UN SECURITY COUNCIL: OPEN DEBATE ON PEACEBUILDING AND SUSTAINING PEACE
National Statement delivered by Chargé d’Affaires a. i. to the UN, H.E. Ambassador Rebecca Bryant, Australian Mission to the United Nations
Mr President,
We thank Sierra Leone for convening today’s critical discussion.
We note that, in 2006, Sierra Leone was one of the very first member states to bring its peacebuilding vision to the newly created UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC).
Australia commends the work of the UN’s Peacebuilding Architecture.
But with global conflict at some of the highest levels in history – and with humanitarian responses under-funded across the globe – we know we must do more.
Especially on conflict prevention.
The UN Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR) is a critical opportunity to enhance our peacebuilding tools and approaches.
The Secretary General’s New Agenda for Peace recommends member states and regional organisations develop prevention strategies.
Prevention strategies can help strengthen local and state institutions, promote the rule of law, and enhance inclusivity, equality and social cohesion.
These are issues that affect all states and regions, regardless of size, wealth, or level of development. Australia is no exception, with our ongoing effort to promote respect for the rights and traditions of our Indigenous people just one example.
We applaud the PBC for its groundbreaking meeting in March 2024 when Kenya, Norway and Timor-Leste voluntarily presented their national prevention strategies to PBC members.
Australia looks forward to taking up a seat on the PBC next year. We have been active in the UN’s peacebuilding agenda since its inception, and continue to be a major donor to the Peacebuilding Fund and UN DPPA.
We look forward to working with all member states to support conflict prevention and sustaining peace, as a priority for our PBC term.
We will also draw on our experience in peacebuilding and sustaining peace in our own region. And we will champion an inclusive approach to peacebuilding.
As we prepare for the Summit of the Future and the PBAR, we must reaffirm our commitment to peacebuilding and conflict prevention. To support efforts that promote dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusive governance.
We hope the Pact for the Future will offer a clear call from our leaders to support this agenda.
In doing so, we can achieve a more peaceful and prosperous future for us all.
Thank you.