Deputy Secretary-General's statement at Burundi country specific meeting of Peacebuilding Commission

Excellencies,

Let me congratulate the Government of Burundi and its partners in Bujumbura and the Burundi Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, under the able chairmanship of H.E. Ambassador Johan L. Løvald, for the work you have all done over this year toward consolidating peace in Burundi. Let me also recognize the invaluable convening and facilitating role played by BINUB under the leadership of ERSG Youssef Mahmoud, who is with us today.

Above all, I congratulate Burundi on its commitment to staying on the road to peace through ongoing dialogue and inclusive consultations, and I commend the tremendous efforts the current Government has recently made in this respect.

The endorsement of the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding in Burundi in June, and today's adoption of a Monitoring and Tracking Mechanism for that framework, are critical steps not only for Burundi and its people, but also for the work of the Peacebuilding Commission.

Through these actions, the Commission is contributing to meeting the objectives envisaged when it was created during the World Summit in September 2005. Burundi still faces obstacles in its peacebuilding efforts, and the Strategic Framework identifies critical challenges to be addressed, which include issues related to good governance; the ceasefire agreement between the Government and PALIPEHUTU FNL; security sector reform; justice and human rights; and socio economic recovery. I believe that the framework and monitoring mechanism you have jointly agreed with the Government and other stakeholders in Burundi will strengthen the long-term international support and engagement Burundi needs.

The Monitoring and Tracking Mechanism jointly developed by Burundi and the Peacebuilding Commission is the first of its kind. It paves the way for a principled and active partnership between countries under consideration by the Peacebuilding Commission, the entire United Nations system and the larger international community. It is a practical and powerful tool to ensure dialogue and enhanced coordination between key stakeholders. And it will help to ensure accountability of the actors engaged in supporting Burundi in its efforts to stay on the path to secure peace and sustainable development. These actors include the Government of Burundi, the members of PBC, the UN country team in Burundi, other international partners in Burundi, the private sector and civil society organisations.

Today's adoption further deepens the Peacebuilding Commission's engagement with the Government and the people of Burundi. The engagement will be guided by the principles of national ownership and open and transparent partnership, as reflected in the Strategic Framework and the Monitoring and Tracking Mechanism you are adopting. The United Nations system, principally through its presence on the ground and the Peacebuilding Support Office here in New York, will spare no effort to support this critical process.

Having followed Burundi's path to peace very closely, both in my previous national capacity and as the Deputy Secretary-General, I am particularly heartened to see the progress that is being made with the partnership of Burundi and the Peacebuilding Commission. I look forward to following your continued engagement closely, and to seeing further progress.

I thank you for the dedication and work that led to this result, and I congratulate you for a job well done.