Mr. President,
I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Denmark. We thank Sierra Leone for organizing this important open debate and extend our gratitude to the briefers for sharing their insights on strengthening conflict prevention efforts.
Today, we are one month away from the Summit of the Future, a watershed moment which will test our ability to reinvigorate multilateralism. I will share three points.
First, prevention and sustainable peace are best achieved through whole-of-society approaches on collaboration between authorities and civil society at all levels. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. National ownership ensures that conflict prevention measures are tailored to the unique political, social, and economic contexts of each country, in order to ensure legitimacy and effectiveness. The Nordic countries recognize the importance of effective national and regional prevention strategies as well as the need for adequate, predictable and sustained financing for peacebuilding.
Second, investing in local infrastructures for peace and strengthening local institutions is key. Effective, accountable and inclusive local governance has proven important for the management of conflicts, protection of human rights, and addressing root causes of conflict. As outlined in the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace, the UN has a role in supporting national capacities for prevention and peace.
Third, ending violent conflict and sustaining peace will always depend on tackling exclusion. Inclusive sustainable development is a cornerstone of conflict prevention. This includes
- access to basic services and decent jobs, in particular for marginalized groups;
- protection of civic space;
- women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in decision-making; and
- young persons’ participation in peacebuilding and political processes.
This Council may bring attention to inclusive peace approaches and work towards accelerated implementation of Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas.
Excellencies,
The Nordic countries support the principles outlined in the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace. Throughout our engagements, the Nordics work towards ensuring that views and opinions of all countries are heard. Not least those countries affected by conflict. We also support strengthening the advisory role of the Peacebuilding Commission to this Council through regular engagements and advice.
In conclusion, the Summit of the Future in September is an opportunity to come together to signal our commitment to reform global governance, deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals, and strengthen conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts at all levels. We cannot afford to fail.
Thank you.