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.