Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly

29 November 2021

Excellencies,

Thank you for providing me with this opportunity to speak.

The ongoing Peacebuilding Commission’s contributions to the international community’s broad peace agenda is commended, applauded. 

Because of its comprehensive approach, peacebuilding has become a vital pillar of both conflict prevention and post-conflict rebuilding.

At the heart of peacebuilding is an attempt to build a new State that will have the capacity to manage disputes peacefully, protect its civilians and ensure respect for human rights.

Peaceful and inclusive societies create an environment conducive to sustainable development. Sustainable peace is both an enabler and an outcome of sustainable development.

Both the 2030 Agenda and Sustaining Peace seek to advance the core principles of the UN Charter.

They have wide-ranging implications for how Member States, the UN system and other actors advance sustainable development, human rights and collective peace and security in today’s complex and interconnected world.

Peacebuilding’s continued success will hinge on the states ownership of efforts, with the support of the international community, and ensuring that it is an inclusive process. One that benefits all communities and marginalizes none.

We must continue to recognize that conflict arises from factors such as poverty, exclusion, inequality, discrimination, and serious human rights violations. We must work to redress these injustices.

Excellencies,

The human and moral imperatives for peacebuilding have always been incontestable.

The cost-effectiveness of prevention, and of sustaining peace when threatened with relapse, has been established beyond doubt.

Over the past months, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought some harsh realities into relief.

In situations of pre-existing fragility, where there is the threat or actuality of conflict, the pandemic has exposed and exacerbated risks and vulnerabilities.

The best chance to prevent conflict relies on inclusive and nationally owned processes informed by gender equality and respect for human rights, supported through well-coordinated partnerships, and enabled by adequate, predictable financing.

Considering the linkages between peacebuilding and national development, I call upon the global community to invest in peacebuilding aspects when crafting national recovery packages.

This will accelerate not only our COVID-19 recovery efforts but will help us build the world that comes after the pandemic; a world that is fairer, more equal, and more peaceful.  

Towards that end, I fully support the call in “Our Common Agenda” for stronger commitments and investments in prevention and peacebuilding. Ensuring that the Peacebuilding Fund and Peacebuilding Commission have sufficient financing is of crucial importance.

We must explore all available avenues to support peacebuilding financing. This includes partnering with international and regional financial institutions, including the World Bank and the IMF, as well as with the private sector.

During my ‘Presidency of Hope’, I will do all that I can to ensure that peacebuilding efforts receive the requisite financing.

In line with the twin resolutions on the 2020 Peacebuilding Architecture, I will convene a High-Level Meeting to advance, explore and consider options for peacebuilding financing.

The meeting will be a crucial opportunity for member states to discuss and generate concrete ideas on ensuring adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing for peacebuilding.

Together, with such an effective tool at our disposal, we can finally leave the ugly legacy of warfare behind for good.

I thank you.