Meetings and Activities of the Peacebuilding Commission - 2023
Meetings and Activities of the Peacebuilding Commission - 2023
See below for information of meetings and activities of the Peacebuilding Commission.
For meetings and activities in 2022 and before, check archive.
29 September 2023: Ambassadorial-level Meeting on Elections in Liberia
On 29 September, the Peacebuilding Commission convened an Ambassadorial-level Meeting on Liberia, ahead of the 10 October Legislative and Presidential elections in the country. The Commission met to discuss the progress towards the conduct of peaceful, inclusive, transparent, free, fair, and credible elections in with the participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, the Liberia National Police, the National Elections Commission (NEC), civil society, the UN RC and ASG Spehar. The Commission called for the full adherence to the Farmington River Declaration and respect for electoral laws, guidelines, regulations, and all institutions in support of peaceful electoral process, and the full operationalization of the Violence against Women in Elections and Politics (VAWiE/P) Protocol. The importance of meaningful inclusion of women and youth in the electoral processes, politics, and decision-making at all levels was reiterated. Furthermore, various Member States called for the assessed contributions and acknowledged the pivotal role of the PBF. A press statement is currently being negotiated under the silence procedure. Although the aspirational 30% women’s nomination for electoral posts have not been reached by the various political parties, the Government while acknowledging this, noted that efforts continue to be increased to see an increase in women’s participation in politics at meaningful and strategic levels.
Watch the full recording here.
22 September 2023: Ministerial-level Meeting on peacebuilding and sustaining peace in an era of geopolitical transition
On 22 September, the Peacebuilding Commission met at Ministerial level to provide political guidance and seek to build momentum for ambitious outcomes that bolster multilateral cooperation to address challenges to peacebuilding and sustaining peace. The meeting discussed how to elevate the Commission's role, building on the Secretary-General's policy brief on a New Agenda for Peace. The Commission was briefed by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, the President of the General Assembly, Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Ms. Victoria Kwakwa, the Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa of the World Bank Group, and Ms. Comfort Ero, the President and CEO of International Crisis Group. Participants, in a ministerial statement, adopted by the Commission, committed to strengthening the Commission as a dedicated intergovernmental advisory body to bring a strategic approach and coherence to peacebuilding efforts. They expressed their willingness to continue engaging on the New Agenda for Peace. They agreed to engage constructively to achieve consensus on peacebuilding related issues in the lead-up to the Summit of the Future in 2024 and the review of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture in 2025.
Watch full recording here.
14 September 2023: Meeting on education’s role in building peace in Nepal and Sierra Leone
On 14 September, the Peacebuilding Commission convened a meeting on Education’s Role in Building Peace in Nepal and Sierra Leone. This meeting was held within the context of the fourth International Day to Protect Education from Attack on 9 September. The Commission facilitated an exchange of experience, good practices and lessons learned regarding education and peacebuilding in Nepal and Sierra Leone, in the spirit of South-South and triangular cooperation. The meeting was participated by the Deputy Secretary-General, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, and the CEO of the Education Above All Foundation from the State of Qatar. Member States stressed the important role education plays in peacebuilding and sustaining peace and called for ensuring the provision of education to all children and youth, especially girls and women, as an essential tool for protection and empowerment. They also shared experiences on education in their own past peacebuilding processes. They called on the international community to scale up its support for national efforts to build peace through the provision of transformative, inclusive and equitable quality education. PBC members sharing experiences on education in their own past peacebuilding processes.
Watch full recording here.
29 June 2023: Joint meeting of ECOSOC and PBC on the importance of the SDGs in linking peace and development on the ground
On 29 June, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened a joint meeting focusing on ways to operationalize the linkages between peace and development on the ground, with a view to promoting coherence and impact for peacebuilding, sustaining peace and sustainable development efforts. Member states stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict and strengthening prevention efforts as instrumental to achieving the SDGs. They called for the UN to find new ways to overcome obstacles to development and peace. In that regard, the role of the Resident Coordinators in transcending the barriers between actors and facilitating collaboration was emphasized. They called for flexible, adequate, and predictable financing for peacebuilding and development and highlighted the need for increasing contributions to the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). Further, they called for enhanced synergies with the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and regional organizations to operationalize the linkages between peace and development, especially in support of localized approaches. While noting the disproportionately gendered impact of conflicts on women and girls, they stressed inclusion as a perquisite for positive change and sustainable impact to achieve peace and resilient societies.
Watch full recording here.
26 June 2023: Meeting on Peacebuilding in Honduras
On 26 June, the PBC convened a meeting on Peacebuilding in Honduras. At its first engagement with the Peacebuilding Commission, the Government of Honduras highlighted their experiences and challenges in establishing sustainable peace through electoral processes and institution-building. Representatives from the UN, IADB and civil society briefed on their initiatives on gender equality, on the human, development and peace nexus, and IADB financial support to peacebuilding in Honduras. Member States commended Honduras for sharing its successes and challenges with the Commission. They emphasized the need to address root causes of violence and ensure progress in the rule of law, and emphasized the relevancy of the Peacebuilding Fund, calling for increased support of peacebuilding activities in the country. They also welcomed the Government’s dedication to establish an impartial, independent and autonomous international mechanism against impunity and corruption.
Press statement was issued after the meeting.
Watch full recording here.
23 June 2023: Meeting on the Sahel
On 23 June, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting on the Sahel, focusing on peacebuilding efforts in the context of transnational organized crime, conflict and terrorism and violent extremism as well as the efforts necessary to address the root causes of the drivers of insecurity and instability in the region. The Commission underscored the need for comprehensive, integrated, and localized approaches to address the deteriorating security situation in the region, while highlighting the need to tackle the root causes of conflicts, insecurity, transnational organized crime, and violent extremism in the region, including climate change, lack of social cohesion, poverty, and food insecurity. In that regard, the importance of combatting illicit financial flows, advancing socio-economic opportunities, and strengthening institutions and governance was highlighted. Further, the Commission called for urgent peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian support to the region for sustainable and inclusive peace and development.
Watch full recording here.
19 June 2023: Meeting on Indigenous Peoples, Peace and Reconciliation in Canada, Colombia and Norway
On 19 June, the PBC convened a meeting on Indigenous Peoples, Peace and Reconciliation in Canada, Colombia and Norway. This multi-country engagement allowed the PBC to engage with representatives of Indigenous communities and discuss with Member States that shared their own experiences in addressing indigenous issues, reconciliation and promoting indigenous voices. Briefers from the three countries noted the particular discrimination and marginalization faced by Indigenous communities, and what can and has been done to reduce violence and ensure inclusive peacebuilding in consideration of Indigenous rights. Participants particularly underscored the importance of establishing truth and remembering the past through transitional justice processes and as part of successful reconciliation. These serve in the interest of preserving and guaranteeing Indigenous socio-cultural, economic and political rights. Member States further expressed their support in continuing engaging on Indigenous issues.
Press statement was issued after the meeting.
Watch full recording here.
7 June 2023: Meeting on Youth, Peace and Security
On 7 June, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting to discuss regional efforts in advancing Youth, Peace and Security and the linkages between regional, national and local efforts, with the participation of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Youth Envoy, the African Union Youth Envoy, the Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the International Political Affairs Sector of the League of Arab States, a representative of ASEAN Youth Organization, a youth-led civil society organization. The Commission members reiterated the important role of young people as agents of positive change and stressed the need to support their full, effective and meaningful participation in peacebuilding efforts. They encouraged all relevant actors to continue efforts and strengthen partnerships to advance the Youth, Peace and Security agenda at regional, national and local levels. They further called for protection of youth working on peacebuilding, provision of adequate, predictable and sustainable funding for youth-led peacebuilding efforts, and support for education, capacity-building and employment.
Watch recording here.
Read press statement here.
19 May 2023: Meeting on the Gulf of Guinea
On 19 May, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting on Strengthening Peacebuilding and the Implementation of the Regional Maritime Security Framework in the Gulf of Guinea. The Commission discussed the key achievements and challenges of regional efforts in implementing the Framework, exchanged lessons learned on the national, regional, and multilateral efforts and explored how the international community can further support inter-regional efforts to fully operationalize the Yaoundé Architecture. The Commission underlined the need to address the root causes of maritime insecurity in the region, including the lack of socio-economic opportunities. The Commission stressed the need for the full operationalization of the Framework and strengthened regional cooperation. Further, the Commission highlighted the importance of community-based initiatives and mechanisms enhancing resilience as well as the inclusion of women and youth.
Watch full recording here.
28 April 2023: Meeting on Transitional Justice in Colombia, The Gambia and Timor-Leste
On 28 April, the Peacebuilding Commission convened a meeting on transitional justice in Colombia, The Gambia and Timor-Leste. This innovative multi-country engagement facilitated exchanges of experiences, good practices and lessons learned regarding transitional justice, with a specific focus on guarantees of non-recurrence, among the three countries in different regions, in the spirit of South-South and triangular cooperation. The briefers of the meeting included the Minister of Justice of The Gambia, the President of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace in Colombia and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nacional Centro Chega! in Timor-Leste, the Deputy Executive Director of the International Center for Transitional Justice, as well as and the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights and the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support. The Commission members commended efforts of Colombia, The Gambia, and Timor-Leste in advancing their transitional justice process and welcomed this unique opportunity to learn from a variety of transitional justice experiences. They encouraged the three countries to continue their efforts and emphasized that the Commission stands ready to continue its support for transitional justice in conflict-affected countries.
Watch full recording here.
25 April 2023: Meeting on Liberia
On 25 April, the Liberia Configuration of the PBC convened a meeting on peaceful and inclusive elections in Liberia, focusing on women’s and youth political participation and preventing electoral violence. The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Executive Director of Peacebuilding Office, the Chairperson of National Elections Commission, the UN Resident Coordinator, and civil society representatives briefed the PBC. The PBC underlined the presidential and legislative elections in October 2023 as critical to consolidating democracy. The PBC commended the signing of the Farmington River Declaration, while stressing the importance of the implementation and inclusive dialogue between electoral stakeholders. The PBC underlined the need to address hate speech and prevent electoral violence by strengthening early-warning mechanisms. The PBC emphasized the full, equal, and meaningful political participation of women and encouraged political parties to apply the 30% gender quota. Further, the PBC stressed the need for providing socio-economic opportunities and advancing political participation of youth as prerequisite for sustainable peace and development. The PBC will continue supporting peaceful, credible, inclusive, and transparent electoral process in Liberia, including through the Chair’s visit in Liberia.
Watch full recording here.
29 March 2023: Meeting on Mozambique
On 29 March, the Peacebuilding Commission convened its first meeting on Mozambique to hear about good practices and lessons learned in implementing the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation and facilitate exchange on the experiences of other countries and contexts. The Commission was addressed by the President of the Republic of Mozambique who underlined national ownership, mutual trust, and dialogue as key success factors in the Maputo peace process. Briefers included the President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Mozambique, the World Bank Country Director for Mozambique, two representatives from academia and civil society and the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support. The Commission commended success in implementing the Maputo Accord and welcomed the gender-sensitive approach adopted throughout the process, particularly in Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration efforts. Member States expressed concern about remaining peacebuilding challenges, particularly in the Cabo Delgado province, and stressed the need for strengthened international support to counter violent extremism.
Watch full recording.
14 March 2023: Meeting with the World Bank
On 14 March, the Peacebuilding Commission convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting to hear a briefing the Managing Director of Operations of the World Bank Group, Mr. Axel van Trotsenburg, on the activities of the World Bank, especially in conflict-affected countries. Alongside with Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support and Member States, he highlighted work under the World Bank Fragility, Conflict and Violence Strategy and related instruments while noting that the widening gap between needs and resources. Member States called for further collaboration between the World Bank and the United Nations, with more concerted and complementary efforts, especially through joint analysis. Going forward, they called for more regular country-specific exchanges through PBC meetings.
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13 March 2023: Meeting on Guinea-Bissau
On 13 March, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission’s Guinea-Bissau Configuration convened an Ambassadorial-Level meeting to debrief on his visit to Guinea-Bissau from 14-16 February. The ASG for Peacebuilding Support and the DSRSG of UNOWAS also briefed the Commission. The Commission underscored the importance of peaceful and credible legislative elections scheduled for 4 June to consolidate democracy and sustain peace and stability in the country and highlighted the need for inclusive political dialogue and trust-building in the pre- and post-electoral periods. The Commission further stressed the empowerment and participation of women, youth, and civil society in dialogue and political life. In line with the Chair’s recommendations following the trip, the Commission underscored the need for strengthened support for the country’s peacebuilding priorities to accompany Guinea-Bissau beyond the elections, including in combating drug trafficking and transnational organized crime and promoting socio-economic development.
Watch full recording.
2 February 2023: Formal meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission
On 2 February, during a formal meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission, the Commission also elected Croatia as the Chair and Bangladesh and Germany as the Vice-Chairs. The Commission adopted the annual report for 2022, which highlights significant achievement made by the Commission in 2022. The Peacebuilding Commission convened 27 meetings in 2022 and engaged in support of 14 country- & region-specific settings, broadening its geographic scope, including through the first meetings on Timor-Leste, South Sudan & Central Asia. 2022 saw a sharp increase in the number of times the Commission submitted its advice to the Security Council (17 compared to 9 in the previous session), which testifies to a growing recognition of the advisory role of the Commission.
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31 January 2023: Meeting on South Sudan
The PBC convened a meeting on peacebuilding in South Sudan through local governance and community reconciliation with the participation of the Minister of Peacebuilding, ASG for Peacebuilding Support, UN DSRSG of UNMISS, IGAD and civil society. The PBC echoed the recommendations made by the Chairs following their recent visit to South Sudan to promote an inclusive and timely implementation of the transitional roadmap, including the 35 per cent threshold of women’s participation in political process and institutions and holding elections in 2024. PBC members highlighted the need to prioritize trust building through accountable and transparent governance and to foster the transition from humanitarian response to development assistance. Finally, they welcomed the Minister’s engagement to take a “peace to people” approach and strengthen the civic space to further consolidate democracy and peace with an emphasis on youth empowerment.
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30 January 2023: Meeting on peacebuilding in the New Agenda for Peace
On 30 January, the Peacebuilding Commission convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting on peacebuilding in the New Agenda for Peace. Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs briefed the Commission. Member States expressed their support for the development of the New Agenda for Peace as an opportunity to advance coherent, comprehensive, and holistic approach to peacebuilding and strengthen the focus on prevention and the implementation of Agenda 2030. Expressing support for the Secretary-General’s proposal for expanded roles of the Commission to more geographical and substantive settings, they called for strengthening the Commission’s advisory, bridging and convening roles, particularly in relation with the Commission’s linkage with the Security Council and partnerships with international financial institutions and regional organizations. They also recognized critical roles played by local actors, especially women and youth and called for enhancing inclusivity in the peacebuilding effort. Financing for peacebuilding remains a critical issue raised by many participants.
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Peacebuilding Commission’s visit in Mozambique (16-20 November)
On 16-20 November, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Chair and Vice-Chairs visited Mozambique to exchange with national, regional, and international stakeholders on how to sustain peacebuilding gains achieved during the Maputo peace process, to explore ways and means to further advancing Mozambique’s peacebuilding priorities. The mission was also aimed at supporting efforts to mobilize international political, financial, and technical assistance for the country to meet its peacebuilding needs. The PBC delegation participated to a national conference on peace and security hosted by the President and met during their mission with senior government officials, local administration, the UNCT, regional and financial institutions, and civil society in Maputo and Cabo Delgado. The need for sustained and increased collaboration, coordination, and support to peacebuilding, recovery, reconstruction, and development efforts was underlined. The PBC Chair's Mission Report can be found here.
The Peacebuilding Commission Chair visits the African Union Commission (13-14 November)
From 13 to 14 November, the Chair of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), H.E. Mr. Ivan Šimonović, visited the African Union (AU) Commission to explore opportunities for more impactful cooperation between the PBC and the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC), in support of peacebuilding in Africa, building on A New Agenda for Peace and the revised AU Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Policy.
During the visit, the PBC Chair and the Chair of the AU PSC, H.E. Mr. Abdi Mahamoud Eybe, convened the sixth AUPSC-PBC informal consultative meeting. Participants proposed ideas to strengthen the partnership, including through the two bodies’ joint support for national prevention strategies, joint country visits and joint engagement with key stakeholders in the region.
The PBC Chair also met with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the United Nations officials, international and regional partners as well as civil society organizations, to exchange ideas to support regional and national peacebuilding efforts on the continent.
Peacebuilding Commission’s written advice to the Security Council on CAR following the CAR Chair visit to Bangui (7-11 November)
On 14 November, the Peacebuilding Commission provided written advice to the Security Council on CAR upon completion of the Chair of CAR configuration’s visit to Bangui (7-11 November). The visit focused on the inter-linkages between the political, security, economic and humanitarian challenges facing currently the country; assess the state of implementation of the RCPCA as well as get an appreciation of CAR’s efforts in fighting impunity, strengthening its rule of law and justice sector. The advice therefore axed its recommendation on calling for continued support towards the implementation of the APPR-CAR and the disarmament and demobilization process as an essential mean to fostering greater security and stability in CAR. In that regard, the PBC noted the valuable role of the PBF in supporting projects that promote the reintegration of ex-combatants and in promoting community resilience through the engagement of youth and women. The Commission underscored the enduring relevance of MINUSCA’s deployment and mandate and noted that the upcoming local elections offers a unique opportunity to make further progress in the political and peace processes.
Peacebuilding Commission’s written advice to the Security Council on West Africa and the Sahel
On 25 July, the Commission provided written advice to the Security Council on the occasion of their briefing on West Africa and the Sahel. In the advice, the Commission called for the Council to encourage the international community to provide political support and advocate for consistent financing of peacebuilding efforts in the region. The Commission also called for increased and coordinated support to the region for addressing transnational organized crime, illicit financial flows, and terrorism and violent extremism. Further, the Commission encouraged the international community to scale up action and support for enhancing adaptive capacities and reducing vulnerability to climate shocks in the region. The Commission’s advice also encouraged the Council to stress the importance of providing adequate socio-economic and decision-making opportunities for youth as a critical way to achieve sustainable peace and to call upon all stakeholders to promote legislation and ensure the effective implementation of existing instruments on women’s empowerment and gender equality. At the Council’s briefing, eight Member States recognized and welcomed the Commission’s advice.
General Assembly Debate on peacebuilding and sustaining peace
On 24 July, the General Assembly convened a debate on the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and peacebuilding and sustaining peace. The former PBC Chair, H.E. Mr. Muhammad Abdul Muhith, presented the 2022 report of the Commission, highlighting the Commission’s achievements during the last year. Ms. Irena Zubčević delivered remarks on behalf of the current PBC Chair, introducing the Chair's priorities, including strengthening the Commission’s roles in the run up to the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review as discussions on the New Agenda for Peace and preparation of for the Summit of the Future are ongoing.
Participants echoed the call for stronger roles of the Commission, emphasizing the need to increase the PBC’s impact and to enhance its advisory role to the General Assembly and the Security Council, partnerships with international financial institutions and regional organizations and work on gender and youth. Many welcomed the work of the Peacebuilding Fund, regretted the lack of adequate, predictable and sustained funding to address demand, and encouraged the Fifth Committee to conclude on assessed contribution for the PBF, while calling for increased voluntary contributions.
Peacebuilding Commission Chair's remarks on South Sudan at the ECOSOC meeting on the Transition from Relief to Development
On 20 June, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission made remarks regarding South Sudan at the ECOSOC meeting on the Transition from Relief to Development. The Chair emphasized the importance of full and timely implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, as well as the participation of all stakeholders in the peace process, as a prerequisite to advancing sustainable peace and development in South Sudan. He emphasized the importance of enhanced partnerships with regional and subregional organizations, international financial institutions, private sector, civil society and local peacebuilders and stressed the vital role of civil society in advancing social cohesion, reconciliation and building peace. He stressed the need for technical, political and financial support to address peacebuilding and development needs and priorities. He noted the Peacebuilding Fund’s critical support to the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement during the transition period.
Read full text here.
Peacebuilding Commission’s written advice to the Security Council on the G5 Sahel
On 16 May, the Peacebuilding Commission provided written advice to the Security Council on the G5 Sahel. The Commission encouraged the Security Council to continue to underscore the urgent need to address the root causes of conflicts and drivers of instability, and ensuring good governance, rule of law, respect for human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. The Commission encouraged the Council to reiterate the need for coherent and sustained security, political, governance, socio-economic development, and peacebuilding efforts, as well as the implementation of national strategies and inclusive regional cooperation. In this regard, the Commission encouraged the Council to consider the mobilization of support and additional resources for regional peacebuilding efforts in the Sahel. Further, the Commission encouraged continued diplomatic efforts to preserve the political unity of the G5 Sahel as well as the need for full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and inclusion of youth.
Read full text.
The Peacebuilding Commission’s written advice to the Security Council on “Futureproofing Trust for Sustaining Peace”
On the occasion of the Security Council open debate on “Futureproofing Trust for Sustaining Peace”, which took place on 3 May, the Peacebuilding Commission submitted a written advice to the Council. In its advice, the Commission encourages the Council to continue addressing the root causes of conflicts. They call for a comprehensive approach to peacebuilding, placing a greater emphasis on actions that have an impact on the ground. The Commission also encourages the Council to emphasize inclusivity as key to advancing national peacebuilding priorities to ensure full, equal and meaningful participation of women and the inclusion of youth. The Commission reiterated its commitment to supporting the Council on peacebuilding and sustaining peace initiatives by continuing to provide strategic, targeted and timely advice based on good practices in fostering greater trust in peacebuilding processes that have emerged from the Commission’s activities.
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The Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission’s briefing at the Security Council on Colombia
On 13 April, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission H.E. Mr. Ivan Šimonović briefed the Security Council on Colombia, building on the Commission’s engagement with the country since 2020 . The PBC Chair called for broad international support, including via the Verification Mission, the UN Country Team, the Multi-Partner Trust Fund and the Peacebuilding Fund, for the Government of Colombia’s commitment to implement all chapters of the Final Peace Agreement. He also encouraged full and timely implementation of ethnic provisions across Peace Agreement incl. as it relates to Indigenous and Afro Colombian populations, and reiterated importance of the role of Colombian women and the centrality of their full equal and meaningful participation in peacebuilding. The PBC also expressed the need to closely follow up on the protection of young community members and leaders to ensure their full and effective participation in political processes and continue to support their peacebuilding efforts as well as to prevent recruitment of youth in illegal groupings. The Peacebuilding Commission continues to support the Government of Colombia in their peacebuilding efforts.
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The Peacebuilding Commission Liberia Configuration Chair’s mission to Washington D.C.
On 28 March, the Chair of the Liberia Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), H.E. Ms. Anna Karin Eneström, undertook a mission to Washington D.C. The Chair met with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank and followed up on discussions of support of International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to peacebuilding in Liberia and explored ways of strengthening joint engagement. They discussed the economic situation, support to peaceful, free, fair, inclusive, and transparent elections and national reconciliation efforts, as well as strengthening empowerment of women and youth in Liberia. The importance of tailored approaches, the implementation of structural reforms, diversification of revenues, as well as addressing the root causes of conflicts and fragility, enhancing resilience and building and sustaining peace was highlighted. The IMF and the World Bank representatives stressed that macroeconomic policies affect the landscape of peace and stability. They also recognized the importance of the UN-IFI collaboration on the ground, such as through joint analysis.
The Peacebuilding Commission’s written advice to the Security Council on South Sudan
On 3 March, the Peacebuilding Commission provided written advice to the Security Council ahead of the Council meeting on the situation in South Sudan on 6 March. This was to provide input for the mandate renewal of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), scheduled for 15 March. In the advice, the Commission underscored the need for the authorities to build effective, inclusive, and accountable government institutions including at local level to foster dialogue and reconciliation, and to ensure effective delivery of and access to basic social and economic services for the people of South Sudan. The Commission called for the promotion of meaningful participation of women in the political and institutional framework of the peace process, including by fully complying with the 35% quota for women, and encouraged the authorities to increasingly engage with the Commission in their efforts to build a sustainable peace.
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The Chair of the Central African Republic Configuration of the Commission briefed the Security Council
On 21 February, the Chair of the Central African Republic (CAR) Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), H.E. Mr. Omar Hilale, briefed the Security Council on the peacebuilding efforts in CAR. The PBC has been accompanying CAR in the peacebuilding endeavour since 2008. The Chair underlined the importance of peacebuilding as a tool to address the root causes of instability, primarily through the advocacy of national ownership of peacebuilding priorities. This involved the preparations for local elections (last held in 1988) as a modus to promote local governance; the strengthening of the rule of law and transitional justice to fight impunity and ensure accountability for human rights violations; and investments in socio-economic recovery and development to consolidate peacebuilding dividends. “I cannot stress enough that the country is at a critical moment in its history and will need our continued support to ensure a return to lasting peace and sustained stability.”, the Chair stressed.
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The Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission’s remarks at the General Assembly
On 20 February, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, H.E. Mr. Ivan Šimonović, delivered remarks at the General Assembly session on Causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa. The Chair stressed the need to build peace in Africa by addressing root causes of conflicts and instabilities and to support efforts of states in building their national institutions and capabilities in a way that prevents them from slipping into conflicts. He underlined the importance of sustainable and inclusive socioeconomic development for peacebuilding and called for continuing to provide support to African countries, based on national priorities and needs, aimed at the implementation of 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. He stressed the importance to ensure full, equal and meaningful participation of women at all levels, and called for the engagement of youth.
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The Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Guinea-Bissau Configuration’s visit to Guinea-Bissau
On 14-16 February, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC)'s Guinea-Bissau Configuration, H.E. Mr. Ronaldo Costa Filho, accompanied by UNOWAS Officer-in-Charge and Head of Mission, Ms. Giovanie Biha, and Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, undertook a visit to Guinea-Bissau to exchange views on further advancing the country's peacebuilding priorities and to discuss ways to sustain progress towards the consolidation of democracy, including political dialogue in advance of the June 2023 legislative elections. The delegation met with a wide array of interlocuters including the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Territorial Administration, and Finance, as well as representatives of political parties, civil society, the diplomatic community, and the UN Country Team. The Chair will soon convene a PBC meeting to debrief on the visit.
The Peacebuilding Commission’s written advice to the Security Council on sea-level rise
On 14 February, the Peacebuilding Commission provided a written advice to the Security Council on the occasion of the Council open debate “Sea-Level Rise: Implications for International Peace and Security”. In the advice, the Commission underlined the need for urgent action to tackle the negative implications of sea-level rise to peacebuilding and recommended addressing climate-related risks through measures that contribute to mitigation and adaptation and to invest in peacebuilding programs and scalable durable solutions based on nationally owned and determined priorities. The Commission underscored the need for effective local, national, and regional institutions to manage adverse effects of sea-level rise, as well as partnerships to advance effective peacebuilding response. The Commission further called for urgent need to scale up all efforts including enhancing access to financial resources for peacebuilding projects. The Commission reaffirmed that effective peacebuilding and sustaining peace must involve the entire UN system, emphasizing the importance of joint analysis and programs and effective strategic planning.
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Video message of the Minister of Peacebuilding of South Sudan
The Chair’s briefing at the Security Council open debate on peacebuilding and sustaining peace
On 26 January, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission briefed the Security Council at its open debate on peacebuilding and sustaining peace: “Investment in people to enhance resilience against complex challenges”. The Chair stressed the importance to support nationally owned and led efforts to build effective, accountable, inclusive and responsive institutions at the national and local level for reducing vulnerability and protecting and empowering citizens. He emphasized that inclusivity is key to advancing national peacebuilding processes and objectives and ensuring that the needs of all segments of society are taken into account, and noted how the Commission continues to call for inclusion of women and youth. He underlined that the Commission has considerably enhanced its advisory role to the Council. The number of submissions to the Council continued to grow, reaching 17 in 2022. The timeliness of its advice allowed the Council to take decisions benefiting from the PBC's broader peacebuilding perspectives.
The Chair’s remarks at the Special Meeting of the ECOSOC
On 24 January, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission delivered remarks at the Special Meeting of the Economic and Social Council on “Social and economic measures to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity”. The Chair underlined the imperative to address the root causes of conflicts and crises, as well as the importance of promoting sustainable and inclusive development, to build and sustain peace. He underscored economic and social measures as critical elements in contributing to peacebuilding and sustaining peace in preventing the outbreak, escalation, continuation and recurrence of conflict, support national reconciliation and social cohesion, and move States towards recovery, reconstruction and sustainable development. He stressed that all efforts must be inclusive, coherent, conflict-sensitive and promote peacebuilding and sustaining peace, including by focusing on creating equal economic and livelihood opportunities for all and addressing systemic discrimination and grievances which can lead to the outbreak of violence.