Installation in memory of the victims of the conflict in Colombia. UN calls on Security Council members to support the “New Agenda for Peace” Peace and Security
The United Nations, with its unique tools, experience and connections, can play a key role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts in countries around the world, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Elizabeth Spehar said Wednesday in her address to the UN Security Council.
During the high-level open debate on peacebuilding and peacekeeping, the Security Council discussed the “New Agenda for Peace,” which the UN Secretary-General proposed to the world community last year.
In her speech, Elizabeth Spehar focused on three key areas outlined in the document.
Conflict Prevention
According to her, the “New Agenda for Peace” proposed a paradigm shift based on two core principles. “First, it is the idea that prevention efforts must be universal, that no country is immune from the drivers of conflict and violence,” the UN assistant chief said. “Secondly, it is a recognition that our focus must be on national action and national priorities.”
Spehar noted the need to take into account diverse views, needs and participation of all segments of society in efforts to build sustainable peace. She cited the example of the Peacebuilding Fund, which in the Central African Republic supports programmes to strengthen the role of women mediators in communities, helping to prevent conflict and maintain peace at the local level as part of the country’s broader goals.
Root Causes
“The New Agenda for Peace emphasizes the need to address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of violence and conflict,” the speaker said.
However, the best way to prevent a crisis in a society is to ensure its stability through investments in inclusive and sustainable development and governance, she added.
Partnerships and Investments
Strengthening partnerships and allocating more resources are critical to implementation “A New Agenda for Peace.” Spehar noted that investments in peacebuilding and conflict prevention have been steadily declining, while military spending has been rising around the world.
“As members of the Council, you have a leading role to play in these processes and discussions, and in pushing us to move from the “what” of prevention and peacebuilding efforts to the “how” of their concrete implementation,” the UN Assistant Secretary-General said. “I appeal to you as leaders to ensure that we collectively seize every opportunity to respond to the challenges ahead.”