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Joint Nordic Statement on the importance of the SDGs in linking peace and development on the ground - Joint meeting of ECOSOC and the PBC

Who Joint Nordic Statement by H.E Martin Bille Hermann, Ambassador and  Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United Nations
Who Joint Nordic Statement by H.E Martin Bille Hermann, Ambassador and  Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United Nations
When 29.06.2023

Check Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and the briefers for their statements.

 

It is my honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Denmark – of which Denmark and Sweden are members of both ECOSOC and the PBC, and Norway of the PBC.

 

The importance of linking peace and development is well known. Yet, its potential for transformative change remains untapped, and we need concrete actions to further operationalize the peace-development nexus.

 

On behalf of the Nordics, and as the informal coordinator of the relation between the PBC and ECOSOC, I would like to raise two points.

 

Firstly, by fostering effective partnerships, we can promote sustainable development and peace.

 

-       There is room for a more systematic engagement of International Financial Institutions towards increased support for national peacebuilding priorities. The PBC is well positioned to cover this missing link, including with particular attention to conflict-affected countries that too often struggle with progress towards the SDGs.

-       SDG 16 on peaceful, just and inclusive societies is an enabler of the entire 2030 Agenda, and it brings a whole-of-society approach to development. Financing for peacebuilding can help accelerate progress towards SDG 16. Yet, we are waiting to see agreement on assessed contributions to the Peacebuilding Fund in the fifth committee as well as accessible, flexible funding for local peacebuilding organizations, including those led by women and youth.

 

Secondly, by strengthening conflict sensitivity, development programmes will be more fit to address the challenges of today’s crises and conflicts.

 

-       Next year’s mid-term review of the strategic plans of funds and programmes is an opportunity to bring peacebuilding to heart of the discussions at the Executive Boards.

 

-       Other entry points for strengthening the integration of peacebuilding and development includes the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR), and introducing peacebuilding as an agenda item of ECOSOC’s Operational Activities for Development Segment. Furthermore, we can leverage existing tools for strategic planning and analysis such as the Peace and Development Advisors and the Resident Coordinator System.

 

Peacebuilding and prevention saves lives and money. As we prepare for the HLPF, the SDG Summit and the Summit of the Future, we must remember, we can take action to use the SDGs to link peace and development on the ground.