Peacebuilding Architecture review: Plenary meeting of the General Assembly to consider draft resolution A/70/L.43

Opening Statement by H.E. Mr Mogens Lykketoft, President of the 70th session of the General Assembly at Peacebuilding Architecture review: Plenary meeting of the General Assembly to consider draft resolution A/70/L.43

 27 April 2016

 

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the importance of the draft resolution before us today cannot be overstated.

 

On an almost daily basis, we receive reports of innocent lives sacrificed in the course of senseless conflicts.

 

For a number of years now, we have been struggling to respond effectively to a global humanitarian and refugee crisis of historic proportions – caused in large part by political instability and protracted conflicts.

 

Improving the UN’s capacity to build peace, therefore, is not just fundamental to mitigating such crises or to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted last September, it is a moral responsibility to the millions who are being denied the most basic rights and opportunities in life.

 

Today, the General Assembly will take action on the outcome of the 2015 review of the UN Peacebuilding architecture.

 

In keeping with established practice from 2005 and 2010, the Security Council will simultaneously adopt a substantially identical resolution, thus emphasizing the unique and innovative nature of the peacebuilding architecture.

 

Allow me first of all to recognize and thank the two co-facilitators –Ambassador Martins of Angola and Ambassador Bird of Australia – for facilitating this process so ably and efficiently.

 

I also thank the Advisory Group of Experts under the skillful chairmanship of H.E. Mr. Gert Rosenthal, for their report, as well as the UN Secretariat for their substantial support to the review process.

 

Finally, I want to thank all member states for their constructive engagement and for securing a substantial outcome that holds great promise for the future work of the Organization in this field.

 

Through these resolutions, you are building on the aspirations of the decisions of 2005 that created what we now call the peacebuilding architecture.

 

Back then, expectations were high that those decisions could address some of the weaknesses that undermined UN efforts to consolidate peace.

 

In 2010, however, it was found that the hopes that accompanied the founding resolutions had yet to be realized.

 

With today’s substantial and detailed resolutions in the General Assembly and in the Security Council, you are taking a decisive step forward.

 

These draft resolutions reflect important developments in our common understanding of how best to approach peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

 

They seek to reduce fragmentation including by enhancing the Peacebuilding Commission’s role as a bridge between the Assembly and the Council.

 

They further underline the importance of partnerships, not least with regional organizations.

 

And they stress national ownership and inclusivity as vital, including the strengthening of the participation of women and other stakeholders.

 

Immediately following adoption this morning, the General Assembly will jointly debate the annual reports of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund.

 

This is an important opportunity to discuss how best to secure predictable and sustained financing for peacebuilding, a point stressed in the resolution and which is of critical importance to the future of the Peacebuilding Fund.

 

As you know, the peacebuilding review is one of three major reviews taking place this year in the area of peace and security, together with the review of peace operations and the global study on the implementation on UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

 

And in less than two weeks’ time, my second High Level Thematic Debate will seek to draw out the synergies from across these three processes as well as other related reviews.

 

It is my hope that this event will allow governments and other leading actors in this field to engage in an open and honest discussion on how best the UN can play its role in maintaining international peace and security, both today and into the future as well.

 

I am very pleased that many Ministers of Foreign Affairs have already confirmed their attendance and I look forward to the full engagement of all member states.

Thank you.

,

https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-4803886-1