Secretary-General Advocates for Partnerships in Peacebuilding

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, represented by Chef de Cabinet Courtenay Rattray, addressed the ambassadorial-level formal meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission in New York, marking the opening of its twentieth session. Guterres emphasized the critical distinction between ending conflict and building lasting peace, a principle recognized by Member States two decades ago. He highlighted the increasing global conflicts, deepening geopolitical divides, and the urgent need for effective peacebuilding strategies to address the root causes of violence and instability.

Challenges to Global Peace

In his remarks, Guterres pointed out that the mission of the Peacebuilding Commission remains vital as conflicts continue to escalate worldwide. He noted that geopolitical divisions are intensifying, and trust in multilateralism is diminishing. The Secretary-General warned that rising inequality, climate change, and the misuse of technology threaten the very foundations of stability in societies. He stressed that the consequences of inaction are dire, leading to loss of life, increased displacement, and the reversal of development gains. Guterres underscored that peace agreements cannot endure if the underlying causes of conflict are ignored, making prevention and peacebuilding essential components of global stability.

Success Stories of the Peacebuilding Commission

The Peacebuilding Commission has demonstrated its effectiveness in various regions, helping to transform fragile situations into sustainable progress. Guterres cited examples such as Sierra Leone, where the Commission trained young Peace Ambassadors to resolve local disputes, fostering community resilience. In Guinea-Bissau, the Commission facilitated a platform for the government and partners to align on nationally identified peacebuilding priorities. Furthermore, in Niger, empowering women as peacebuilders has enhanced protection and improved livelihoods. Guterres also highlighted the Commission’s role in Liberia, where it maintained focus on peacebuilding efforts even after the departure of UN peacekeeping forces.

Strategic Priorities for the Future

Looking ahead, Guterres outlined four strategic priorities to enhance the effectiveness of the Peacebuilding Commission. First, he called for coherence in the Commission’s work, urging alignment with the General Assembly, Security Council, and Economic and Social Council’s programs. Second, he emphasized the need for support during transitions, ensuring that attention and resources remain steady as peace operations draw down. Third, he advocated for sustained partnerships, bringing together governments, civil society, and financial institutions to support country-led prevention strategies. Lastly, he encouraged a stronger advisory role for the Commission to the Security Council, ensuring that peacebuilding lessons inform early decisions on mission design and transitions.

Strengthening Peacebuilding Architecture

To effectively implement these priorities, Guterres stressed the importance of a robust peacebuilding architecture. He welcomed the General Assembly’s endorsement of his proposal to establish the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office, which aims to streamline support for peace consolidation efforts. The Secretary-General noted that while the first use of assessed contributions through the Peacebuilding Fund marked a significant milestone, it is not sufficient on its own. He urged Member States to increase their support through multi-year commitments and innovative funding approaches. Guterres concluded by emphasizing the need to translate the initial vision of the Peacebuilding Architecture into tangible outcomes, urging the Commission to lead the way toward lasting peace.

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