BY
H.E. MR. KALILU TOTANGI
AMBASSADOR AND DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
Thank you, Mr./Madam Chair,
I thank Ambassador Yang, Ambassador Sekeris and Ambassador Leendertse, for your remarks. I also thank the co-facilitators, Egypt and Slovenia, for your updates on the Elements for the review. Allow me to make four quick points.
First, Sierra Leone emphasizes the importance of national ownership in promoting a holistic framework for peacebuilding and sustaining peace. Peace and development are mutually reinforcing and are key drivers for implementation of the 2030 Agenda and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Timely implementation of national prevention strategies in addressing the root causes of conflict through an inclusive political dialogue of all stakeholders defines the pathway in preventing conflict.
In this regard, the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) should support, as appropriate, requests from member states to develop their National Prevention Strategy in preventing conflict and addressing the root causes of conflict. To this end, the role of the Resident Coordinators is key in aligning UN assistance with the priorities of national governments.
Two, a robust follow-up mechanism on the progress of countries under the PBC agenda in identifying challenges and articulating the success stories of sustaining peace is a key enabler in facilitating targeted support and programs. Gaps in funding to implement peace activities, financing women-peacebuilders, locally led initiatives by women and youth in resolving conflicts are critical elements to amplify their voice through mediation efforts and political dialogue.
Three, in improving effectiveness of the PBC, employing innovative ways in building its advisory relationship with the General Assembly (GA) will enhance the Commission’s credibility, taking into consideration the GA’s mandate to authorize the deployment of special envoys, and fact-finding missions.
Outreach and expanding PBC’s engagements with regional and sub-regional organizations and ensuring systematic follow-up mechanisms would enhance the PBC’s ability to better support conflict prevention, post-conflict recovery, and long-term stability in affected regions.
Lastly, flexible and adequate financing of peacekeeping operations is essential for AU-UN partnerships. Resolution 2719 highlights the importance of predictable financing for peacekeeping missions. In this regard, we particularly note the critical importance of adequate financial support to the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), increased staff capacity of the commission, and partnerships with international financial institutions for investing in peacebuilding initiatives and sustaining peace.
I thank you.
