Meetings and Activities of the Peacebuilding Commission - 2021
Meetings and Activities of the Peacebuilding Commission - 2021
See below for meetings and activities of the Peacebuilding Commission in 2021.
For meetings and activities in 2020, check archive.
9 December 2021: PBC Meeting on Sierra Leone
On 9 December, PBC Chair H.E. Mr. Osama Abdelkhalek convened a meeting to provide an opportunity for Sierra Leone to update on progress made in its roadmap for more flexible engagement with the PBC and seek support for further mobilization of women and youth in peacebuilding and development initiatives. Briefers included H.E. Mr. David Francis, Foreign Affairs Minister; H.E. Dr. Francis Mustapha Kai Kai, Minister of Planning and Economic Development; H.E. Mr. Mohamed Oman Bangura, Minister of Youth; Dr. Nemata Majeks-Walker, Founder and First President of the 50/50 Group; Ms. Giovanie Biha, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for UNOWAS.
7 December 2021: Meeting on DDR and SSR
On 7 December 2021, PBC Chair H.E. Mr. Osama Abdelkhalek convened a meeting to discuss SSR and DDR contributions to peacebuilding and sustaining peace. Briefers included UN Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions, Mr. Alexandre Zouev; Mr. Tommy Tambwe, Coordinator, Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Reintegration and Stabilization programme (P-DDRCS), DR Congo; H.E. Mr. Fidele Gboroton Sarassoro, Minister/Cabinet Director, Presidency of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire; and Ms. Jennifer Oreta, Assistant Professor of the Department of Political Science, Ateneo de Manila University, Phillipines.
2 December 2021: PBC Meeting on Chad
On 2 December, the Chair of the PBC, H.E. Mr. Osama Abdelkhalek, convened a meeting to offer the Government of Chad to present the Transitional Roadmap and brief on the progress and challenges in view of mobilizing international assistance for the transition. Briefers included H.E. the Prime Minister of Chad, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Economy Development Planning and International Cooperation as well as the AU High Representative and Special Representative for Chad, Representative on behalf of SRSG UNOCA, World Bank Country Manager for Chad, and the President of the Cellule de Liaison et d’Information des Associations Feminines (CELIAF).
15 November 2021: Meeting on Colombia
On 15 November, the PBC Chair convened a meeting on Colombia to offer an opportunity to update the Commission on the Final Agreement’s implementation as well as to identify areas in need of further attention and support. Briefers included the Presidential Counsellor for Stabilization and Consolidation; President of the Truth Commission on behalf of the Comprehensive System for Truth, Justice, Reparations and Non-Repetition; the General Director of the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros; A representative of the Indigenous Multi-active Cooperative for Peace; the Chief Executive Officer of the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation; the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia; and the UN Resident Coordinator in Colombia.
Watch the full recording here.
2 November 2021: Meeting on Burundi
On 2 November 2021, the PBC Burundi Configuration Chair, H.E. Ms. Pascale Baeriswyl, convened a meeting to identify ways of supporting Burundi’s efforts to promote youth economic empowerment and entrepreneurship, including through strengthened UN work. Following briefings by the PR of Burundi, the UN Resident Coordinator, a representative of Burundi’s Youth Investment Bank, five youth representatives from different sectors of the economy, and the Executive Director of Jimbere magazine, the Commission took note of Government and grass-root level strategies to prepare young men and women to fully participate in the economy, a prerequisite for sustainable peace.
28 October 2021: PBC Meeting on the Central African Republic
On 28 October, the Chair of the Central African Republic (CAR) configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, H.E. Mr. Omar Hilale, convened a meeting to discuss the political, electoral and rule of law situation in the country. Briefers included the Prime Ministers of the CAR, MINUSCA SRSG, and the President of the Women's Leadership Network in the CAR.
27 October 2021: PBC Meeting on The Gambia
On 27 October 2021, PBC Chair H.E. Mr. Osama Abdelkhalek convened a meeting to discuss progress in the transitional justice process in The Gambia and encouraged prompt finalization of the report of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) and robust follow-up to the TRRC recommendations, with international support. Briefers included the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia; the Chairperson of TRRC; UNOWAS SRSG Annadif; the President of Gambia’s Gender Platform; and the UN ASG for Peacebuilding Support.
22 October 2021: SG Briefing on the Common Agenda
On 22 October 2021, the Secretary-General presented to the Peacebuilding Commission his report on Our Common Agenda. His remarks focused on all the recommendations contained in his report and highlighted the role of the PBC and the PBF in pursuing these, particularly as they pertain to the New Agenda for Peace.
Watch the full recording here.
13 October: Meeting on the Role of Women in Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace
On 13 October, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, H.E. Mr. Osama Abdelkhalek, convened a meeting to take stock of efforts of the Peacebuilding Commission and the United Nations system in advancing the women, peace and security agenda, with a focus on activities that aim to enhance the leading role of women in peacebuilding and sustaining peace and to identify areas in need of priority PBC support. It also offered an opportunity to consider the Commission's advice to the Security Council ahead of its open debate on women, peace and security, as well as its gender related contributions to the General Assembly ahead of the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on financing for peacebuilding.
Watch the video recording of the meeting here.
29 July 2021: Update on the PBF and Quarterly Report by CSC Chairs
On 29 June, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Edrees, Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, convened a meeting to receive an update on the activities of the Peacebuilding Fund as well as the quarterly reports by Country Specific Configuration (CSC) Chairs.
26 July 2021: Meeting on the Great Lakes region
On 26 July, the Chair of the PBC, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Edrees, convened a meeting on the Great Lakes to mobilize support for regional peacebuilding efforts and the implementation of the United Nations Strategy for Peace Consolidation, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes Region, including for Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration of ex-combatants in the Great Lakes Region. Briefings were provided by SESG Huang Xia on the Action Plan of the regional Strategy, by the Chief of Staff of the National Oversight Mechanism of the DRC for the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region, Ms. Marie Claude Nkulu Mbayo, on on-going efforts and coordination at regional level, including consultations among the Intelligence and Security Services and by UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda Fodé Ndiaye on the UN and PBF support to reintegration of former combatants and their dependents repatriated from the DRC to Rwanda.
The video recording of the meeting can be found here on UN Webtv.
16 July 2021: Meeting with the IMF
On 16 July, the Chair of the PBC, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Edrees, convened a meeting to discuss macroeconomic responses to conflict settings.
The IMF's Deputy Director Mr. Franck Bousquet briefed on the first IMF Fragility and Conflict-affected States (FCS) Strategy, making the PBC the first external partner to be engaged as part of the recently-launched consultation phase.
12 July 2021: Meeting on the Central African Republic
On 12 July, the Chair of the PBC Central African Republic Configuration, H.E. Mr. Omar Hilale, convened a meeting to discuss the electoral, political and security situation in the country. Briefers included MINUSCA’s SRSG Mankeur Ndiaye and the President of the National Electoral Authority, Mr. Mathias Morouba.
6 July 2021: Meeting on Burundi
On 6 July, H.E. Ms. Pascale Baeriswyl, Chair of the PBC Burundi Configuration, convened a meeting for the Government of Burundi and international partners to discuss Burundi’s new National Program on Peace Capitalization, Social Stability and the Promotion of Economic Growth and other related matters. Briefers included Mr. Francois Nibizi, Chief of Strategic Studies and Development, Office in the State House of the Republic of Burundi; and Ms. Jutta Hinkkanen, Head of Office, UN OCHA Burundi.
30 June 2021: Meeting on Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea
On 30 June, PBC Chair H.E. Mr. Mohamed Edrees convened a meeting to take stock of ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, including to help address associated human security challenges and to provide livelihood opportunities for surging youth populations, and to enourage further related coordination among national, regional and international actors. Briefers included Mr. Annadif Khatir Mahamat Saleh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS); Mr. François Louncény Fall, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA); and Ms. Ghada Fathi Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as well as representatives from ECCAS, ECOWAS and the Gulf of Guinea Commission.
29 June 2021: Meeting on Guinea-Bissau
On 29 June 2021, the Chair of the PBC's Guinea-Bissau Configuration, H.E. Mr. Ronaldo Costa Filho, convened a meeting to provide the Government of Guinea-Bissau, representated by its Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities H.E. Ms. Suzi Barboza, the opporunity to brief PBC members on the government's plan and efforts to improve the socio-economic welfare of its citizens.
17 June 2021: Meeting on Liberia
On 17 June, H.E. Ms. Anna Karin Eneström, Chair of the PBC Liberia Configuration convened a meeting focused on the importance of promoting social cohesion for sustaining peace in Liberia. Briefers included H.E. Mr. Varney A. Sirleaf, Minister of Internal Affairs of Liberia; H.E. Mr. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia; Mr. Niels Scott, UN Resident Coordinator; and Counsellor Dr. Yvette Chesson-Wureh, Angie Brooks International Centre.
15 June 2021: Meeting on Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
On 15 June, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Edrees, convened a meeting to learn about recent efforts to strengthen coherence and partnerships for peacebuilding and sustaining peace in peacekeeping settings, and to discuss progress in the implementation of the Action for Peacekeeping commitments as well as how the PBC can promote deeper partnerships between the UN and IFIs and strengthen its own support for peacebuilding priorities at all stages of peacekeeping mandates. Briefers included Under-Secretary-General for United Nations Peace Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix; MONUSCO SRSG Ms. Bintou Keita; World Bank Acting Senior Director, Fragility, Conflict, & Violence (FCV) Mr. Stefan Emblad; and ASG for Peacebuilding Support Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco.
9 June: Meeting on the conclusions of the Aswan and Stockholm Forums
On 9 June 2021, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Edress, convened a meeting to hear briefings on the conclusions of the Aswan Forum and the Stockholm Forum as well as to exchange views of PBC Member States.
17 May 2021: Meeting on Institution-Building
On 17 May 2021, the Peacebuilding Commission Chair, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Edrees, convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting is to discuss achievements, good practices, and lessons learned from the ground on institution-building as well as how the PBC can support institution-building strategies and address challenges. Briefers included UNDP Administrator, Mr. Achim Steiner; Presidential Counsellor for Stabilisation and Consolidation of Colombia, Mr. Emilio Archila; Chief Executive Officer of India-based NGO Pratham, Dr. Rukmini Banerji; and President of the High Authority for the Consolidation of Peace in Niger, Brigadier General Mahamadou Abou Tarka.
28 April 2021: Meeting on the Sahel and UNISS
On 28 April, the PBC held a meeting to discuss the situation in the Sahel region and the implementation of UNISS, with briefings by the Special Coordinator for the Sahel; DSRSG UNOWAS; AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security and a local NGO representative in Niger, and floor interventions from the PR of Chad on behalf of the G5 Sahel; EUSR; ECOWAS Permanent Observer; AfDB and WB representatives.
Watch the full recording here.
9 March 2021: PBC Meeting on Liberia
On 9 March 2021, H.E. Ms. Anna Karin Eneström, Chair of the Liberia Configuration of the PBC, convened a meeting on promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality in Liberia. The meeting, in the lead up to the CSW, was the first following agreement of the PBC’s Gender Strategy Action Plan. The meeting included briefings by the Liberian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Gender, the new UN Resident Coordinator (joined by the UN Women Country Director) and Liberian civil society, Ambassador Juli Endee of The Liberia Crusaders for Peace.
Watch the full recording here.
17 March 2021: PBC Meeting on Burundi
On 17 March 20201, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission’s Burundi Configuration, H.E. Ms. Pascale Baeriswyl, convened a meeting to provide member states with the opportunity to learn about the peacebuilding and development priorities of Burundi’s new government and to consider related bilateral and multilateral partners’ support. Briefers included Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Burundi, Mr. Evariste Ngendakendera; UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Ms. Nicole Kouassi; World Bank Country Manager Ms. Veronique Kabongo; and ASG for Peacebuilding Support Oscar Fernandez-Taranco.
24 February 2021: Meeting on Youth, Peace and Security
On 24 February 2021, following the recent adoption by the PBC of a strategic action plan on youth and peacebuilding, the PBC Chair H.E. Mr. Mohamed Edrees, convened a PBC meeting to consider ways of strengthening support to youth-led peacebuilding organizations in 2021 and contribute to the implementation of SC resolution 2535 (2020). Briefers included the SG’s Envoy on Youth; youth representatives from Nigeria and The Philippines; and ASG for Peacebuilding Support.
Watch the video recording of the meeting on UN WebTV.
3 February 2021: Formal Meeting of the Organizational Committee
On 3 February 2021, the PBC's Organizational Committee met in-person to consider the report of the PBC on its fourteenth session and to elect the PBC Chair, Vice-Chairs and Chairs of the PBC Country Configurations.
Watch the recording of the meeting on UN WebTV.