Delivered By: Ms. Noura Al Awadhi, Expert

Mr Chair,

I would like to thank you and the co-sponsors for convening us on this very important topic. We also thank all the briefers for sharing their insights with us today.

Let me begin by underscoring, as many others have done today, the undeniable interdependence of Peacebuilding and the Sustainable Development Goals. The underlying premise of SDG16, on ‘Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’ is precisely this recognition, that conflict, insecurity and ineffective institutions present a great threat to sustainable development, and peace and security.

We recognize that peacebuilding requires a vigorous participatory process, one where inclusive dialogue is encouraged, particularly including women and youth, and conflicts are prevented in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation. Addressing the root causes of conflict is a central imperative to achieving sustainable peace.

With this in mind, we would like to focus on the following points:

First, peacebuilding efforts and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals do not occur in vacuums and cannot be pursued in silo of one another. As the President of the General Assembly noted last week during India’s signature event on a reformed multilateralism: people don’t label their lives into boxes labeled ‘development’, or ‘peace’. A meaningful response requires UN institutions to coordinate across the board. This also means close coordination between the UN country presence, existing peace missions as well as relevant national institutions to work in tandem. More intense exchange of views with stakeholders and inclusion of their voices results in better informed strategies for tackling challenges of both peace and security.

Second, tackling inequality is vital to all efforts to build sustainable and peaceful societies. High rates of inequality, combined with low levels of education, are strong catalysts for instability and motives for conflict. The 2030 Agenda call to reduce inequality within and between countries as well as promoting inclusive, just, and equitable societies is critical in building sustainable peace. To this end, the international community must renew its pledge to “leave no one behind” and redouble efforts as part of the Decade of Action to achieve our collective goals by 2030.

Finally, the Security Council needs to continue efforts towards consideration of conflict as part of a continuum. The shift from management into prevention of conflict in the Council is an essential element of this pursuit. So is the recognition of the Council that understanding and addressing the drivers of conflict, including poverty, inequality and climate change, is a prerequisite for better managing emerging risks. In this regard, the Council should continue to invite the Peacebuilding Commission to provide advice, as contributes greatly to our deliberations.

Thank you.