Chair,
Thank you for convening this session – and thank you also to the Secretary General and the briefers.
Allow me to make three observations.
First, on the benefits of investing in peacebuilding and prevention:
We all know the massive cost-effectiveness of prevention. This resonates even more strongly in a time of geopolitical upheaval and constrained resources.
Investing in peacebuilding and prevention catalyzes wider progress across societies.
My own country Norway can serve as a case in point.
It is a society characterized by low levels of social tension and high levels of trust. This is a result of long-standing, systematic efforts to introduce policies that promote equal opportunity, universal public services, women’s rights, redistribution of wealth and economic development in rural areas.
Second, on UN peacebuilding support:
As a long-standing contributor to the PBF, we have seen its impact in making cooperation more viable, strengthening national and local capacities, and broadening inclusive participation.
This shows the value of flexible, risk-tolerant and catalytic funding.
Likewise, the UN Peace and Development Advisers demonstrate the importance of context-specific and sustained engagement.
Third, on what must change following the PBAR:
Norway, through UN80, will seek to better leverage the capabilities of UN Country Teams by supporting a leaner setup with expertise-on-demand modalities coupled with empowered Resident Coordinators.
These measures will help ensure tailored solutions in response to national needs.
It will also support greater alignment with the efforts of local, national, and international actors, including that of IFIs. This will contribute to unlocking the vision set out in PBAR for joint efforts towards shared peacebuilding commitments.
Chair,
The 2025 PBAR should represent a baseline for our ambitions, not a ceiling.
The UN’s universal mandate and role in sustaining peace must be strengthened, further advanced through the WPS agenda and based in respect for human rights.
You can count on Norway’s continued support.
Thank you.