Thank you, Chair,
Congratulations with your assumed role as Chair of PBC for 2025, and thanks for preparing and facilitating inclusive consultations on the excellent draft program of work for 2025.
We therefore welcome the swift adoption of the program of work for 2025 and its action-oriented focus. A year marked with many milestones for peacebuilding, including the 20 years anniversary of PBC and the PBAR process.
Chair,
Please allow me to quickly highlight five aspects we believe are key for the program of work, and which serve as our own national priorities in PBC this year.
First: inclusion.
It is vital that all peacebuilding work is broadly inclusive of civil society, of young people, of women, of vulnerable groups.
Inclusiveness also means broadening our area of focus to include the digital space – an increasingly important arena for peacebuilding.
Second: women, peace, and security.
WPS remains a consistent and long-term priority for Norway.
The full, equal, meaningful and secure inclusion of women in peacebuilding is a prerequisite for sustainable peace and security.
Third: climate, peace, and security.
Climate change and environmental degradation is, in many regions and contexts, undeniably a threat multi-plyer and root cause of violence and conflict.
It deserves space and attention in the work of this Commission.
Fourth: universalism.
Continuous efforts to build peace and prevent violence and conflict, is necessary for all countries, rich and poor, global north and global south.
Norway is pleased to have been on the PBC’s agenda – and aims to be on the agenda again this year, to share our experiences and to receive your advice.
Fifth and finally: prevention strategies.
All successful – and sustainable - peacebuilding work is anchored in a clear and consistent strategy.
The PBC should, like the Pact for the Future states: advice and support countries in developing and implementing national prevention strategies, on a voluntary basis and in accordance with national priorities.
Chair,
The program also raises other long-standing issues of particular concern for us, such as peacebuilding financing and the need to develop partnerships with regional organizations and IFIs for increased impact.
We welcome the increased focus on impact and data, which is vital to understanding what effective peacebuilding efforts look like.
In sum, we believe that the program of work will serve as a solid foundation for the Commission’s activities in 2025.
Please be assured of Norway’s continued support and active participation in the Commission.
Thank you.