Meetings and Activities of the Peacebuilding Commission - 2022
Meetings and Activities of the Peacebuilding Commission
See below for meetings and activities of the Peacebuilding Commission in 2022.
For meetings and activities in 2021 and before, check archive.
13 December 2022: Meeting on Women, Peace and Security
On 12 December, the PBC convened its annual meeting on women, peace and security (WPS) with a focus on the roles of women in peacekeeping and peacebuilding. The meeting explored challenges and opportunities to collaborate, including among conflict affected countries, to advance women’s voices and meaningful contributions to sustainable peace. The meeting was briefed by the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Chair of WPS Chief of Defence Network, Lt. General Mr. Waker-uz-Zaman, Director and Deputy Head of Peacebuilding Support Office, Ms. Awa Dabo, a representative of UN Women, Ms. Paivi Kannisto, Military Gender and Protection Advisor of UNMISS, Lt. Cmdr. Ms. Lisa Steel, representative of the Elsie Initiative Fund, Ms. Lea Biason, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders, Ms. Mavic Cabrera Balleza. Briefers recognized the essential roles of women in peacebuilding and peacekeeping while noting institutional, practical, situational obstacles impacting the effectiveness of their contributions. Member States recognized the critical roles played by women peacekeepers and peacebuilders and called for more support for their effort. They called for investing in local women peacebuilders, their networks and organizations and welcomed the Peacebuilding Fund’s ongoing investments in this regard.
Full recording here.
2 December 2022: ECOSOC-PBC joint meeting
On 2 December, the Economic and Social Council and the Peacebuilding Commission held a joint meeting on “Peacebuilding, sustaining peace and sustainable development: Towards coherence and impact on the ground”, convening Member States, IOM, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UN-Women, WFP, IMF, and civil society. The meeting raised awareness on how Agencies, Funds and Programmes respond to multidimensional challenges and are contributing to peacebuilding and sustaining peace and promoting long term development in conflict-affected countries. The meeting discussed the need to increase investments in prevention, the importance of prioritizing inclusion, as well as predictable and flexible funding to enhance impact.
Full recording here.
30 November 2022: Meeting on Burundi
On 30 November, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission’s Burundi Configuration convened a meeting to conclude Burundi’s engagement with the PBC in the framework of a country-specific configuration and mark its transition to more flexible engagement. Briefers included Burundi’s Permanent Representative, the UN Resident Coordinator in Burundi as well as three representatives of civil society who spoke to women’s empowerment. Member states welcomed Burundi’s transition, noting the country’s many achievements during the 16 years of the PBC’s accompaniment. They offered their continued support to Burundi’s national priorities and encouraged Burundi to continue cooperation with the PBC, including in supporting other countries.
Full recording here.
29 November 2022: PBC meeting on Guinea-Bissau
On 29 November, the Peacebuilding Commission Guinea-Bissau Configuration convened a meeting to update on the political and socio-economic situation and discussed priority areas of peacebuilding and socio-economic development for which Guinea-Bissau will need further international support. Briefers included Bissau-Guinean Minster of Foreign Affairs, UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG), the Resident Coordinator in Guinea-Bissau and representatives of the No Ianda Djuntu project. Member States welcomed updates on the legislative elections and agreed on the need to revitalize political dialogue. They noted that legal and institutional reforms are key and underscored the importance of the meaningful participation of women and youth, while recognizing the imperative to promoting economic diversification.
Full recording here.
28 November 2022: Consultative meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council and the PBC
On 28 November, the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) and the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened their 5th annual consultative meeting on peacebuilding in Africa. This year’s meeting focused on strengthening collaboration to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on peacebuilding. Assistant Secretary-General Spehar and UN Office to the African Union (UNOAU) Special Representative of the Secretary-General Onanga-Anyanga briefed on the importance of a nexus approach and highlighted the Peacebuilding Fund's added value in promoting climate-sensitive programming in Africa, emphasizing gender and youth perspectives. Member States from the AU PSC and UN PBC encouraged the strengthening of climate change-induced risks in the AU's peacebuilding architecture, noting the Climate Responses for Sustaining Peace initiative launched at the COP27. They called for more predictable climate-responsive financing and underscored the significance of advancing a common African position that links climate, peace and security.
22 November 2022: 2022 PBC Annual Session
On 22 November, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened its Annual Session with a focus on partnerships with regional development banks. The Commission was briefed by representatives of the African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, Asian Development Bank and Inter-American Development Bank. The ASG for Peacebuilding Support and a representative of the World Bank also briefed the meeting. Member States recognized the important and unique roles played by regional development banks and welcomed their increasing engagement in support of prevention and peacebuilding, based on their fragility and resilience strategies. They stressed the need to enhance partnerships between the UN and regional development banks, both at the headquarter and field levels, and to create synergies including through joint analysis. They encouraged regional development banks to continue to promote participation and empowerment of women and youth. While calling for exploring all options for peacebuilding financing, based on the recent General Assembly resolution, they underscored the importance of mobilizing the private sector and encouraging peace-positive investment.
Watch full recording here.
14 November 2022: Meeting on Liberia
The PBC Liberia Configuration held a meeting on preparations for the upcoming legislative and presidential elections which are scheduled to take place in Liberia in less than a year’s time. Following briefings by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the co-Chair of the National Elections Commission, the Resident Coordinator and a civil society representative, the briefers agreed that 2023 elections represent a crucial milestone in Liberia’s consolidation of democracy, peace and national development. They noted that inclusive dialogue between and among political parties, adherence to a joint Code of Conduct and declaration of non-violence, would be key to ensuring a peaceful elections. They also underlined the importance of ensuring women's political participation and candidature in the 2023 elections and the implementation of the Protocol on Violence Against Women in Elections and Politics (VAWiE). The ASG for Peacebuilding Support drew the attention of the Commission to two PBF funded projects: Promoting Peaceful Electoral Environment and Community Security in Liberia, a USD $3,000,000 through UNDP/IOM/OHCHR and Promoting Inclusive Political Participation and Elimination of Violence Against Women in Politics, a USD $2,000,000 project implemented through UN Women/UNDP. Delegations noted that they would continue to follow the implementation of the Census and developments related to the procurement of a biometric voter registration system, as well as other issues that came up during the discussion essential to the electoral preparatory process.
A press statement was issued after the meeting.
Full recording here.
11 November 2022: Meeting on Central Asia
On 11 November the PBC convened a meeting developed together with the Women Leaders’ Caucus of Central Asia (CAWLC) and its participating States of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to discuss and share experiences on women leadership in the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda with a special focus on impact of climate change on women in Central Asia. The meeting was informed by the SRSG for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA, the Chairperson of the Committee on protection of human rights and freedoms of the Halk Maslakhaty of Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, the Chairperson of the Senate of Oliy Majlis, Uzbekistan, the Vice-Speaker of Zhogorku Kenesh (Parliament) of Kyrgyzstan, the Chairman of the Committee of Women’s Affairs and family, Tajikistan, the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security of Mazhilis of Parliament of Kazakhstan, the PBSO Deputy Head and women peacebuilders. The meeting focused on how greater regional cooperation can support national and local efforts in implementing the WPS agenda, specifically in addressing climate change and achieving social cohesion, peacebuilding and sustaining peace in the region. The PBC and its Members can help bolster support of regional women associations and networks, rendering issues pertaining to women’s political, social and economic participation as one of the priorities in international co-operation in the region.
Press statement was issued after the meeting
Full recording here.
31 October 2022: Meeting on the Great Lakes region
The Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission convened a meeting on the Great Lakes region to provide an update on political processes in the region, facilitate a shared understanding of peacebuilding challenges and mobilize support for flagship initiatives derived from the regional Strategy’s Action Plan. Briefers included UN Special Envoy to the Great Lakes, Special Envoy of the EAC Facilitator of the Nairobi Process, MONUSCO DSRSG/HC/RC and PBSO Deputy Head. Member states expressed concern about the escalating security situation in eastern DRC. Member states welcomed the Nairobi and Luanda processes, recognized the increased political and diplomatic efforts in the region, and stressed the importance of dialogue and the political track to resolving the crises. They commended the UN Special Envoy for his good offices and expressed support for his flagship initiatives, placing special emphasis on supporting women and youth in peace processes and governance.
Full recording here.
26 October 2022: Meeting on South Sudan
On 26 October, the Peacebuilding Commission held its first meeting on South Sudan under the theme “Building Peace through Institutions and Governance". With a focus on accountable governance, public financial management, and the delivery of basic services, the meeting provided an opportunity for the Government to brief the Commission on its peacebuilding efforts to support the implementation of the benchmarks in the revitalized peace agreement. Through this meeting, the PBC plays its role of complementing the work of the Security Council. The Minister of Peacebuilding, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of Health briefed the Commission on the country's peacebuilding priorities, including SSR, socio-economic revitalization, promoting national reconciliation, as well as the challenges ahead, highlighting the impact of climate change on peace, security and development. Senior officials from IGAD and the World Bank underscored the need to scale up partnerships focusing on enhancing institutional capacity-building and accountable governance while the UN DSRSG/HC/RC noted the importance of operating across the triple nexus of HPD work. A women peacebuilder and pro-democracy activist representing civil society called for strong political will to restore trust between public institutions and the people of South Sudan. Member States welcomed the newly established Ministry of peacebuilding and encouraged the government to continue its efforts to reform public financial management to support the delivery of basic services and strengthen the social contract between the state and society, especially among women and youth.
A press statement was released.
Full recording here.
18 October 2022: Meeting on The Gambia
On 18 October, the PBC held an Ambassadorial-level meeting on The Gambia with the focus on the transitional justice process, including the Government’s White Paper on the implementation of the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), and to discuss priority actions. Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia and a woman peacebuilder as well as the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of UNOWAS, Resident Representative of UNDP and Director and Deputy Head of PBSO briefed the Commission. The PBC members expressed support for the priorities outlined in the White Paper, including accountability and reparations for the victims, and encouraged more international support, including through the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), to their implementation. Welcoming the Government’s intention to convene a stakeholders’ conference in early 2023 to present details and costs of the activities and their implementation plan, they expressed their willingness to continue accompanying The Gambia in this process.
Press statement was issued after the meeting.
Watch full recording here.
26 September 2022: Meeting on Timor-Leste
The Peacebuilding Commission’s first-time engagement with Timor-Leste on 26 September included the participation of H.E. Mr. Ramos-Horta, the President of Timor-Leste, and H.E. Mr. Gusmão, the former President and Prime Minister, the Asian Development Bank, g7+ and two civil society representatives as well as senior UN officials, including the ASG for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, the ASG for Peacebuilding Support and the Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste shared lessons learned from its peacebuilding process, including the importance of national leadership and broad ownership. The Commission welcomed Timor-Leste’s role in international engagement in support of conflict-affected countries and regions, including as a founding member of the g7+. They offered the Commission as a platform for further peer-to-peer learning and welcomed more countries to come to PBC to share their experience. They also expressed their commitment to continue using the UN peacebuilding architecture to mobilize further support for Timor-Leste to meet its peacebuilding priorities. The Commission issued a press statement after the meeting.
Full recording here
9 September 2022: Meeting on Central African Republic
The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) met on 9 September to discuss the local elections in Central African Republic, which were originally set to take place this month but have been postponed. The last such polls were held in 1988. The significance of these elections is underscored by their intrinsic linkage to the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation (APPR); expansion of political space and inclusivity for meaningful participation and empowerment of woman and youth; decentralization at grassroots level to foster governance and development; national reconciliation and social cohesion; their contribution to the PBC written advice to the Security Council on mandate renewal of UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The importance of the absence of funding, $6.5 million immediately required for the continuation of electoral process, highlighted by the Chair that these elections are the “beating heart” of democracy.
15 July 2022: Meeting on Burkina Faso
On 15 July, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission H.E. Ms. Rabab Fatima convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting on Burkina Faso, on the priorities of the transition and opportunities to pursue and support national reconciliation in the country. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabé Abroad, and the Minister of State to the President, in charge of Social Cohesion and Reconciliation, addressed the Commission. ECOWAS representative, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Burkina Faso, and ASG for Peacebuilding Support also briefed the Commission. Member States encouraged a peaceful transition and expressed their support for the country’s efforts in social cohesion and national reconciliation as well as other important peacebuilding priorities.
Full recording here
24 June 2022: Meeting on the activities of the PBF; report by CSC Chairs; follow-up to the PBC Retreat
On 24 June, H.E. Ms. Rabab Fatima, Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, convened a meeting to hear update on the activities of the Peacebuilding Fund by ASG for Peacebuilding Support and reports by Country Specific Configuration (CSC) Chairs on their activities, as well as to discuss follow-up to the PBC retreat, which took place on 5 - 6 May.
Full recording here.
31 May 2022: Meeting on the impact of climate change on peacebuilding in the Pacific Islands
On 31 May 2022, the Peacebuilding Commission held an Ambassadorial-level meeting on the impact of climate change on peacebuilding in the Pacific Islands. The Commission heard briefings from the Permanent Representative of Fiji as the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, the Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and Pacific of UNDP, the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, the Climate Envoy for the Marshall Islands, and a representative of the Pacific Community. Member States witnessed the effect of climate change in the region through “Sea of Islands”, a cinematic 360° virtual reality experience developed by the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA)’s Innovation Cell and Asia-Pacific Division, which marked the first time the Commission featured a virtual reality experience. Pacific Islands representatives, including Nauru (co-chair of the Group of Friends on Climate and Security), Kiribati, Palau and Papua New Guinea, shared the realities of serious adverse effects caused by climate change and called for the international community to take urgent actions. They asked for the Commission's support in their efforts to unlock climate finance, particularly from multilateral climate funds. The Commission echoed the concern raised by the region that climate change poses serious security challenges in countries and communities in the Pacific Islands and called for global support for the region. Many members called for the Commission to continue considering the impact of climate change on peacebuilding, utilizing its advisory, bridging and convening roles. Several delegations stressed the need for an inclusive approach and engagement with women and youth in addressing the challenges caused by climate change. They commended DPPA for its work on climate security in the Pacific, including through the Peacebuilding Fund’s project and the development of the virtual reality experience.
Watch the full recording here.
19 May 2022: Meeting on Liberia
During an ambassadorial-level meeting convened by the Chair of the Liberia Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), H.E. Ms. Anna Karin Eneström, on 19 May 2022, the Government of Liberia and international partners discussed priorities for continued support, with a focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment, including eliminating gender-based violence and promoting women’s political participation in the context of the upcoming presidential and legislative elections of 2023. Following briefings by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Gender, the Resident Coordinator, and a civil society representative, the Commission welcomed the adoption of the Revised National Gender Policy and the second National Action Plan on Women and commended Liberia for prioritizing gender equality issues, while also underlining much more needs to be done. The Commission stressed the need for greater representation of women in politics, including in the upcoming presidential and legislative elections, and underscored the importance of the 30% gender quota for candidate listings in the election law. Several members of the Commission made the connection between empowering women and economic development and expressed full support for the implementation of the 2018-2023 Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development, which outlines targets to increase the political participation of women at the national and local levels. Several delegations highlighted concerns regarding sexual and gender-based violence, including in relation to elections, female genital mutilation, and the widespread problem of rape, and called for stronger and sustained Government action in these areas as well as the continued implementation of the Anti-SGVB Roadmap for 2020-2022. The meeting fed into preparations for a joint visit of the Configuration Chair and the ASG for Peacebuilding Support to Liberia, scheduled for 6-10 June.
Watch the full recording here.
10 May 2022: Meeting on Youth, Peace and Security
The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) called for more action to place young people, who make up the majority of the population in many conflict-affected countries, at the center of strategies for peacebuilding and conflict prevention. The Commission welcomed the perspectives shared by the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, the UNFPA Deputy Executive Director, youth representatives from El Salvador, Indonesia, Kenya, and Liberia, and the ASG for Peacebuilding Support during an ambassadorial-level meeting on youth, peace and security convened by the PBC Chair on 10 May. The Commission took note of a DPPA/PBSO written update on the implementation of the Commission’s Strategic Action Plan on youth and peacebuilding since its approval in February 2021, and the recommendations contained in the second report of the Secretary-General on youth, peace and security. PBC members expressed concern about the negative effects of compounded risks, including conflict and climate change, on youth. They stressed the need to increase funding for youth-led peacebuilding initiatives and work harder to ensure greater recognition and institutionalization of the YPS agenda globally, including through the adoption of national action plans and promotion of systematic reporting of status of their implementation based on quantitative and qualitative tracking. As a follow-up to the meeting, the Commission plans to submit written advice to the Security Council.
Watch the full recording here.
5-6 May 2022: Retreat of the Peacebuilding Commission
On 5 and 6 May, the Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation and the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Peacebuilding Support Office hosted an in-person ambassadorial-level Retreat of the Peacebuilding Commission at Greentree Estate in Manhasset, New York. The two-day Retreat focused on how the Commission can better deliver in the face of continuing threats - from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to worsening climate impacts, growing humanitarian crises and conflicts, and the unraveling of hard-won gains in curbing poverty and closing the gender divide. Representatives of PBC members and countries under the Commission’s consideration discussed the important and interlinked elements of the Programme of Work of the PBC for 2022, with a focus on ways of (1) amplifying impact, (2) improving communications and visibility and (3) strengthening the Commission’s advisory and bridging roles. Ms. Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Ms. Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, Ms. Asako Okai, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Crisis Bureau, and Ms. Åsa Regnér, Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women were present. Mr. Boukar Issoufou Mamadou Goni, President of NGO WARAKA in Niger, connected virtually to share his views.
PBC members reiterated their commitment to ensure that the Commission stays fit-for-purpose in the face of new challenges to peacebuilding. They agreed that this requires continuing focus on timely and effective support to the countries who seek to engage with the Commission, be it for example for the operationalization of the Special Criminal Court in the CAR; the timely implementation of the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission in The Gambia, or advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in Liberia. Effective and timely PBC responses is a key factor in determining its future success. PBC members renewed their commitment to further strengthen links with the General Assembly, ECOSOC, and the Security Council, and agreed on the need to dedicate more resources to ensure effective deliberations and enhanced communications. In response to the recent High-Level Meeting on Financing for Peacebuilding, which took place on 27 and 29 April, many representatives expressed their support for a follow-up process of the High-Level Meeting to produce a negotiated outcome document.
20 April 2022: Meeting on Lake Chad Basin
The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) met on 20 April to discuss ways of increasing support for the implementation of the Regional Strategy for the Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience of the Boko Haram affected Areas of the Lake Chad Basin Region, with a focus on the critical role of the Territorial Action Plans (TAPs). The meeting was convened by the Chair as a follow-up to the third Governors Forum of the Lake Chad Basin, held in October 2021, during which the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) asked the PBC to utilize its convening and bridging platform to mobilize further support for the region’s peacebuilding priorities. Representatives of regional and sub-regional organizations, local authorities, and civil society organizations led by women and youth discussed concrete ways of enhancing local resilience, with support from the PBC. The Commission welcomed the expansion of the Lake Chad Basin Commission’s support base to include humanitarian, development, and peace actors, and encouraged sustained partnership among the LCBC, African Union (AU), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the UN, and local actors in the implementation of the regional strategy. It welcomed in particular the use of dialogue platforms which allow key implementing actors to interact with civil society and the private sector in the conceptualization of interventions. The Commission expressed full support for placing women and youth at the heart of efforts to implement the TAPs. Many recognized the need for predictable funding for the implementation of the regional strategy, including through the establishment of a basket fund, underscoring the need for projects dedicated to strengthening institutional capacity of LCBC States to implement the regional strategy.
Press statement was issued after the meeting.
Watch the full recording here.
13 April 2022: Meeting on Colombia
On 13 April, President Ivan Duque of Colombia briefed the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) on the status of implementation of the 2016 peace agreement, alongside his Counsellor for Stabilisation and Consolidation Emilio Archila and a former combatant who represented a local agricultural cooperative. Special Representative of the Secretary-General Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Resident Coordinator Mireia Villar Forner and Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Elizabeth Spehar participated in the meeting. Members of the Commission reiterated that Colombia’s peace process continued to serve as an example to the world of the possibility of resolving armed conflict through dialogue, and the importance of a comprehensive approach to building and sustaining peace. They recognized progress on many fronts, including in the reintegration of former combatants, while also expressing concerns over violence in conflict-affected areas, and encouraged continuing efforts to build trust with communities. They recognized the catalytic contribution of the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and stressed the need for complementarity of different strands of technical assistance and funding, including domestic resources, innovative financing, local-level entrepreneurship, private sector investments and public-private sector partnerships. The Commission offered its platform for continuing accompaniment and advocacy in support of peacebuilding in Colombia.
Watch the full recording here
8 April 2022: Meeting on the Central African Republic
On 8 April 2022, the Chair of the PBC's Central African Republic Configuration, H.E. Mr. Omar Hilale, convened a meeting on the rule of law in CAR, with a focus on transitional justice efforts and the budget deficits of the Special Criminal Court (SCC) and the Truth, Justice, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TJRRC). The meeting included briefings by MINUSCA, the Minister of Justice, and representatives of the SCC, TJRRC and an association of women lawyers.
Watch the full recording here.
22 March 2022: Meeting on the Sahel
On 22 March, PBC Vice-Chair José A. Blanco Conde chaired a meeting in support of the ten UNISS countries of the region, and the G5 Sahel countries in particular, and their efforts to address climate degradation issues from a peacebuilding and development perspective within the framework of the implementation of the UNISS/UNSP. The meeting included briefings by the G5 Sahel Executive-Secretary, the UN Development Coordinator for the Sahel, IOM Director General, FAO Director General, as well as representatives of the African Development Bank and two NGOs in Niger and Mali respectively. The EU Special Representative to the Sahel, the AU Permanent Observer and UNOWAS Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General were also invited to participate from the floor.
Watch the full recording here.
22 February 2022: Meeting on Guinea-Bissau
On 22 February, the PBC Guinea Bissau Configuration Chair, H.E. Mr. Ronaldo Costa Filho, convened a meeting on the political situation to reinforce the need for continuation of the peacebuilding priorities by the UNCT following the closure of UNIOGBIS. Briefers included the Bissau-Guinean State Secretary for Communities, Ms. Salomé dos Santos Allouche; UNOWAS Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Giovanie Biha; the UN Resident Coordinator a.i., Mr. Jean Marie Kipela; and the UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Tjark Engenhoff.
Watch the full recording here.
4 February 2022: Meeting on the 2022 PBC Programme of Work
On 4 February, H.E. Ms. Rabab Fatima, Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting to exchange views on the priorities that Member States wish to see reflected in the Provisional Annual Programme of Work of the Commission for 2022.
Watch the full recording here.
1 February 2022: Election of Chairs and Adoption of Annual Report
On 1 February 2022, H.E. Mr. Osama Abdelkhalek, Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, convened the formal meeting of the PBC to consider the report of the PBC on its fifteenth session and to elect the PBC Chair, Vice-Chairs and Chairs of the PBC Country Configurations for the sixteenth session.
Watch the full recording here.
16 December 2020: PBC Meeting on the PBF and Quarterly Briefings by Configuration Chairs
On 16 December, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, H.E. Bob Rae, convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting to receive an update on the Peacebuilding Fund as well as briefings by the Chairs of the Country Configurations.
10 December 2020: PBC Meeting on Sierra Leone
On 10 December 2020, The Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, H.E. Mr. Bob Rae, convened a meeting to discuss Sierra Leone. Briefers included H.E. Mrs. Amina J. Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General; H.E. Mrs. Nabeela F. Tunis, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Sierra Leone; H.E. Dr. Francis Mustapha Kai-Kai, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Republic of Sierra Leone; and Ms. Valnora Edwin, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone chapter of African Women Leaders Network (AWLN).
2 December 2020: PBC Meeting on Somalia
On 2 December 2020, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, H.E. Mr. Bob Rae, convened a meeting to discuss progress and challenges of peacebuilding in Somalia. Briefers included H.E. Mr. Mohamed Hussein Roble, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia; H.E. Ms. Hanifa Mohamed Ibrahim, Minister of Women and Human Rights Development of the Federal Republic of Somalia; Mr. James Christopher Swan, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia; Ms. Rowda A. Olad, Founder of Meendeeq Mental Health; and Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support.
23 November 2020: PBC Meeting on The Gambia
On 23 November, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, H.E. Bob Rae, convened a meeting to discuss progress and challenges in the constitutional review, ongoing reforms and good governance in The Gambia. Briefers included H.E. Mr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of The Gambia; H.E. Mr. Dawda A. Jallow, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Republic of The Gambia; Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel; H.E. Ms. Vabah Gayflor, ECOWAS Resident Representative to The Gambia; and Ms. Salama Njie, National Network Coordinator, West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP).
12 November 2020: PBC Meeting on Liberia
On 12 November 2020, H.E. Ms. Anna Karin Eneström, Chair of the PBC Liberia Configuration convened an ambassadorial-level meeting for the Government of Liberia and international partners to update on priorities for continued support to building and sustaining peace in Liberia, with a focus on elections scheduled for December 2020. Briefings by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia, H.E. Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr; Mrs. Davidetta Browne Lansanah, Chairperson, National Elections Commission of Liberia; SRSG and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas; United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia a.i., Mr. Kingsley Opuku Amaning; and Mr. Oscar Bloh, Elections Coordinating Committee representative.
4 November 2020: PBC Meeting on Women, Peacebuilding and Development in the Great Lakes Region
On 4 November 2020, Peacebuilding Commission Chair, H.E. Mr. Bob Rae, convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting of the PBC to discuss women, peacebuilding and development in the Great Lakes Region. Briefers included Mr. Huang Xia, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region; Ms. Julienne Lusenge, Directrice du Fonds pour les Femmes Congolaises (FFC); Ms. Muque Kigoma, Founder Fruito Company; and Ms. Bineta Diop, AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace & Security.
2 November 2020: PBC Annual Session on Financing for Peacebuilding
On 2 November 2020, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, H.E. Mr. Bob Rae, convened the PBC's Annual Session. The session was dedicated to advancing options to ensure predictable and sustainable financing for peacebuilding, with briefings by the Secretary-General (recorded message); Chair of OECD's Development Assistance Committee; African Development Bank’s Vice President for Regional Development; World Bank's Senior Director for Fragility, Conflict & Violence; Chair of the Peacebuilding Fund’s Advisory Group; and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Mali’s Laham Industries.
27 October 2020: PBC Meeting on Guinea-Bissau
On 27 October 2020, the Chair of the PBC’s Guinea-Bissau Configuration, H.E. Mr. Ronaldo Costa Filho, convened a virtual meeting to discuss Guinea-Bissau’s peacebuilding priorities and socio-economic challenges. Briefers included UNIOGBIS SRSG Ms. Rosine Sori-Coulibaly; ECOWAS Special Representative to Guinea-Bissau H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Ohin; Mr. Serge N’Guessan, Deputy Director-General of the African Development Bank; and Ms. Ana Turé, Coordinator for the Women’s Council of Guinea-Bissau. Ms. Maria Antonieta Lopes D’Alva, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guinea-Bissau to the UN, also delivered remarks.
20 October 2020: PBC Meeting on the Central African Republic
On 20 October, the Chair of the PBC’s CAR Configuration, H.E. Mr. Omar Hilale, convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting to receive a briefing on the current situation in the Central African Republic, including with respect to the upcoming elections, and reflecting on rule of law and socio-economic development, and to exchange views on the key elements to be included in the Commission’s written advice to the Security Council ahead of the renewal of MINUSCA’s mandate in November 2020. Briefers included CAR Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Sylvie Baïpo-Temon; MINUSCA SRSG Mr. Mankeur Ndiaye; UN ASG for Rule of Law and Security Institutions, Mr. Alexander Zouev; Mr. Hans Fraeters, World Bank Country Director; and Ms. Lina Ecomo, Head of Network for Women's Leadership in the Central African Republic.
14 October 2020: PBC Meeting on the Sahel and the UN Integrated Sahel Strategy
On 14 October, the Peacebuilding Commission Chair, H.E. Mr. Bob Rae, convened a meeting to discuss the Sahel and the UN Integrated Sahel Strategy (UNISS). Briefers included the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Ms. Giovanie Biha; the Vice President of the World Bank for Western and Central Africa, Mr. Ousmane Diagana; UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa; Ms. Nana Cissé, Regional Coordinator of the G5 Sahel Women’s Platform; and UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, Mr. Oscar Fernández-Taranco.
8 October 2020: PBC Meeting on Burkina Faso
On 8 October, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, H.E. Mr. Bob Rae, convened a meeting to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on peacebuilding and sustaining peace in Burkina Faso. Briefers included H.E. Mr. Christophe Joseph Marie Dabiré, Prime Minister of Burkina Faso; H.E. Ms. Pauline Zoure, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy, Finance and Development of Burkina Faso, in charge of Regional Planning; Ms. Dorcas Tiendrebeogo, Director General, Fonds d’Appui aux Activites Remuneratrices des Femmes, Ministry of Women, National Solidarity, Family and Humanitarian Action; Ms. Agnes Bado, Présidente de l’Union Nationale des Femmes Opératrices Economiques (Chair of National Union of Women Entrepreneurs); Ms. Giovanie Biha, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel; and Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support.
2 October 2020: PBC Meeting on Women, Peace, and Security
On 2 October 2020, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, H.E. Mr. Bob Rae, convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting on Women, Peace and Security. Briefers included Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under Secretary-General, UN DPPA; Ms. Anita Bhatia, Deputy Executive Director, UN Women; H.E. Ms. Fatima Kyari Mohammed, AU Permanent Observer to the UN; Ms. Irma Citalán, Representative of “Plataforma de Mujeres Indígenas de Guatemala”; and Ms. Patience Ikpeh, Head of Programme, West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Nigeria.
9 September 2020: PBC Meeting on the Lake Chad Basin
On 9 September, Peacebuilding Commission Chair H.E. Mr. Bob Rae, held a meeting to discuss the implications of COVID-19 for peacebuilding and sustaining peace in the Lake Chad Basin, with a focus on national and regional efforts to fill critical funding gaps that have emerged due to the pandemic and continuous support for the implementation of the regional stabilisation strategy. Briefers included SRSG for Central Africa, Mr. François Louncény Fall; SRSG for West Africa and the Sahel, Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas; Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Head of Mission of the Multinational Joint Task Force, H.E. Mr. Mamman Nuhu; EU Special Representative for the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin, H.E. Mr. Ángel Losada Fernández; Dr. Fatima Akilu, the Executive Director of Neem Foundation, Nigeria; UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa; and UN ASG for Peacebuilding Support, Mr. Oscar Fernández-Taranco.
28 July 2020: Meeting on the Pacific Islands
The meeting provided an opportunity for the PBC to discuss the implications of COVID-19 for peacebuilding and sustaining peace in the Pacific, with a focus on support to national and regional efforts to address critical gaps that have emerged due to the pandemic, and mitigating the risk that the pandemic poses to stability and human security in the region. Briefers included Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States; Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, ASG for Peacebuilding Support; Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and Pacific, UNDP; Ms. Sharon Bhagwan Rolls, Chair of the Board and Regional Representative for the Pacific, Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict; and H.E. Mr. Samuelu Laloniu, Permanent Representative of Tuvalu, Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum.
24 June 2020: Meeting of the PBC Guinea-Bissau Configuration
On 24 June 2020, H.E. Mr. Ronaldo Costa Filho, Chair of the PBC Guinea-Bissau Configuration convened a virtual meeting of the Configuration to provide an update on political developments and the COVID-19 pandemic in Guinea-Bissau, and how peacebuilding priorities, socio-economic development, and the UN transition process are being impacted. Briefers included UNIOGBIS SRSG Ms. Rosine Sori-Coulibaly; H.E. Mr. Fernando Delfim da Silva, Permanent Representative of Guinea-Bissau; H.E. Mr. Abdou Abary, Permanent Representative of Niger representing ECOWAS chairmanship, and Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, UN ASG for Peacebuilding Support.
23 June 2020: Quarterly Briefing by the Country Configuration Chairs
On 23 June 2020, the Peacebuilding Commission Chair, H.E. Mr. Marc-André Blanchard, convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting of the PBC to hear briefings by the Chairs of the Country Configurations on their activities. This included briefings by H.E. Mr. Ronaldo Costa Filho, Chair of the Guinea-Bissau Configuration; H.E. Ms. Anna Karin Eneström, Chair of the PBC Liberia Configuration; H.E. Mr. Omar Hilale, Chair of the PBC CAR Configuration; and H.E. Mr. Jürg Lauber, Chair of the Burundi Configuration, as well as UN ASG for Peacebuilding Support, Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco.
15 June 2020: Meeting on The Gambia
On 15 June, H.E. Mr. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, chaired a meeting of the PBC to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia, with briefings by Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, H.E. Mr. Tambadou; Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, H.E. Mr. Nije; SRSG Chambas; RC Wakana; member of the Board of Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ms. Sise, and an intervention from ASG for Peacebuilding Support.
11 June 2020: Meeting on the African Great Lakes region
On 11 June 2020, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, H.E. Mr. Marc-André Blanchard convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting to discuss how best to provide support for regional socio-economic cooperation among the countries of the African Great Lakes region, as a key component of building and sustaining peace and fostering sustainable development in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing challenges posed by Ebola. Briefers included Mr. Huang Xia, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region; Amb. Zachary Muburi Muita, Executive Secretary of the ICGLR; Ms. Deborah L. Wetzel, Director for Regional Integration for Africa, the Middle East and Northern Africa, World Bank; Ms. Brenda Denousse, General Manager, Brookside Dairy LTD; and Amb. Liberata Mulamula, member of the SESG’s Advisory Board for Women, Peace and Security in the Great Lakes region.
Read the Press Statement by the PBC on the Great Lakes.
9 June 2020: Meeting on the Impact of COVID-19 on Peacebuilding in Central Africa
On 9 June, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, H.E. Mr. Marc-André Blanchard, convened the Commission’s first meeting on Central Africa to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on peacebuilding efforts in the region. Members of the Commission received briefings from UNOCA SRSG Founceny Fall, ECCAS SG Amb. Ahmad Allam-Mi, and ASG Oscar Fernandez-Taranco.
5 June 2020: Meeting on the Immediate Socio-Economic Response to COVID-19
On 5 June a PBC Ambassadorial-level meeting was convened by the Chair, H.E. Marc-Andre Blanchard, to discuss tailoring socio-economic responses to COVID-19 to the unique challenges posed in peacebuilding contexts, with special consideration given to community resilience and social innovation. Members of the Commission were briefed by Mr. Robert Piper, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Development Coordination; Mr. Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, Special Advisor to the Administrator of UNDP; Ms. Fatoumata Ba, Founder and Executive Chair of Janngo, Cote d’Ivoire; and Mr. Adan Kabelo, Somalia Country Director, Life and Peace Institute.
12 May 2020: Meeting on Papua New Guinea
On 12 May, a PBC Ambassadorial-level meeting was convened by the Chair, H.E. Marc-Andre Blanchard, to discuss the UN Deputy Secretary-General's visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG) in March and recent developments in the country, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Member States from the region, the Chairman of the Bougainville Referendum Commission, ASG for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific and ASG for Peacebuilding Support also attended.
7 May 2020: Meeting of the PBC's Central African Republic Configuration
On 7 May, an Ambassadorial-level PBC meeting on Central African Republic (CAR) was convened to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the legislative and presidential elections planned for 2020-2021. The Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization presented the Government’s plans for electoral preparations and COVID response. Other briefers included the UN ASG for Africa, MINUSCA's SRSG and DSRSG, and the World Bank.
22 April 2020: Meeting on West Africa and the Sahel
On 22 April 2020, Peacebuilding Commission Chair H.E. Mr. Marc-André Blanchard convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting to discuss the implications of COVID-19 for peacebuilding and sustaining peace in West Africa and the Sahel, with a focus on support to national and regional efforts to fill critical funding gaps that have emerged due to the pandemic. UNOWAS SRSG Mohamed Ibn Chambas briefed members of the Commission.
15 April 2020: Meeting of the PBC Liberia Configuration
On 15 April 2020, a meeting of the PBC Liberia Configuration was convened by Chair H.E. Ms. Anna Karin Eneström, to provide an update on building and sustaining peace in Liberia, with a focus on the socioeconomic situation in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Hon. Samuel D. Tweah Jr., Minister of Finance and Development Planning of Liberia; Hon. Varney A. Sirleaf, Minister of Internal Affairs of Liberia; Dr. Kingsley Amaning, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Liberia; and Dr. Khwima Nthara, Country Manager for Liberia, World Bank Group, briefed the Commission.
8 April 2020: Meeting on COVID-19
On 8 April 2020, Peacebuilding Commission Chair H.E. Mr. Marc-André Blanchard convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting on the implications of COVID-19 for peacebuilding and sustaining peace in countries and regions under the Commission’s consideration. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed briefed the Commission as well as the FAO’s Director of Emergencies Mr. Dominique Burgeon, and the World Bank’s Senior Director Mr. Franck Bousquet.
Read the Press Release of the PBC on the impact of COVID-19 on peacebuilding and sustaining peace.
PBC Chair's remarks at Arria Formula meeting on Transition from Conflict & Fragility into Peace through Sustainable Development
22 December 2022: Kenya hosted an Arria Formula Meeting of the Security Council on “Transitioning from Protracted Conflict and Fragility into Peace Through Sustainable Development.” The Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), H.E. Mr. Muhammad Abdul Muhith, who was invited to address the meeting, in his statement underlined that the best means of building peace was through sustainable development. He noted that peacebuilding and sustaining peace required strong partnerships and funding, including through the Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and nationally owned solutions, even more so in a transitional period when a UN mission completes its mandate or is reconfigured.
PBC Visit to South Sudan
The Chair (Bangladesh) and Vice-Chairs (Dominican Republic and Egypt) of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), accompanied by the ASG for Peacebuilding Support, concluded a visit to South Sudan (6-9 December). The purpose of the visit was to witness the progress made on the implementation of peacebuilding priorities presented by the Government at the PBC meeting on South Sudan on 26 October. During the visit, the delegation met with a wide range of actors, including Government officials (Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Minister of Peacebuilding among others), civil society organizations, UN entities, international financial institutions, and key international and regional partners. The delegation also visited a project funded by the Peacebuilding Fund in support of youth action for reduced violence and enhanced cohesion in the county of Wau. As a follow up, a meeting of the Commission is to be convened in the near future to provide an opportunity for the Chair to report on their visit.
The PBC's written advice to the Security Council on piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea
Ahead of the Security Council Briefing on “Peace and security in Africa: Piracy Gulf of Guinea”, which took place on 22 November, the PBC has submitted a written advice to the Security Council. The advice recognized that the impacts of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea on both the coastal and land-country countries within the region are multifaceted. It urged a comprehensive approach that takes into consideration the root causes and inputs from vulnerable groups including women and youth.
The PBC's written advice to the Security Council on the G5 Sahel
16 November 2022: The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) submitted written advice to the Security Council on the G5 Sahel. In its advice, the Commission stressed the need to preserve the political unity of the G5 Sahel and the gains achieved through its cooperative efforts to address the multidimensional challenges faced by the region, while encouraging all parties to remain engaged in and committed to this process. The Commission also acknowledged the need to address the adverse effects of climate change and encouraged greater support for the objectives of the G5 Sahel Priority Investment Program which incorporates climate change adaptation and governance reforms into it. The Commission also stressed the importance of international and regional partnerships as well as with IFIs and welcomed the initiation of the joint AU-UN-ECOWAS-G5 Sahel Strategic Assessment on governance and security to strengthen support to the G5 Sahel, Further, the Commission underlined the importance of respecting human rights in all efforts to combat terrorism in the Sahel region.
The PBC's written advice to the Security Council on the mandate renewal of written advice on MINUSCA
9 November 2022: The Peacebuilding Commission submitted a written advice on the occasion of the mandate renewal of MINUSCA.
The details can be found here.
The PBC's written advice to the Security Council Open Debate on ‘Integrating Effective Resilience-Building in Peace Operations'
3 November 2022: In response to a request by the President of the Security Council, the PBC Chair submitted a written advice ahead of the Council’s open debate “Peacebuilding and sustaining peace: Integrating effective resilience-building in peace operations for sustainable peace” on 3 November. In the advice, he stressed the importance of synergies and complementarity between peacebuilding and peacekeeping and the need for greater collaboration between the Commission and the Security Council, in particular when the Council is considering missions’ mandates.
Peacebuilding Commission statement to the Security Council during its meeting on Colombia
12 October 2022: On invitation by the President of the Security Council, Gabon, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, Mr. Muhith, delivered a statement to the Security Council on Colombia on 12 October. The Commission commended President Petro and his Government on their commitment to peace, including the full implementation of the Final Peace Agreement, and encouraged the inclusion of the women, peace and security agenda in all discussions relevant to peacebuilding in Colombia. The Commission also acknowledged the invaluable and complementary support that the Verification Mission and the UN Country Team provide to peacebuilding in Colombia, and the catalytic contribution of the Peacebuilding Fund through the Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Sustaining Peace (MPTF). Noting Colombia as a successful example of inclusive peacemaking, the Commission expressed their commitment to continue accompanying Colombia in its peacebuilding efforts and called on partners to increase their efforts to support Colombia in this endeavor.
The PBC's written advice to the Security Council Debate on Cooperation Between the UN and African Union
11 October 2022: The Commission submitted a written advice to the Security Council on the occasion of the Council’s Debate on the partnership with the African Union (AU). In the advice, the Commission encourages both organizations for more impact driven collaboration including in support the AU’s efforts to revitalize and operationalize the AU's Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Policy. The Commission stressed the importance of the triangular partnership with Regional Economic Communities, Regional Mechanisms as well as International Financing Institutions and the need to support institutions and capacity building disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) and security sector reforms (SSR). Referring to the progress made by the AU with the implementation of WPS and YPS agenda, the Commission called for continued efforts to improve the gender and youth sensitivity of peacebuilding initiatives. Last, echoing the call made within last CoP 26, the Commission encouraged for more structured financing investments in response to climate change.
PBC Chair speaks at the high-level luncheon on the International Dialogue for Peacebuilding and Statebuilding (IDPS)
20 September 2022: H.E. Mr. Mohammed Shahriar Alam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, participated in high-level luncheon of the IDPS, hosted by UNDP, as the PBC Chair, together with ASG for Peacebuilding Support, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar. In his remarks, the PBC Chair introduced the progress made by the PBC through the implementation of the 2022 programme of work, emphasizing that in order to ‘leave no one behind’, we need to focus on conflict-affected countries, and ensure that realization of SDGs in those countries is inclusive while continuing our efforts to address the root causes of conflict and promote the foundations of peace. ASG Spehar expressed her hope that the Dialogue will contribute to the triangular trust and collaboration in support of peacebuilding.
General Assembly Joint Debate on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace
2 September 2022: The General Assembly held a joint debate on the latest Report of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), the Secretary-General’s Report on the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and on Report on peacebuilding and sustaining peace. During the debate, the former PBC Chair Osama Abdelkhalek of Egypt emphasized the Commission’s efforts to strengthen its advisory, bridging and convening roles, with a focus on the impact at the field level. The current PBC Chair Muhammad Abdul Muhith of Bangladesh said the PBC expanded its work this year to more settings to mobilize support for national and regional peacebuilding priorities. Member States expressed support for the work of the PBC and the PBF. They both stressed the urgent need to ensure adequate, predictable and sustained financing for peacebuilding, and expressed their hope that the ongoing General Assembly resolution process on the subject effectively addresses challenges in this regard.
PBC Chair addressed the Security Council on Peace and Security in Africa
8 August 2022: At a Security Council open debate on peace and security in Africa: Capacity building for sustaining peace, the Chair of the PBC briefed on the work of the Commission in supporting national efforts to build capacities, drawing on examples of engagement with Burundi, the Central African Republic, Liberia and in the Lake Chad Basin. He identified priority areas such as sustainable development, transitional justice, women, peace and security and youth, peace and security. He also stressed the need of supporting national and local institutions, fostering stronger partnerships, including with IFIs and civil society organizations, as well as the importance of adequate resources for capacity building. Council Members were also briefed by Ms. Cristina Duarte, Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, and by H.E. Mr. Bankole Adeoye, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the AU Commission.
The former PBC Chair and current Chair presented the 2021 annual report and 2022 programme of work to the Security Council
At the Security Council briefing on the annual report of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) on 27 July, the former PBC Chair Osama Abdelkhalek presented the 2021 PBC annual report and informed the Council of the Commission’s main achievements in 2021. He underscored that the scope of the PBC’s geographic and substantive focus has been expanded and its advisory and bridging roles had been strengthened. The current Chair, Md Monwar Hossain, updated the Council on the status of the implementation of the Commission’s 2022 Programme of Work. He noted that the PBC continues to emphasize delivery, with a focus on national ownership and inclusivity. The ASG for Peacebuilding Support, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, also attended.
Read more here
PBC Chair to Address the Security Council on West Africa and the Sahel
7 July 2022: Briefing the Security Council on West Africa and the Sahel on 7 July, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission expressed concerns over the deteriorating security and political environment, highlighting the resurgence of coups d'état and the expansion of terrorism in the region, as well as maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. She highlighted the importance of addressing socio-economic and humanitarian challenges and urged increased cooperation between partners, including through the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS) and the Regional Strategy for the Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience of Boko Haram-affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin. Drawing on its country specific engagements, the Chair also encouraged The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia and Sierra Leone to pursue their peacebuilding efforts and welcomed the upcoming PBC meeting on Burkina Faso.
Full text here
Remarks of the PBC Chair at ECOSOC Meeting on the Transition from Relief to Development
20 June 2022: the PBC Chair participated in ECOSOC Meeting on the Transition from Relief to Development: Roundtable Session 1 “Recurrent crises and sustainable solutions: building resilience and addressing rising food insecurity”. See full text of her remarks here.
PBC visit to Liberia
The Chair of the Liberia Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Ambassador Anna Karin Eneström (Sweden), joined by the ASG for Peacebuilding Support, Elizabeth Spehar, concluded a week-long visit to Liberia. They met with President George Manneh Weah, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah Sr. and other Government officials, among others. The visit focused on the PBC and the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF)’s support for Liberia’s peacebuilding priorities, including social cohesion and national reconciliation efforts, the promotion of women’s empowerment and gender equality, and the preparation for elections in 2023.
Remarks of PBC Chair at UNU World Institute for Development Economics Research (WIDER)
17 April 2022: At the invitation of the UNU-WIDER Conference on "The puzzle of peace – towards inclusive development in fragile contexts" held on 17 May in Helsinki, the PBC Chair virtually-delivered remarks during the plenary session on conflict legacies and post-conflict recovery. Other panelists included a Professor in Environmental and Resource Economics at the University of California (Berkeley), the Under-Secretary of State for Development Policy at MFA Finland, the Vice-President of the International Committee of Red Cross, a Chief Economist at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the World Bank Director of Fragility, Conflict, and Violence. In her remarks, approved by the PBC, the Chair recalled that during a recent PBC retreat, the Commission discussed ways of remaining fit for purpose in the face of increasingly complex challenges to peacebuilding and enhancing its ability to ensure timely and effective responses in support of local peacebuilding priorities. She stressed that adequate, predictable, and sustained financing remained a critical challenge as financial flows to conflict-affected countries have come under increasing pressure, and reiterated the Commission's commitment to further promote coherence, forge partnerships, and mobilize creative peacebuilding financing and non-financial contributions.
See here the full text of the Chair’s remarks.
PBC Chair's statement at High-Level Meeting on Financing for Peacebuilding
27 April 2022: H.E. Ms. Rabab Fatima, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) delivered a statement at the High-Level Meeting on Financing for Peacebuilding.
Full text here.
PBC advice to the Security Council on the situation in the Great Lakes region
26 April 2022: The Peacebuilding Commission provided advice to the Security Council ahead of the Council's meeting on the situation in the Great Lakes region on Wednesday, 27 April 2022.
Full text here.
PBC letter to the General Assembly on financing for peacebuilding
21 April 2022: Following lengthy negotiations, the PBC submitted to the General Assembly a letter on peacebuilding financing, which served as input to the high-level meeting on 27 and 29 April. In the letter, which was informed by a series of PBC discussions and related events led by Member States in the last two years, the PBC reiterates that adequate, predictable and sustained financing remains a critical challenge, noting with concern that financial flows to conflict affected countries have been under severe pressure, particularly Official Development Assistance devoted to peacebuilding – and that the challenge is particularly acute in the contexts of United Nations transitions. Building on its work in support of the women, peace and security agenda and the youth, peace and security agenda, the Commission stresses the importance of enhancing efforts aimed at promoting the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peacebuilding, and for greater youth engagement to peacebuilding. The Commission notes with concern that demand for support from the Peacebuilding Fund significantly outpaces available resources and recommends that its donor base should be broadened and diversified. The Commission encourages the General Assembly to consider all options for enhanced peacebuilding financing, including voluntary, assessed and innovative in its high-level meeting.
PBC advice to Security Council on the implementation of resolutions 2532 (2020) and 2565 (2021)
11 April 2022: Peacebuilding Commission has provided advice to the Security Council on occasion of the Council’s briefing on the implementation of resolutions 2532 (2020) and 2565 (2021) on 11 April 2022.
Full text here.