Objectives

The project aims to allow the United Nations to work more effectively on peace processes through the Secretary-General’s envoys, representative, heads of UN mission, as well as via regional organizations, non-governmental groups and others involved in mediation around the world. A particular emphasis of the Board is also to engage in early preventive diplomacy on behalf of the Secretary-General.

Components

• Support to the Secretary-General’s efforts in the maintenance of international peace and security; particularly if avenues for United Nations activities are blocked, or if there is a need for an additional channel of communication with particular actors.

• Organization of meetings of the Board with the Secretary-General to hold frank discussions and exchange insights on how to prevent and manage ongoing conflicts.

• Provision to the Secretary-General with discreet advice on current trends in conflict prevention and mediation.

Board Members are deployed on special assignments at the request of the Secretary-General, and at the proposal of UN actors such as DPPA, Special Envoys, Special Representatives of the Secretary-General, and UN Country Teams. They participate in High-level Seminars and workshops as well as meetings with Women Mediators networks aimed at promoting the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Main achievements

In 2021, the Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Board (HLAB) on Mediation continued to provide advice and guidance on matters related to mediation and conflict prevention, particularly in support of the Secretary-General’s "Our Common Agenda". HLAB members also contributed to efforts aimed at maintaining international peace and security, especially in situations where United Nations engagement is restricted or where an additional communication channel with key actors is needed. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HLAB members primarily engaged virtually, offering remote support throughout the year.

In 2022, the Secretary-General and the Policy and Mediation Division of DPPA engaged a Board member to provide expertise on the role of women in conflict prevention and mediation, the gender dimensions of conflict, and the interlinkages between health, gender, and peace and security. Additionally, DPPA consulted Board members on the political situation in South America, gaining perspectives on regional developments, and engaged another Board member to discuss political dynamics and opportunities for renewed, facilitated negotiations in a country hosting a UN Special Political Mission.

In October 2022, a Board member participated in and delivered remarks at the Deputy SRSG/RC/HCs retreat in Montreux, Switzerland. The intervention focused on global challenges affecting peace and political processes supported by the United Nations, their impact on UN-led peacemaking efforts, and broader implications for conflict prevention.

In 2023, the High-Level Advisory Board continued to provide strategic guidance to the Secretary-General, offering insights into political developments and situations in specific regions and countries. Furthermore, in the context of preparations for the New Agenda for Peace, one Board member authored a short research paper exploring human rights issues and their linkages to peace and security.

Impact

The Board is intended to guide the prioritization, streamlining and enhancing the impact of the UN conflict prevention efforts and overall support the Secretary-General’s efforts and international cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security, particularly if avenues for United Nations activities are blocked, or if there is a need for an additional channel of communication with particular actors. In sum, strengthening the capacity of the Secretary-General’s HLAB on Mediation allows the United Nations to enhance its focus on preventive diplomacy, mediation and resolving conflicts.