The United Nations Peacebuilding Commission convened an Ambassadorial-level meeting on São Tomé and Príncipe on 29 May 2025, chaired by H.E. Ms. Antje Leendertse, Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission. H.E. Mr. Carlos Vila Nova, President of São Tomé and Príncipe, represented his Government at the meeting. 

1.  The Peacebuilding Commission welcomed the President’s presentation of São Tomé and Príncipe’s Conflict Prevention Strategy (2025-2029), emphasizing that it aims to strengthen democratic governance and further build public confidence in justice and security institutions. The Commission recognized the Strategy as a crucial framework to guide peacebuilding efforts. 

2. The President and the Peacebuilding Commission acknowledged and expressed appreciation for the joint strategic assessment mission conducted by the United Nations and the Economic Community of Central African States in April 2023, which made several recommendations to strengthen the justice and security sectors. They also expressed appreciation for the first meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission on São Tomé and Príncipe, held in January 2024, and the subsequent visit to São Tomé by the then-Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission in May 2024. The Peacebuilding Commission commended São Tomé and Príncipe for the ongoing reforms of the justice and security sectors, in support of peace and development processes. 

3. The Peacebuilding Commission took note of São Tomé and Príncipe’s history of peaceful transitions of power, while recognising that there are risk factors that could adversely impact the sustenance of peace in São Tomé and Príncipe. In that regard, the President and the PBC stressed the vital importance of ensuring democratic stability, the rule of law, and human rights protection in São Tomé and Príncipe. 

4. The Peacebuilding Commission joins São Tomé and Príncipe in encouraging its partners, Member States, regional and international financial institutions, regional organizations, and other stakeholders, to continue supporting the country’s peacebuilding priorities technically and financially, as guided by the Conflict Prevention Strategy.  

5. The Government of São Tomé and Príncipe and the Peacebuilding Commission agreed to review progress on the implementation of the Conflict Prevention Strategy at the end of 2025, in order to assess achievements, identify challenges, and guide next steps. 

6. The Government of São Tomé and Príncipe and the PBC reaffirmed their commitment to building and sustaining peace in São Tomé and Príncipe. 

(Signed)

H.E. Mr. Carlos Vila Nova 
President of São Tomé and Príncipe 

H.E. Ms. Antje Leendertse 
Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission