The Department of Political Affairs has been deeply involved in the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region, having providing political guidance and oversight to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region through the end of its mandate in 2007. With the establishment of a historic 11-nation pact on Stability, Security and Development in late 2006, the Conference entered a new phase. 

Today the countries of the region - Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia – now exercise full ownership of the process, which is  aimed at promoting regional co-operation, peace and prosperity in a region long troubled by conflicts and instability.  The Executive Secretariat of the International Conference, hosted by Burundi, leads efforts to ensure implementation in the four main areas of the agreement; peace and security, democracy and good governance, economic development and humanitarian issues. The Department of Political Affairs is working closely with the Executive Secretary of the ICGLR, the Conference Secretariat as well as the Conference members to develop a strategy of support. 

As the countries of the region are still emerging from conflict and the situation remains volatile, the UN remains a strong presence in the region and the Department of Political Affairs works closely with relevant agencies to this effect. In 2007, a United Nations Integrated Office was established in Burundi (BINUB) to support the country in creating conditions for long-term peace and stability.