Statement at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate “Promoting Conflict Prevention Empowering All Actors Including Women and Youth” by the Permanent Representative, Ambassador H.E. Ms. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes
New York, 13 March 2024
Madame President,
Latvia welcomes this open debate on promoting conflict prevention and appreciates Japan’s leadership by facilitating inclusive discussion on this important topic. We also thank the briefers for their valuable insight.
As the world is witnessing the highest number of violent conflicts since the Second World War this is indeed the right moment to rethink our approach to prevention. While conflicts have various causes, they are seldom inevitable. One can draw parralel to devastating fires, which usually result from factors that could have been prevented, had the fire hazard risks been adressed in time.
Madame President,
In order to improve preparedness and resilience, Latvia believes the UN prevention efforts should be built on three main pillars, namely, effective coodination among actors, inclusive participation and adequate resources.
First, prevention must be a horizontal task pursued by all relevant institutions taking advantage of their tools and expertise. For instance, the Security Council should invest both in its foresight capability regarding potential conflicts and ability to mobilize the UN system to prevent them. In line with proposals of the “New Agenda for Peace” initiative, the Peacebuilding Commission could enhance its assistance to states with their national prevention plans. Furthermore, we need to reinvigorate the key role that ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies play in accelerating implementation of SDGs, which are crucial to ensure long-term peace. All these lines of effort should be pursued in a coordinated manner, taking on board all stakeholders.
Second, while often bearing the brunt of the conflict, women, youth and minorities are frequently sidelined in the peacebuilding and prevention processes. We need to strive for a different approach, involving and unlocking full potential of every member of community, thus fostering cohesion and ability to prevent tensions and conflicts. Participating in the meetings of the CSW this week, prime minister Evika Siliņa highlighted Latvia’s commitment towards strenghtening the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda. Equally, Latvia actively supports involvement of youth in the deliberations on sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions for prevention. The UN Youth delegate of Latvia is looking forward to discussing these topics at the upcoming ECOSOC Youth Forum.
Finally, peacebuilding and prevention efforts demand predictable resources. As a donor to the UN Peacebuilding Fund, Latvia welcomes the agreement on assessed contributions to peacebuilding. It is equally important to ensure that resources are invested efficiently through coordinated approach among UN agencies and programs, as well as international actors, including IFI’s.
I thank you.