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Statement to be delivered at the organizational committee of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC)

Who H.E. Martin Bille Hermann, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Denmark to the UN
Who H.E. Martin Bille Hermann, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Denmark to the UN
When 02.02.2023

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Excellencies, Chairs,

First, let me congratulate the outgoing Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission on the achievements in 2022. Not the least the expansion of the number of countries and regions considered by the Commission. In the midst of the growing challenges to international peace and security, this Commission has advocated for the peacebuilding priorities of conflict-affected countries around the world. Your Excellency, Ambassador Muhith, thank you for your outstanding service as Chair. I am happy that you will continue as Vice Chair.

Also, a warm congratulations to Your Excellency, Ambassador Šimonović with your election as Chair of this Commission. You have straddled both the principled discussions, which govern our collective norms as well as the nuts and bolts in the UN engine rooms, as a diplomat and as an Assistant Secretary-General.

Also, congratulations to Your Excellency Ambassador Leendertse with your role as Vice Chair. You have worked for decades with issues of peace and security, which will benefit the work of this Commission.

I am sure the Commission will thrive under the Croatian – German – Bangladeshi trio.

Excellencies,

Important achievements were made by the Commission in 2022 – both in scope and scale. I especially took note of the progress in terms of,

  • the sharp increase in the number of times the Commission submitted its advice to the Security Council;
  • the improvement in bringing in women peacebuilders as participants in meetings to share their critical perspectives on peacebuilding; and
  • the Commission’s strong voice for adequate, predictable and sustained financing for peacebuilding.

These achievements are essential for the advisory, convening and bridging role of the Commission.

Areas where Denmark sees an urgent need to do more is for the Peacebuilding Commission to mobilize support for conflict prevention and address the effects of climate change on hard-won peacebuilding gains. In addition, the inclusion of young people in our work is an area where I hope we, as a Commission, can do more. The relationship between the Peacebuilding Commission and ECOSOC also deserves our attention. We need holistic, coherent and integrated approaches to sustain peace in context of today’s compounded risks and multiple crises.

Excellencies,

The task bestowed on this Commission is as important, as it is difficult. Here, in this Commission, we listen to countries and regions affected by conflict and follow their lead. We mobilize support, and we draw international attention to national peacebuilding needs. Denmark stands ready to listen, to learn and to contribute with humility and respect.

Thank you.