UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- In response to the UN chief's recent call for a renewed approach to global peace and security, countries participating in the UN Peacebuilding Commission gathered at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday to deliberate on the way forward.
The secretary-general's New Agenda for Peace seeks to tackle these intricate challenges by leveraging multilateralism, firmly grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law. It places a central focus on fostering trust, solidarity, and universality.
This development arises in the wake of criticism from certain member states, which contend that the United Nations' effectiveness in peacebuilding and peacekeeping has diminished. These concerns coincide with escalating demands for comprehensive reform of institutions such as the Security Council.
Representing the UN chief at the meeting, that brought together ministers from member states and countries on the commission's agenda, UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo explained the details of the plan.
"Our goal is to present a unifying vision for peace and security -- one that is clear-eyed about the magnitude of today's challenges, and which addresses the concerns and priorities of different constituencies," she said.
At the heart of this vision lies an appeal for member states to give precedence to diplomacy, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding. Achieving these objectives necessitates the implementation of comprehensive strategies, the display of political courage, and the cultivation of robust partnerships supported by sustainable resources and driven by national leadership.
The commission, an intergovernmental advisory body launched in 2005, plays a crucial role in supporting peace efforts in conflict-affected countries.
Consisting of 31 member states elected from the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council, it brings together top donors and troop-contributing countries.
"Above all, greater trust -- among member states, among people and in the institution of the United Nations itself -- is essential," underscored DiCarlo, presenting an approach to conflict prevention and peacebuilding that rests on three principles.
Recognizing the broad impact of violence, A New Agenda for Peace urges all member states to work tirelessly to silence the guns.
It underscores the importance of involving all nations in prevention efforts, not limited solely to those currently embroiled in conflicts. The call extends to every state, urging them to formulate their own national strategies for prevention.
Lastly, it stresses that prevention must "be nationally led and owned," addressing trust issues and aligning national priorities with international support when necessary.
Regarding the reform of UN entities such as the Security Council and General Assembly, the Peacebuilding Commission assumes a significant role in facilitating dialogues pertaining to peace and development matters, enhancing collaboration, and establishing formal ties with international financial institutions.
In her advocacy for greater sustainability and predictability in financing peacebuilding initiatives, DiCarlo also stressed the need for stronger connections between the commission and the Peacebuilding Fund. She emphasized the General Assembly's commitment to financing peace as a crucial reminder. ■
