I would like to start by thanking Brazil for organizing this briefing, and Ambassador Hossain and Ambassador Abdelkhalek for their introductions.
Under the leadership of Egypt and Bangladesh, the Peacebuilding Commission has continued to hone its working methods, utilised its convening power, and further demonstrated its relevance to the Security Council’s work as an advisory body.
Through its cross-pillar coordination-mandate, the PBC is well positioned to holistically address drivers of conflict, without the limitations suffered by other UN bodies.
In this regard, Norway particularly welcomes the PBC’s recent discussions on climate change. Including its cross-border approach in the Sahel, and the Great Lakes region, and its increased attention to the gender and youth dimensions of conflict.
Norway applauds also the adoption of the Commission’s Gender Strategy. We now need to ensure it is fully implemented.
The UN Peacebuilding triangle, consisting of the PBC, the Peacebuilding Fund, and the Peacebuilding Support Office, is becoming more efficient, and agile.
Building on this already firm basis, let me suggest three further points of action:
First, we recognise the significant advisory role of the PBC to the Security Council.
The Council should request, deliberate, and draw upon the targeted advice of the PBC more often- especially in the formation of mandates, renewals, and transitions.
Second, the PBC should continue to innovate and expand its work to more areas- including supporting holistic measures related to: climate change, health, gender, development and human rights.
This should of course be done in close partnership with the Members States concerned, and in close collaboration with Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams.
And third, we must step up our efforts to increase the financing available for peacebuilding and prevention. Norway strongly supports the ongoing negotiations on increased financing for peacebuilding, including the Secretary-General’s proposals on assessed contribution.
For our part, Norway has been a consistent supporter of the UN Peacebuilding Fund (the PBF) since its beginning, and we remain a steadfast supporter. We continue to be impressed by the fund’s agility, efficiency, and spirit of innovation.
Our current five-year agreement of approximately 50 million dollars, matches the Fund’s strategy and provides predictability and flexibility.
Sustaining peace remains at the heart of Norwegian foreign policy and multilateral efforts. Based on our experience, and continued commitment, Norway seeks to re-join the Peacebuilding Commission as a candidate for membership in 2023-2024.