicious cycle of conflict required tackling their structural roots, she said, warning against interventionist approaches that had historically led to chaos, destruction and terrorism which were still being felt today.

MANSOUR AYYAD SH. A. ALOTAIBI (Kuwait) said that, in many conflict situations, the Council had failed to act until tensions had reached a very advanced stage, and resolving them would already be very complex. Calling on the Council to shoulder its obligations under Articles VI, VII and VIII of the United Nations Charter, he expressed support for the Secretary-General’s efforts to reform the Organization’s peace and security pillar. ��Ϲ�� should also become more transparent, accountable and better able to shoulder its duties. However, addressing peace should not be constrained to thematic issues, and the effective implementation of the resolutions to be adopted by the Council and the Assembly must be effectively followed up. Emphasizing that development and human rights were closely linked to security, he said ensuring that all people were able to enjoy their civil, economic and political rights would help eradicate conflicts around the world.

MA ZHAOXU (China) said efforts must focus on finding political solutions to conflict affected “hotspot” areas of the world, promoting national reconciliation and preventing a relapse of violence. Relevant United Nations agencies must have clearly identified priorities and must respect the aspirations of countries of concern. In addition, the Peacebuilding Commission must play its critical role, he said, welcoming a strengthening of its efforts. When desired goals had been achieved in peacekeeping, it was imperative that peacebuilding efforts swiftly followed, including with clear plans beyond mission mandates that would ensure smooth operations during times of transition.

ANATOLIO NDONG MBA (Equatorial Guinea) highlighted the critical need to address the root causes of conflict and the links between clashes and violent extremism, terrorism and organized crime. For its part, Equatorial Guinea supported the Secretary-General’s efforts, particularly the approach for fostering sustainable development with a view to prevent conflicts. Instead of funding war, investments should focus on development, lifting people out of extreme poverty and promoting and boosting cooperation, including among South-South and triangular stakeholders. Expressing support for reform efforts related to the peacebuilding architecture, he said Equatorial Guinea supported the twin Assembly and Council resolutions and the Secretary-General’s proposals.

JOANNA WRONECKA (Poland) said long-term peace and security hinged on addressing development and human rights. Peacebuilding and sustainable peace were a fundamental condition for development and the United Nations should address conflicts in a comprehensive manner, using all available tools. Turning to development, the 2030 Agenda pledged to leave no one behind and create conditions for inclusive and sustainable growth, providing the best way to prevent crises and conflicts. Cooperation among all stakeholders was of utmost importance, he said, emphasizing a need to align the core business of the private sector with the international community’s strategic goals. Above all, respect for human rights must lead peace processes, which should be inclusive, including respect for the rights of women, children and young people.

KAIRAT UMAROV (Kazakhstan) said early warning, preventive diplomacy, mediation and peacekeeping were interdependent and complementary components of an integrated strategy. As such, investments must begin early to avoid conflict, he said, adding that Kazakhstan had been at the forefront of preventive diplomacy, conflict prevention and confidence-building measures. A three-fold strategy guided actions to address current conflicts — recognizing the security-development nexus, taking a regional approach and ensuring the United Nations delivered as one. Such an approach complemented the Secretary-General’s efforts and combining the three elements could create a universal model to address conflicts and sustain peace that could be replicated around the world. Kazakhstan aimed at introducing the three-fold strategy to the wider United Nations membership, he said, calling on the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Support Office to explore the efficiency of that approach.

KELLEY A. ECKELS-CURRIE (United States) said that almost every conflict-affected country the Council had discussed had faced great challenges in consolidating post-conflict peace. Expressing optimism about reform proposals for the United Nations, she emphasized that changes in the structure alone would not trigger progress. Steps should also include deeper collaboration among partners to address the drivers of conflict, while the Peacebuilding Support Office could share more information on best practices. Also needed were better exit strategies and more viable plans for transitions from peacekeeping to peacebuilding. Pointing to a successful example of that, she said a best practice model was the Council’s work in Liberia ahead of the closure of the mission in that country. She highlighted several other effective activities, including civil society in peace processes and partnerships in the financial and private sectors. Governments must do their part, including showing the political will to solve problems.

DMITRY A. POLYANSKIY (Russian Federation) said peacebuilding had begun in 2005 when the Council had aimed at helping countries along a post-conflict path of reconstruction and recovery. A decade later, twin General Assembly-Security Council resolutions had specified the Peacebuilding Commission’s aim of achieving lasting solutions and addressing root causes of conflict. Sustaining peace was a challenge supported by all stakeholders. At the international level, peacebuilding implied that attention must be focused from the beginning and at every stage of conflict, with United Nations agencies operating strictly within their mandates, he said, noting that the Secretary-General had contributed to the discussion on how to make the United Nations system more effective. Yet, in defining a new term, peacebuilding should not relegate peacekeeping to the back burner. Raising several other concerns, he said one-size-fits-all approaches did not work, with each situation requiring a tailored strategy and consent of the country involved. Established mandates on relevant issues, from development to human rights, must be respected. The Russian Federation supported the new twin resolutions to be adopted by the Assembly and the Council, he said, expressing hope that procedural elements would be correctly interpreted.

TEKEDA ALEMU (Ethiopia) said unprecedented challenges reflected growing geopolitical tensions among major Powers, exacerbated by terrorism, cybercrime and transitional organized crime. The impact on Africa was worrying, he said, expressing support for the Secretary-General’s latest proposals. The concept of sustaining peace had brought a paradigm shift in how related issues were being addressed. The proposed overhaul of the United Nations would allow the Organization to comprehensively tackle challenges by reducing overlapping mandates and improving planning so it could deliver more effectively in the field. Peace, security, development and human rights were inextricably linked, he said, adding that the Peacebuilding Commission’s contributions must be scaled up to ensure it continued to promote an integrated strategic approach to pressing issues. ��Ϲ�� must also enhance partnerships, including with regional organizations, civil society and private organizations. Pointing at African Union peacebuilding initiatives, he expressed hope that the new framework for an enhanced partnership with the United Nations would be instrumental to further strengthening cooperation on sustaining peace on the continent. More broadly, a change in mindset was needed, summoning the international community’s long commitment to multilateralism. “This, no doubt, is a period when much wisdom is needed in relations among States,” she said.

This article was originally published in Meeting Coverage.

World Leaders in General Assembly Stress Importance of Conflict Prevention, Mediation during High-Level Debate on Building, Sustaining Peace

Kensuke Matsueda — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 22:59:54 +0000

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GA/12011

24 APRIL 2018

SEVENTY-SECOND SESSION, 83RD & 84TH MEETINGS (AM & PM)

Assembly President Calls for Coherence, Partnerships across United Nations Pillars

Member States must go beyond resolutions and statements and recommit to a new approach to peace, the General Assembly heard today during a high-level debate that explored opportunities for strengthening the United Nations work on sustaining peace.

The two-day meeting was convened by the Assembly President in line with General Assembly resolution 70/262 and Security Council resolution 2282 (2016), renewing the United Nations’ commitment to conflict prevention, as embodied in its Charter. (For background, please see Press Release GA/12010).

In opening remarks, Assembly President Miroslav Lajčák (Slovakia) said that, while there had not been another world war since the founding of the United Nations, the Organization had not been there when people needed it. “We could have done more to respond to conflicts and more to prevent them from happening at all,” he said. With people facing unending conflict in parts of the world, a new approach was needed. The signs were already there: rising intolerance, hate speech and disregard for the systems that we had spent 70 years building.

Secretary-General António Guterres said that, two years after the General Assembly and the Security Council had adopted twin resolutions on sustaining peace, it was time to look at progress and forge a common path ahead. Remarking that more countries were experiencing violent conflict than at any time in nearly three decades, he highlighted the record numbers of civilians being killed or displaced by violence, war and persecution.

Emphasizing the central message of his report on peacebuilding and sustaining peace, he said the coherence of international efforts to support Governments and their people must be enhanced. But, without progress on financing, efforts could be futile. Noting that $233 billion had been spent on humanitarian interventions, peacekeeping and hosting refugees, he said more must be invested in prevention — above all because it saved lives.

The need for prevention featured prominently throughout the discussion, with several speakers stressing that it must be at the core of multilateral efforts.

On that note, Ireland’s President said outbreaks and recurrence of conflict would only be prevented by addressing their root causes. That demanded political imagination and financial commitment, which must be met with answerable determination by Member States. Calling for investment in prevention as a matter of moral duty and financial prudence, he said conflict prevention would not only save lives, but also open possibilities for development and human flourishing.

Meanwhile, Albania’s Foreign Minister noted that human rights monitoring and analysis could provide crucial early warning signs of grievances that, if unaddressed, could lead to violent conflict. Further, the Peacebuilding Commission was an important instrument for preventative action, he said.

Echoing that sentiment, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of Croatia, said a solid prevention system — an approach supported by the peacebuilding review — could save Government resources that, in turn, could be invested in improving living conditions in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In that connection, several speakers underscored that sustainable and inclusive development, with respect for human rights, was the best tool to prevent violent conflict and instability, pointing to the 2030 Agenda as a blueprint for more stable and resilient societies.

The King of Belgium said time was needed to heal the wounds caused by humiliation and violence, to bring perpetrators of serious abuses to trial, and to remember. ��Ϲ��’ failure in recent years to prevent wars or to swiftly end them should not overshadow its successes. The scale, complexity and duration of many of today’s conflicts must encourage Member States to find other ways to create lasting peace.

In that vein, several speakers highlighted experiences in their own countries that provided hope about the prospects for ending even the most protracted conflicts.

While acknowledging that making peace was more difficult than making war, Colombia’s President said the most complex challenge was finding the proper balance between peace and justice. Towards that end, his Government had placed victims at the core of conflict resolution in a process that involved truth, reparations and sanctions. The success of such efforts was crucial to achieving a sustainable peace, he said.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina shared insights from more than 25 years of peacebuilding in his country, stressing that efforts must be carefully coordinated and introduced at an early stage, with a focus on rebuilding national institutions, including the rule of law and the security sector.

The Gambia’s President said partners were essential for providing material and financial support, as well as capacity‑building, technical cooperation and an exchange of ideas. The Peacebuilding Support Office and the Peacebuilding Fund must be provided with financial resources so that timely interventions could be launched.

Similarly, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister said his country’s strong partnership with the United Nations had helped it overcome security, social and economic challenges on its road to a sustained peace.

Also speaking today were Heads of State and Government, ministers and senior officials from the Central African Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Venezuela (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), Turkey (also on behalf of the “MIKTA” Group), Iran, Germany, Peru, Norway, Montenegro, Iceland, Sweden, Bangladesh, Ghana, Philippines, Poland, Kenya, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Moldova, Switzerland (also on behalf of the Human Rights and Conflict Prevention Caucus), United Kingdom, Maldives, Spain, Slovenia, France, Qatar, Greece, Latvia, Ukraine, Portugal, Bulgaria, Brazil, Czechia, Lesotho and India, as well as the European Union.

Michelle Yeoh, Actress, Producer and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador; Ishmael Beah, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Advocate for Children Affected by War; Joy Onyesoh, President of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Nigeria; and Jayathma Wickramanayake, the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth also delivered remarks.

The General Assembly will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 25 April, to continue its high-level meeting and take action on a related draft resolution.

Opening Remarks

MIROSLAV LAJČÁK (Slovakia), President of the General Assembly, said peace was at the core of the founding of the United Nations, with its Charter endeavouring to save generations from the scourge of another war. And while there had not been another world war, the United Nations had not been there when people needed it. More could have been done. That was why, in 2016, the Organization took another approach, adopting the sustaining peace resolution, which committed it to act earlier, faster and better to prevent the suffering that conflict brought.

However, the challenge was to make that approach a reality, he said. The international community must assess its progress how it could do better going forward. With people facing unending conflict in parts of the world, a new approach was needed now more than ever. The signs were already there: rising intolerance, hate speech, escalating rhetoric and disregard for the systems that we had spent 70 years building. At the same time, prevention needed to be prioritized, with more mediation and diplomacy at the local, regional and international levels.

“We need a drive for diplomacy and the United Nations must be the engine room,” he said, adding that the world must not allow the incentives for violence to outweigh those for peace. He called for more coherence across the United Nations three pillars, as well as partnerships to sustain peace, stressing that the United Nations must listen to national, regional and subregional actors. Civil society was another key ingredient to sustaining peace, while innovative partnerships were also needed with the private sector and financial institutions.

More broadly, the international community was not investing enough in prevention, he said, noting that the Peacebuilding Fund was struggling to meet its $500 million target. Highlighting the need for inclusion, he noted that the power to make and build peace was currently held in the hands of very few people — mainly men. When it came to peace, more actors at the table were needed — not simply for the optics, but for adding value to discussions.

In 2016, he said the international community had made a strong commitment with the sustaining peace resolution and another resolution would be introduced this week to keep up the momentum. But, that was not enough, as the stakes were too high and the effects of war too inhuman. He urged Member States to go beyond resolutions, statements and words and to recommit to a new approach to peace.

ANTÓNIO GUTERRES, Secretary-General of the United Nations, said that, two years after the General Assembly and the Security Council had adopted twin resolutions on sustaining peace, it was time to look at progress and forge a common path ahead. While no one could doubt the many benefits of globalization, in some fundamental ways, the world had moved backwards, with more countries experiencing violent conflict that at any time in nearly three decades. Record numbers of civilians were being killed or displaced by violence, war and persecution. There were also horrific violations of human rights, rising nationalism, racism and xenophobia, while inequalities were increasing.

Those events all indicated the need for greater unity and courage to ease people’s fears, set the world on track for a better future and lay the foundations for sustainable peace and development, he said. Emphasizing the central message of his report on peacebuilding and sustaining peace, he said the coherence of international efforts to support Governments and their people must be enhanced. That required strengthening partnerships throughout the peace continuum. Highlighting the work of his High-Level Advisory Board on Mediation and the Action for Peacekeeping, he said the United Nations sought to give more support to the Peacebuilding Commission and to revitalize the Peacebuilding Support Office, increasing its capacity to facilitate transition in post-conflict situations.

Citing by way of example the transition under way in Liberia from a peacekeeping operation to a United Nations country team, he said much remained to be done. “Sustaining peace will only be realized through committed, inclusive national ownership that considers the needs of the most marginalized, including women, young people, minorities and people with disabilities,” he said, underscoring his strong commitment to women’s participation in peacebuilding. Welcoming the newly released Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security, he said it was beyond time to recognize the major contribution that young people could make to peace and security, and asked Member States to support his reforms in that area.

Above all, sustainable and inclusive development, deeply rooted in respect for human rights, was the best tool to prevent violent conflict and instability, he said. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was a common blueprint for more peaceful, stable and resilient societies. He said he was determined to prepare the United Nations for the world of tomorrow, but without progress on financing, efforts would run the risk of being futile. Noting that $233 billion had been spent on humanitarian interventions, peacekeeping and hosting refugees, he said more must be invested in prevention — above all because it saved lives. He asked that Member States to provide $500 million per year to the Peacebuilding Fund, stressing that he had proposed increasing by 50 per cent the number of posts in the Peacebuilding Support Office. Appealing for strong support from the Security Council and the Assembly, he said he hoped for continued discussion on strengthening the peacebuilding architecture.

MICHELLE YEOH, Actress, Producer and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador, recalled how in the latter role she had met many people who had been forced from their homes, struggling to make ends meet and who had been left behind. Many times, their hardship had been the result of conflict, which had become deadlier over the years. Indeed, millions of people around the world were being displaced from their homes, primarily due to violence. More than half of the world’s refugees were children, often separated from their parents.

By 2030, the target year of the Sustainable Development Agenda, more than half of the world’s poor would be living in countries plagued by violent conflict, she said. Meanwhile, women and girls were falling prey to gender-based violence, with devastating long-term effects. The human cost of war was too high, and the financial costs wide-reaching. To date, most international efforts had focused on crises that had already broken out, rather than on preventing conflicts in the first place, which could save countless lives and billions of dollars.

However, the United Nations had begun shifting its efforts towards prevention, she said, noting that the resolution had emphasized prevention, inclusion and women’s essential role in the peacebuilding process. Indeed, inclusive and sustained peacebuilding required the full participation of women, who should be agents of that that work and not merely its beneficiaries. Gender equality contributed to durable peace and sustainable development.

Looking forward, funds were needed to advance gender equality, especially in peacebuilding contexts, she said. Building and sustaining peace was at the core of the United Nations: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, sustainable development was needed. In fact, sustainable development and sustainable peace must be achieved in concert. In that light, the United Nations needed the time, space and resources to pursue long-term strategies that yielded long-term results, she said.

ISHMAEL BEAH, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Advocate for Children Affected by War, said that embarking on peacebuilding without children would mean failure for all efforts to create a future the world could be proud of. It was worrying and disturbing to think of the current state of the world, in which children were under attack on a shocking scale as parties to conflict ignored international law and other instruments meant to protect them. From Syria to South Sudan and Myanmar to Yemen, children were being targeted and exposed to attack in their homes, schools and playgrounds. “We cannot become numb” to their plight, he said, adding that such levels of brutality must not become the new norm.

Amid the horrors, there were moments of hope, such as the recent release or 200 armed children from armed groups in South Sudan, he said, adding, however, that much remained to be done. Emphasizing UNICEF’s call for an end to violations against all children, he said the international community had come a long way since the Graça Machel report in 1996 on the impact of armed conflict on children. There was no shortage of policies and ideas, but there was a lack of commitment among nations to put them into effect. He recommended that delegations read a recent study by the United Nations University on radicalization and de‑radicalization in several conflict areas, including Syria, Iraq, Mali and Nigeria. It described how the criminalization of association with terrorist groups and violent extremism had led to the detention and prosecution of juveniles who should instead be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society. The best way forward was to address underlying issues, not to hold children accountable. Everyone realized the need for security, but in building peace, the principles of human dignity must not be violated, he added.

JOY ONYESOH, President, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Nigeria, recalled one her visits to Borno State in which she met Amina, a woman at a camp for internally displaced persons who had been separated from her children as they fled violence in that region. That was one of the human costs of conflict, she said, calling for a shift from crisis response to active conflict prevention. That shift, she said, required women’s meaningful participation and the examination of the root causes of conflict. Women like Amina were one of many that faced the reality of armed conflict. If the international community wanted to support the participation of marginalized communities, a commitment to gender analysis was needed. What was required went beyond token numbers, she said, calling for targeted interventions that were contextually appropriate. Creating an enabling environment for the work women were doing on the ground was key.

She commended the growing number of civil society speakers at the Security Council, and the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. Nonetheless, structures in place continuously excluded women. She highlighted the limited funds that had been allocated to support the promotion of gender equality, adding that national budget cuts were further contributing to that trend. Overall, prioritizing women’s participation and rights was at the centre of conflict prevention and sustaining peace. She called for gender analysis across the United Nations system based on women’s perspectives, and financing that scaled up funding for gender-focused programmes. At the same time, political will was needed to challenge gender narratives and power. “��Ϲ�� is a beacon of hope to men and women and we should keep that flame of hope burning,” she concluded.

JAYATHMA WICKRAMANAYAKE, the Secretary‑General’s Envoy on Youth, said that, if any generation knew the value of peace, it was hers, and it was determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past. Emphasizing the importance of tapping into the potential and creativity of youth, she noted that 408 million young people were today living amid violence and armed conflicts. Greater support must be given to those working on peace and stability in their communities, often with little funding or support, and sometimes under personal threat. She also encouraged delegations to read the Progress Report on Youth, Peace and Security.

She said two key issues must be immediately addressed: a growing mistrust among youth in political institutions and their exclusion from political and economic life. Meaningful youth participation contributed to conflict prevention. For too long, young people had been calling on the United Nations to go beyond the immediate needs of war-torn countries by giving more attention to sustaining peace. The Organization must build on the youth, peace and security agenda set out in Security Council resolution 2250 (2015), which was intended to ensure that young people were listened to and taken seriously, not called upon to wave flags or cast ballots when their votes were needed. Financing for sustainable peace should be substantially increased, including the youth instrument of the Peacebuilding Fund. Concluding, she said young people must be seen as partners in peacebuilding, not as a problem to be dealt with, and reminded delegates that a generation was counting on them to make the right decisions.

Statements

King PHILIPPE of Belgium, recalling that his country for centuries had been “a land of battlefields”, noted that Europe was built on profound reconciliation and gradual rapprochement. Lasting peace was more than the absence of war, but also the fashioning of a framework that was respectful of human dignity. Lasting peace was also the ultimate purpose of the United Nations Charter, he said, describing the 2030 Agenda as a key instrument for conflict prevention, as well as development. He went on to say that, while peace was forged through action, it needed time to take hold. “Human relationships are not decreed; they are built, or rebuilt, patiently, through trust,” he said. Time was needed to heal wounds caused by humiliation and violence; to demobilize, disarm and reintegrate; to bring perpetrators of serious abuses to trial; and to remember. he failure of the United Nations in recent years to prevent wars or to swiftly end them should not overshadow its successes. Rather, the scale, complexity and duration of many of today’s conflicts must encourage Member States to find other ways that would bring lasting peace closer.

JUAN MANUEL SANTOS CALDERÓN, President of Colombia, said making peace was more difficult than making war. In Colombia, it was not enough to end its conflict. The most complex challenge was finding the proper balance between peace and justice. Towards that end, his Government had placed victims and their rights at the core of conflict resolution, resorting to transitional justice. Both parties to the conflict had agreed on a system of justice and adhered to it in line with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. That process involved full truth, reparations and sanctions. Above punishing those responsible, victims yearned for the truth about what had happened to their loved ones. The success of such efforts was crucial to achieving a sustainable peace. His Government was working to return land to those who had lost it in the violence, and was prioritizing the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants. However, without training and long‑term projects for combatants, reintegration could fail and lead to violence. Further, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) was now a legal political party trying to win over citizens with words instead of arms. More broadly, his Government was clearing its countryside of anti-personnel mines, with the goal of complete elimination before 2022, and addressing coca leaf production through a crop substitution and forced eradication programme. However, the war on drugs had not been won: a strategy of prohibition and suppression had only produced more criminals, making drug trafficking the biggest threat to peace. He called for a change in the global strategy to combat drugs. While 2017 had been Colombia’s most peaceful year to date, with the lowest homicide rate in 40 years, the challenge was to sustain peace. Colombia had shown that finding paths to understanding was possible. He reiterated that ending even the most protracted conflicts was possible. With international support, Colombia had made the impossible possible.

MICHAEL D. HIGGINS, President of Ireland, said: “It is an affront to humanity that, at a time when we have the capacity to abolish all forms of human poverty, we share a planet with hundreds of millions who are, even as we speak here today, deprived of their most fundamental rights.” The objectives of sustaining peace, in their scale and ambition, confirmed the enormity of the task; however, that task must be achieved. Ireland knew from its own history that peace would not come without engaging with the other. The Northern Ireland Peace Agreement, signed 25 years ago, had included such crucial elements as direct engagement by the parties, strong support from the European Union and the generous and patient backing of Member States around the world. Noting that Ireland was reminded daily of the challenges of sustaining peace, he said outbreaks and recurrences of conflict would only be prevented by addressing their root causes. That demanded political imagination and financial commitment, which must be met with answerable determination by Member States. Calling for investment in prevention as a matter of moral duty and financial prudence, he said conflict prevention would not only save lives, but also open possibilities for development and human flourishing. Member States must discard narrow and cynical thinking, he concluded, emphasizing that the world’s youth were appalled that the “strut of the powerful” should remain the prevailing norm in the main organs of the United Nations.

FAUSTIN ARCHANGE TOUADERA, President of the Central African Republic, detailed steps taken in his country to re-establish peace since he took office in March 2016. Those included constitutional measures, legislation to establish gender parity and a frank and sincere dialogue with armed groups aimed at bringing them into society. Out of 14 identified groups, 12 were participating in that process. Young people were, meanwhile, making a significant contribution. At the same time, the Government was making headway in restoring State authority and security, implementing the rule of law, and establishing a truth, justice and reparations commission. But, many challenges remained, he said, thanking the United Nations and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) for providing security and protecting civilians. Appealing for that Mission’s staffing to be bolstered, he said he hoped his country would be a model for international efforts to build and sustain peace.

ADAMA BARROW, President of the Gambia, underscored national achievements in security sector reform, economic growth and the rule of law. “Our overarching goal is to build and sustain the peace that we have won,” he stressed, commending regional and international partners for their continued support to peacebuilding efforts. The Gambia would remain focused on investing in economic growth and creating an enabling environment that encouraged constructive criticism. Still, challenges persisted, including a revival of the economy, and reforms to laws and administrative institutions. Partners remained essential in providing material and financial support, as well as capacity‑building, technical cooperation and exchange of ideas, he said, stressing that the Peacebuilding Support Office and the Peacebuilding Fund must be provided with financial resources so that timely interventions could be launched.

JÜRI RATAS, Prime Minister of Estonia, said the current multilateral system must remain strong, with the United Nations working in a more integrated, flexible and coordinated manner while placing prevention at the core of its efforts. But, the world could not rely only on the United Nations, as sustaining peace was the primary responsibility of Member States, which must also have the will to operationalize adequate policies to implement the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, Member States must invest more in prevention, peacebuilding and peacekeeping, he said, noting Estonia’s involvement with the Peacebuilding Commission and United Nations missions. Estonia had also contributed to the Peacebuilding Fund, which was an effective instrument for providing fast and flexible assistance, and was fully committed to implementing the new agenda for sustaining peace.

MIKHEIL JANELIDZE, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia, recalled that his country — which had struggled with foreign occupation, conflict-driven violence and forced displacement for more than 25 years — had required international engagement to address ethnic cleansing, violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity, mass expulsions and grave human rights violations in the occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. ��Ϲ�� Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) had played a key role in achieving security since 1993. However, the cessation of the Mission’s mandate by a veto in the Security Council — following military aggression by the Russian Federation in 2008 — had created a vacuum of international presence in the occupied regions, where arbitrary detentions, abductions and killings were the norm. No progress had been made since, and in March, a Georgian internally displaced person who crossed the occupation line was detained and killed by the occupying Power. Emphasizing the link between ensuring justice and sustaining peace, he expressed hope that Member States would continue to call on the Russian Federation to abide by its international obligations, adding that Georgia — despite those provocations — continued its efforts to build confidence, enhance economic ties and foster people-to-people contacts across the dividing lines.

MARIJA PEJČINOVIĆ BURIĆ, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of Croatia, aligning herself with the European Union, said peacebuilding was among the most important and complex challenges in contemporary international relations. To address those challenges, a parallel focus was needed on all political, security, developmental, environmental and human rights issues. As a victim of aggression during the last decade of the twentieth century, Croatia had gained first-hand knowledge of peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery, and stood ready to share that valuable knowledge with others. Stressing that flexible, tailor-made approaches were the productive way forward, she expressed support for improved data-gathering and analysis within the United Nations Secretariat. In addition, she welcomed the approach supported by the peacebuilding review, which emphasised prevention. Indeed, a solid prevention system could save Member States’ resources that could be invested in improving living conditions in line with the 2030 Agenda. She went on to highlight the need for a deep understanding of the causes of crises, noting that reading early warning signs and a readiness to act without hesitation were essential.

JORGE ARREAZA MONTSERRAT (Venezuela), speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, said complex global security challenges must be addressed multilaterally within the framework of international law. Preserving, promoting, achieving and maintaining peace and security must remain a priority on the United Nations agenda. Likewise, preventing the outbreak of crises was primarily a national responsibility that could benefit from United Nations support. He stressed the importance of non-interference in the internal State affairs before emphasizing that all segments of society should be included in the peace process. He highlighted the role of women and young people in the resolution of conflicts and building resilient societies. For its part, the Movement was committed to promoting the peaceful dispute settlement in accordance with Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter, and looked forward to engaging in in-depth discussions on all proposals in preparation of the 2020 Peacebuilding Architecture Review. In that connection, he called for redoubled international efforts and improved synergies between peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities.

MEVLÜT ÇAVUŞOĞLU, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkey, said Member States had agreed on the parameters needed to address the high number of conflicts around the world. Those included addressing root causes; achieving the sustainable development; ensuring regional and national ownership of settlements; the wider use of mediation; and building and sustaining peace. However, while those basic principles had been identified, nations had not yet succeeded in achieving a more peaceful world, largely because they were selective in their responses. “We all react” when the regime of Syria’s President used chemical weapons to kill women and children, but States were silent when it used conventional weapons to the same ends. Indeed, when the five permanent Security Council members agreed, international law could be enforced; when they failed to do so, the system remained locked. Citing several examples of inconsistent approaches — such as major media coverage of terror attacks on Western capitals, but none for those carried out in the Middle East or Africa — he asked: “Is human life more valuable in certain regions?” A better world could not be built against the backdrop of such hypocrisy and double standards, he stressed, calling for a paradigm shift acknowledging that the world was bigger than the Council’s five permanent members.

Mr. ÇAVUŞOĞLU, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkey, delivered a statement on behalf of the “MIKTA” Group— namely, Mexico, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Turkey and Australia. Noting that the Group strongly supported the concept of sustaining peace, which represented a paradigm shift in the United Nations system, he echoed the Secretary-General’s assertion that it must be assumed collectively, comprehensively and inclusively by all stakeholders. Meanwhile, national Governments and authorities bore the primary responsibility for all relevant priorities, strategies and activities. Spotlighting the key role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding, and reaffirming their role in decision-making, he also welcomed that the new procedural resolution on sustaining peace demonstrated Member States’ clear expectations of the United Nations Secretariat, funds, programmes and agencies, which should energetically and promptly advance the resolution’s elements that could already be implemented.

NEVEN MIMICA, Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development of the European Union, said sustaining peace was a joint responsibility of Governments and societies that also demanded the full use of the United Nations political tools, including preventive diplomacy and mediation. For its part, the European Union was keen to exchange best practices with multilateral partners regarding inclusive economic development and strengthening resilience. It also wished that the United Nations development system would enhance its capacity to address the root causes of instability and that efforts were made to strengthen the links among humanitarian, development and peacebuilding activities. Outlining some of the bloc’s activities, he said members had adopted a strategic approach to resilience and conclusions on a framework for a more holistic engagement to external conflicts and crises when promoting human security. Welcoming the emphasis on empowering women and youth, he also highlighted the need to work closely with key international and regional partners. As the United Nations was meant to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of peace, the European Union welcomed the Organization’s ambitious plan to lead in achieving that common goal.

M. JAVAD ZARIF, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iran, said conflict prevention meant focusing on root causes, including occupation, foreign intervention and extremism. It also meant addressing hegemonic attempts to achieve security at the expense of others through exclusions and blocs which led to destructive arms races. It was crucial to shift to a new paradigm, one based on joining forces and creating strong regions through security networking. It was imperative to move away from the zero-sum paradigm of seeking regional hegemony and exclusion in Iran’s immediate neighbourhood, he said, proposing a regional dialogue forum for the Persian Gulf that would address the challenge of building and sustaining peace. He invited Iran’s neighbours to join that endeavour, adding that Iran expected the United Nations to lend its assistance through arrangements set out — but never implemented — in Security Council resolution 598 (1987).

HEIKO MAAS, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, urged the international community to rethink its approach for the future. Member States must seek dialogue instead of confrontation, invest in disarmament instead of rearmament and focus on prevention instead of intervention. “We cannot only address conflicts once they are on the front pages of the newspapers,” he added. Noting the example of the Sahel region, where there were several peace and training missions, he said such measures would only succeed if peace and reconciliation processes were brought to a conclusion accepted by all. He expressed support to the Secretary‑General’s focus and emphasized that modern peace policy must be funded in the right way. It was not efficient if peacekeeping missions costing billions were followed by peacebuilding plans that lacked funds. For its part, Germany had more than tripled its budget for crisis prevention and humanitarian aid in 2017.

NÉSTOR FRANCISCO POPOLIZIO BARDALES, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru, welcomed efforts under way to bring about the holistic and multidimensional vision that peacebuilding and sustaining peace required. Peru had tackled terrorism and built peace and stability through a broad national consensus on the need to strengthen institutions, promote the rule of law and fight poverty and inequality. Peruvians were approaching their bicentenary with optimism. However, the country remained vulnerable to climate change, natural disasters and corruption. Noting that Peru was President of the Security Council for April, he said urgent responses were needed to conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, as well as the threat of weapons of mass destruction.

INE ERIKSEN SØREIDE, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway, expressed concern that, in less than a decade, the number of major violent conflicts had tripled, their nature becoming ever more complex and protracted. Peace could never be imposed from the outside, she stressed, emphasizing that national ownership was critical to achieve sustaining peace. “Peace and development are two sides of the same coin,” she added, welcoming the agreement on the procedural resolution on sustaining peace. She used Colombia as an example, underscoring that implementing the peace agreement in that country would not just create peace but also more inclusive development. Schools were now open in areas previously torn apart by conflict. While that may look like small progress, it was a clear example of how peace and development were explicitly interlinked.

SRDAN DARMANOVIĆ, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, aligning himself with the European Union, said the effects of conflicts around the world would be felt for years to come. Member States had a shared responsibility to address those challenges more decisively, he said, noting that peace as a policy was underrecognized, underprioritized and underresourced. That was especially true for conflict prevention, she said, underlining the importance of early detection and early warning mechanisms. In that regard, shifting from a perception of a “failure to act” to a culture of prevention was essential, and required political will and leadership from all actors. At the same time, investing in conflict prevention was considerably less expensive than reacting to crises. Mediation must also receive greater attention and resources, he said, adding that it was among the most cost-effective tools. Montenegro was an example of how a country’s independence could be achieved in a peaceful manner.

GUDLAUGUR THÓR THÓRDARSON, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, said it was difficult to discuss peace and security without mentioning disappointment with the work of the Security Council regarding Syria. “The world body responsible for ensuring peace is hampered by its inability to agree and move forward on the most urgent issues,” he stressed. Still, he pointed to progress, particularly under the leadership of the Secretary-General. The last five years had seen important growth at the policy level, which had shaped the concepts on sustaining peace and peacebuilding. “Prevention is better, cheaper and saves more lives,” he emphasized, underscoring that the 2030 Agenda was the most powerful framework for peacebuilding. Action was critical also “not only when conflict has broken out, but long beforehand”. That included addressing the root causes, including human rights and governance rights.

DITMIR BUSHATI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Albania, said there had been many times when the international community had responded to crises insufficiently, as evidenced by the war in Syria. Thus, he highlighted the importance of prevention and the need for the United Nations to establish mechanisms to identify potential signs of conflict. Implementation of the 2030 Agenda was the best way to address the common causes of conflict, while human rights monitoring and analysis could provide crucial early warning signs of grievances that, if unaddressed, could lead to violent conflict. Further, the Peacebuilding Commission was an important instrument for preventative action, while partnerships were also essential, he said, stressing the need to draw on the expertise and experience of reginal and global actors, as well as financial institutions, civil society and the private sector. Meanwhile, women and young people were real asset for peace. He recalled that the Western Balkans had been a theatre of major conflict but that, through genuine political will, dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia had helped narrow divisions and mistrust.

SALAHUDDIN RABBANI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, expressing support for the Secretary-General’s reform agenda, said his country’s strong partnership with the United Nations had helped it overcome security, social and economic challenges on its road to a sustained peace. “We can say from experience that international engagement in conflict or post-conflict settings should endure until the fundamental factors of instability are resolved and the situation is fully stabilized,” he said. The peace offer made by the President of Afghanistan in February offered new incentives for a political settlement, while incorporating the principles of national ownership and leadership, and the proactive role of women. He urged all stakeholders, including countries in the region, to contribute to that Afghan-led peace process and help generate an enabling environment for direct and results-oriented talks.

IGOR CRNADAK, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, sharing insights from more than 25 years of peacebuilding in his country, said efforts must be carefully coordinated and introduced at an early stage, with a primary focus on rebuilding national institutions, including the rule of law and the security sector. It took years, even decades, to build legitimate and effective institutions, with the European Union and the United Nations acting as major partners. The process of European Union integration, meanwhile, contributed to strengthening institutions and better regional cooperation and dialogue. However, international intervention and assistance must eventually transition to support and partnership. At that point, citizens who were open to dialogue and respectful and supportive of each other would be the backbone of peacebuilding. In essence, he added, only citizens themselves could be the keepers of their country’s peace and prosperity.

MARGOT WALLSTRÖM, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, said the real test now was to transform the sustaining peace resolutions into change on the ground in fragile contexts, which required strong political commitments at the highest level from all countries. Highlighting ways to operationalize the agenda, he said efforts must focus on economic development, sovereignty and conflict prevention. Investing in economic development had vast returns, with the 2030 Agenda offering an integrated framework to address the economic and social drivers of conflict while building stable societies and the Peacebuilding Fund providing catalytic functions. To create such societies, equality must remain at the forefront of efforts that should also strengthen sovereignty and inclusion. Beyond that, political will must guide progress, he said, emphasizing that the United Nations could not do the job alone and Member States must shoulder their immense responsibilities in pursuit of peace.

ASADUZZAMAN KHAN, Minister for Home Affairs of Bangladesh, said that his country’s history of war explained why it had opened its doors to more than 1 million people displaced from Myanmar’s Rakhine State. That massive influx of people had a huge socioeconomic and environmental impact on Bangladesh. Unless resolved, the Rohingya crisis could have a far-reaching effect on peace and security in that region and beyond. He called for increased and predictable financing for United Nations peace operations, without any diversion of resources. “There could be no peace without development, and no development without peace,” he continued, underscoring the importance of combating poverty, scaling up human development and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth. For its part, Bangladesh had mainstreamed the Sustainable Development Goals into its national development strategies. Recognizing those efforts, the United Nations had declared that country eligible for graduation from the least developed country category. Overall, the Secretary‑General’s vision for reform on peacebuilding and sustaining peace was a step in the right direction and Bangladesh would continue to promote that agenda.

SHIRLEY AYORKOR BOTCHWEY, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, said: “‘Sustaining peace’ reinforces the fact that peace, security, development and human rights are closely interlinked and mutually reinforcing.” Calling for well-targeted actions and efforts to address the roots of conflicts, she said prevention — including strengthening the rule of law, building accountable institutions, ensuring access to justice and respect for and protection of human rights — should be at their core. The 2017 United Nations‑African Union Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security was a good example of the United Nations critical cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, she said, also citing the Organization’s strategic partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which had resulted in several successful preventative and peacebuilding interventions. Noting that Ghana contributed troops to various United Nations peace operations, she called for the adequate resourcing of the peacebuilding components of relevant operations, as well as special political and drawdown missions and emphasized the importance of women in their peacebuilding work.

JESUS DUREZA, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process of the Philippines, said President Duterte was working to address several important national challenges including those posed by drugs, criminality and conflict. Recalling that he had recently delayed his scheduled negotiations with the New People’s Army, he said those talks were under way “as we speak”. The Government had also signed a new agreement with the Bangsamoro people in the south. Underlining the important nexus of peace and development, he said one could not come before the other. Peace could not be achieved only by addressing those who fought against the State, he said, emphasizing that law-abiding citizens also deserved the attention of Governments. The Philippines, as a highly diverse country, respected all the individual identities of its minority groups. “We must accept that we are different”, but remain united in the effort to bring about a sustainable peace. Spotlighting the important role played by United Nations mediators, he said rebel groups were less likely to walk away from the negotiating table when foreign mediators were present. Citing a recent incident of violent extremism in the southern city of Marawi, he said the Government was still learning from that tragedy. While buildings could be reconstructed, he said “it is harder to put back together the social structure”, and welcomed the United Nations redoubled emphasis on conflict prevention. Now was the time to be proactive in weaving peace into all interventions, he said, adding that “our foresight alone is important in making sure that conflicts such as Marawi no longer happen. Peace by piece, we will succeed.”

JACEK CZAPUTOWICZ, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Poland, associating himself with the European Union, said that preventing conflicts and building sustainable peace was a difficult task for all. “We need a wide spectrum of activities and committed actors,” he added. Peacebuilding and sustaining peace activities must encompass the following three pillars: peace and security, development and human rights. Current conflicts posed a threat to the universal commitment grounded in the United Nations Charter to save future generations from war. International and internal security were linked, he continued, emphasizing that improvement at the local or national level improved the overall health of international security. In the same vein, the responsibility for preventive action fell on States, he said, underlining the importance of strengthening transparent and accountable State institutions, promoting good governance and fighting corruption. “We should strive to use all instruments in an effective way,” he said, pointing to Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire as positive examples of ensuring peace.

MARGARET KOBIA, Minister for Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs of Kenya, associating herself with the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of Friends of Sustaining Peace, underscored the need to prioritize responses towards prevention. Sustaining peace required adequate and predictable financing. It was therefore important to use all avenues, including resource mobilization platforms of the Peacebuilding Commission, to further consider the proposed financial options and their implications on service delivery at the ground level. For its part, Kenya had set out to transform the economic and social conditions of its youth. Kenya had also recognized the crucial role of women in preventing conflict and achieving the 2030 Agenda. On peace operations, she noted Kenya’s contribution both regionally and internationally, particularly underscoring her country’s contribution to the reconstruction process of Somalia.

ZAKI ANWAR NUSSEIBEH, Minister for State of the United Arab Emirates, stressed that peacebuilding was not one-time action. His country had become an active contributor to regional security and was the only Arab country to have participated in six international coalitions, including in Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Bosnia-Kosovo, and the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War. He also highlighted the United Arab Emirates’ financial and humanitarian contributions to Yemen, Syrian refugees and to rebuilding Iraq. His country remained deeply committed to political resolutions and United Nations-led processes in Libya, Syria and Yemen. He underscored the need to empower women and young people in decision-making. The United Arab Emirates, as a progressive and modern Arab country that empowered women and young people, would continue to serve as a unique model for developing peaceful societies.

TUDOR ULIANOVSCHI, Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, associating himself with the European Union, said the United Nations had expanded into one of the world’s most intricate networks even as conflicts continued to escalate. Far too often, countries found that the Organization had grown inefficient, trapped in rigid formalities that drew it further way from achieving its original goals. “It is time to reverse that trend,” he said, adding that “we cannot afford to stay idle at a time when countries and regions are consumed by hostilities” and protracted conflicts continued unabated. One such conflict existed in the eastern part of the Republic of Moldova in the form of an illegal military presence. Emphasizing that such issues required more direct attention by the United Nations, he said sustaining peace was not the sole prerogative of one body or institution but the shared responsibility — and shared interest — of all parties. Welcoming the Secretary‑General’s ambitious reform proposals as an attempt to break the strings of institutional restraints preventing the Organization from taking a more proactive approach, he said States should build on the draft resolution to be adopted and explore all relevant recommendations.

PASCALE BAERISWYL, State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, speaking on behalf of the Human Rights and Conflict Prevention Caucus, said human rights must lie at the heart of conflict prevention and sustaining peace. All human rights were universal, indivisible, interrelated, interdependent and mutually reinforcing, and should be treated in a fair and equal manner on the same footing and with the same emphasis. Human rights violations and abuses could be both causes and consequences of violent conflicts, as well as indicators of potential instability or the escalation of a conflict. ��Ϲ��’ human rights tools — such as monitoring, reporting and analysis — could provide key early warning signals and help identify and address root causes of conflict. Emphasizing that the Human Rights Council could play a more important role in conflict prevention and sustaining peace, she called on Member States to foster and enhance communication and exchanges between that body and the rest of the United Nations, including the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission.

Speaking in her national capacity, she said that sustained peace required the development of a common vision of society. Quoting Albert Einstein, she said peace could only be achieved through understanding. The best way to prevent conflict was respect for universally agreed norms, including the United Nations Charter, Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international humanitarian law, she said. At the multilateral level, there must be greater coherence within the United Nations system, with a strengthening of the role of resident coordinators and better financing of their work. On partnerships, she held up the Gambia as an example of joint efforts at the national, regional and multilateral levels to achieve a peaceful political solution.

TARIQ MAHMOOD AHMAD, Minister of State for the Commonwealth and United Nations at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom, welcoming the Secretary-General’s vision, said sustaining peace should be a shared priority across the United Nations system. Diversification, development, diplomacy and delivery were the key elements required to sustain peace. Priorities should include a stronger partnership for peace between the United Nations and the World Bank, encouraging more preventative diplomacy within the Organization, and ensuring smoother transitions to and from peacekeeping missions. He underscored the importance of United Nations efforts to tackle sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual violence in conflict, as well as of the Organization’s wide reform agenda. Looking to the future, he said, more creative ways must be found to broaden the donor base for peacebuilding and to deliver more thorough partnerships between the United Nations and other organizations.

MOHAMED ASIM, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Maldives, said that conflicts did not begin with killings, but rather with hate speech and the demonization of one side by the other. Preventing conflict required building bridges across religious and cultural divides. It was also essential to address extreme poverty, ignorance, disillusion and hopelessness. Peacebuilding and sustaining peace was a collective responsibility, which must be shouldered by States, civil society and international organizations. He noted that small States received a very narrow space to participate in making the key decisions of the United Nations. Maldives would change that pattern if it was elected to the Security Council for the term 2019‑2020. If elected, Maldives would prioritize preventive diplomacy, he said, emphasizing the need for small States, small island developing States and the entire United Nations membership to work together.

ILDEFONSO CASTRO LOPEZ, Vice‑Minister for Foreign Affairs of Spain, said that to live in peace was to live in freedom of exclusion and the promise that dignities of the individual would not be violated. Peace would only be possible if it was inclusive. “To be inclusive is neither easy nor clean cut,” he added. Spain had given priority to women and youth, which were now both considered key factors in resolution and post-conflict rebuilding. He said his Government was taking specific measures to ensure that young people had the necessary tools to contribute to peace and security. Rule of law in Spain ensured the separation of powers and the protection of human rights, both key to sustaining peace. He noted several initiatives designed to deal with the prevention of conflict and protection of medical facilities and schools from military attack.

ANDREJ LOGAR (Slovenia) commended the Secretary-General’s tireless efforts to strengthen the Organization in a more efficient, effective and impactful way. When the United Nations worked together across all three of its pillars, a meaningful difference could be made in people’s lives. Concerning prevention, he said that, if Member States thought the cost of it was too high, they needed to remember that no cost was greater than that of human lives. In that respect, Member States could play an indispensable role in preventative diplomacy by addressing the role of water, especially in cross-border cooperation. Indeed, the global water challenge was not only about development and human rights, but also about peace and security. Building resilience was another way to approach sustainable peace, he said, adding that only societies resilient to internal and external pressures could provide a stable and peaceful environment for development. Highlighting Slovenia’s post-conflict peacekeeping experience in the Western Balkans, he said that stability, reconciliation and sustainable development were impossible to achieve without a positive agenda for young people.

JEAN-BAPTISTE LEMOYNE, Minister of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, said “we are far from the time when the United Nations was only interested in crises through its peacekeeping operations”. While those missions continued to be important tools, as well as core symbols of the Organization, the world now understood that many conflicts evolved from issues related to development and governance. Addressing their root causes was critical, he said, citing the successful example of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), which had completed its mandate in 2017. In Liberia, a Peacebuilding Plan developed with the help of the Peacebuilding Commission had supported the democratic transition of power, as well as the drawdown of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). Vulnerable countries must be assisted to develop the capacity needed to “nip fragilities in the bud”, he said, adding that the situation in Syria demonstrated that no peace could be reached without an inclusive political process. Outlining France’s support to its development partners — including countries in the Lake Chad, Sahel and Middle East regions — he said such efforts as technical cooperation and bolstering the contract between the State and society could help them build peace. “We are at a watershed,” he concluded, calling on Member States to put their words into action.

SULTAN BIN SAAD AL-MURAIKHI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, said his country had a global vision and a number of priorities, particularly focused on “organized, systemized” prevention. “We try to support all organizations which can foster peace,” he added, emphasizing the important role of education. Qatar had provided educational services to tens of millions of children worldwide. Education must be strengthened to stand up to extremism, he stressed. Current global crises and conflicts stemmed from a lack of the rule of law, violations of State sovereignty and corruption. He also underscored the role of United Nations entities, and regional non-State organizations in combating sources of conflict.

TERENS NIKOLAOS QUICK, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece, said that the conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of the Congo had continued to threaten a rules-based global system. He stressed that prevention and an integrated approach to conflict and crisis management must surface as the main tools to ensure peace. Associating himself with the European Union, he emphasized the need for peacekeepers to stay on the ground to ensure that peace takes root. Prevention required that Member States assumed leadership and ensured the United Nations system was given the trust, as well as the operational, political and financial support it needed. “World peace is everyone’s business,” he stressed. Emphasizing that human rights and fundamental freedoms must be fully respected and protected, he also underscored the potential of women and young people in the peacebuilding process.

ANDREJS PILDEGOVIĆS, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Latvia, associating himself with the European Union, said conflict prevention was an effective tool to protect those who needed it most. Calling on the international community to ensure that all peacebuilding, sustaining peace and development fully respected human rights and international law, he voiced support for good governance, strong democratic institutions, the rule of law and inclusive economic development as key priorities. Also expressing support for efforts to modernize the public sector of the European Neighbourhood Policy countries, Central Asia and the Western Balkans, strengthen the United Nations cooperation with regional mechanisms and enhance the latter’s role in delivering on sustainable development and preventing conflict, he said Latvia — as a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIL [Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/Da’esh] — supported the Government of Iraq in its fight against international terrorism. It also participated in various peacekeeping operations. Underlining the special responsibility borne by permanent members of the Security Council — including the veto — he said those countries had not always lived up to that responsibility, thereby hampering peacebuilding efforts.

SERGIY KYSLYTSYA, Vice‑Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, associating himself with the European Union, said the speed and determination of United Nations actions were critical to preventing conflicts and gross human rights violations, recalling that, in 1994, the Organization had failed to react promptly to prevent genocide. In 2014, the Security Council had been unable to stop the Russian Federation’s military aggression against, and occupation of, Crimea and Donbas. Citing positive interventions in Colombia and Liberia, he said the conflict in Syria continued to unfold while one Council member — the Russian Federation — protected that country’s regime and ISIL/Da’esh from accountability. “Impunity breeds only impunity,” he said, emphasizing that the Russian Federation’s aggression there and elsewhere was unprecedented since the Second World War. “The long‑overdue reform of our Organization must be accomplished in order to maintain its once unquestioned credit of trust” and restore its ability to take prompt preventative measures, he said, calling for action to end the Russian Federation’s military aggression and its violations of the rule of law.

TERESA RIBEIRO, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal, cited several complex emerging challenges — including climate change, food insecurity, pandemics, terrorism, cyberattacks and illicit trafficking in people, weapons, narcotics and others — currently faced by the international community. Multilateralism was needed today more than ever, as history had shown that transnational threats could not be countered alone. Noting that peace agreements and elections did not necessarily mean that a sustainable peace had been achieved, she said the international community’s continuous and unwavering attention was critical, and post-conflict transitions were fragile moments when spoilers could mobilize into action. Peacebuilding was a long-term endeavour requiring efforts to address the root causes of conflict, including underdevelopment and inequalities. Expressing support for the principles of conflict prevention, early warning, the primacy of politics, the resurgence of diplomacy and gender balance, she said peacekeeping operations should have realistic and feasible exit strategies which should be implemented in parallel with the work of the Peacebuilding Commission, the Peacebuilding Support Office and the Peacebuilding Fund.

YURI STERK (Bulgaria), aligning himself with the European Union, said sustainable peace required an integrated approach using linkages in United Nations peace, development, human rights and humanitarian action. For its part, Bulgaria was contributing to the United Nations Mediation Trust Fund and towards operationalizing the humanitarian-development and peace-development nexuses. He expressed hope that the General Assembly would maintain a comprehensive approach to financing the sustaining peace resolution and the follow-up process it would establish and that the world body would discuss all aspects of sustaining peace rather than one particular set of proposals.

FERNANDO SIMAS MAGALHAES, Under-Secretary for Multilateral Political Affairs, Europe and North America of Brazil, said that it was essential to avoid a false correlation between poverty and conflict. Conflict prevention was not a task only for the developing world, as current tensions in different parts of the world had demonstrated. “We should not forget that, 72 years ago, this Organization was created in the aftermath of a destructive conflict between the most developed countries at the time,” he said. The concept of sustaining peace was a new one, he added, emphasizing that its implementation would require bringing a variety of strategic partners together. Cooperation among regional and subregional organizations, financial institutions, the private sector and non-governmental organizations was essential.

KATEŘINA SEQUENSOVÁ, Junior Deputy Foreign Minister of Czechia, associating herself with the European Union, said that sustaining peace must be at the very center of all United Nations activities. “Where there is no development and no human rights, there is also no peace,” she stressed. United Nations assistance to Member States must contain three aspects: reinforcing national ownership of the process, developing countries’ contextual responses and ensuring the effective delivery of results on the ground. Fostering cooperation with international, regional, subregional and national partners was crucial. Innovative partnerships with international and regional financial institutions could provide additional support, including new sources of financing. She also underscored the relationship between gender equality and conflict prevention.

HALEBONOE JAMES SETSABI (Lesotho), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, called for closer cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations at strategic and operational levels. Such an approach had led to improvements in the political and security situation in Lesotho, which had recently approved a road map for national reform. Underlining States’ responsibility for peacebuilding and sustaining peace, he called for increased participation of women and youth in related processes and for the involvement of other partners, such as civil society organizations and international financial institutions, to share their insight and expertise. As more funds were spent trying to end rather than prevent conflict, he called for financial investments to help Member States build systems that fostered peace. However, until the Security Council underwent reform, the peace and security architecture would be constrained, he said, calling for action in that regard.

GITESH SARMA, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs of India, said that, while peacekeeping had been largely successful in containing inter‑State conflict, it faced limitations in tackling intra-State conflicts. Peacebuilding, however, still struggled from a lack of adequate funding that betrayed a lack of genuine political will. Sustaining peace required a comprehensive understanding of both challenges and opportunities, as well as serious international efforts to ensure greater peace and prosperity. Concrete action would also require a much greater commitment and longer-term political engagement and investment, including financial contributions to activities that helped build and sustain peace. The funds available for the United Nations peacebuilding work did not represent even 1 per cent of the Organization’s peacekeeping budget, he said, calling for a serious examination of the specific financing options presented by the Secretary-General. Outlining India’s various contributions to United Nations peace operations, he said it had deployed the world’s first all-women formed police unit to UNMIL in 2007. India also continued to expand its development partnerships to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and climate action targets.

For information media. Not an official record.

This article was originally publiched in Meeting Coverage.