Ms. Aysha Almenhali, Second Secretary

Madam and Mister Chairs,

the UAE would like to thank Japan, Guyana, and Mozambique for convening us today to discuss this topic.

Investing in peacebuilding, and as such in resilient societies, can avoid the hefty price of responding to armed conflict once its erupted. More importantly, when done efficiently, peacebuilding can prevent crises that otherwise would lead to detrimental loss of lives and livelihoods.

In this regard, I would like to highlight three points:

First, linking regional coordination to international coordination efforts will automatically help promote host-country ownership. Strategic partnerships between the different entities of the UN system and regional organizations, such as the League of Arab States and the African Union for example, can ensure a more informed, inclusive, and contextualized approach to peacebuilding support. As these efforts will be more adaptable for host countries by design, not only will it allow them to demonstrate ownership – it will also help ensure better durability.

Second, we must ensure more consistent and effective inclusion of the Peacebuilding Commission’s work within the UN and on regional levels. The Commission plays a critical role in enhancing coherence amongst all relevant actors, leading to strengthened synergies between the humanitarian, peace and security, and development pillars. Both the upcoming Summit of the Future and the 2025 Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture should be utilized as opportunities to ensure the Commission’s full potential is realized.

Third, to effectively ensure women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation, we must address the root causes of gender inequality. This requires the adoption and implementation of laws and policies that protect and empower their voices and ensure access to basic services at all levels – local, national, and regional. To maintain the Security Council’s focus on the WPS Agenda, innovative initiatives such as the Shared Commitments on Women, Peace and Security have proven effective in promoting women’s participation in Council meetings. The UAE was an early signatory to these commitments, and we encourage the Council to continue its efforts to further integrate the gender dimension into its deliberations.

In closing, Madam and Mister Chairs, different threats and scourges, such as climate change, hate speech or terrorism affect societies across the entire peace continuum. Comprehensive approaches must consider the cross-cutting nature of these challenges as well as properly leverage the roles that we as Member States, the UN, regional and local organizations, and civil society play both individually and collectively in sustaining peace.

Thank you.