Statement at the UNSC High-Level Open Debate on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace: “The New Agenda for Peace-Addressing Global, Regional and National Aspects of Conflict Prevention” by the Republic of Latvia
New York, 21 August 2024
Mister President,
Latvia welcomes this open debate on peacebuilding and highly values Sierra Leone’s leadership by facilitating inclusive discussion on this important topic. We also thank the briefers for their valuable insight.
As stated in the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace, “instability, violence and the potential for conflict are not restricted to only a few states”. Indeed, peace can never be taken for granted in any country or region. In order to turn the rising tide of conflict and instability across the globe, the international community must work together towards more comprehensive approach to peacebuilding. It should be grounded in the fundamental principles of rule of law and accountability, which are cornerstone of peace and development.
In our view, the New Agenda for Peace offers important elements, which could form such approach. The ongoing negotiations on the Pact for the Future provide unique opportunity for the UN member states to reflect on these elements and chart the path towards their implementation. Let us offer a few reflections in this regard.
First, Latvia joins Sierra Leone and other states in support of promoting nationally led prevention strategies. They can be a valuable instrument for states to mobilize national institutions towards implementation of peacebuilding and prevention goals. We expect that the Pact for the Future and, in particular, the upcoming Peacebuilding Architecture Review will provide further guidance for the Peacebuilding Commission to assist states in developing such strategies.
Second, successful prevention efforts require inclusive approach, ensuring full participation of women. While often bearing the brunt of the conflict, women and girls are frequently sidelined in the peacebuilding and prevention processes. To counter this, Latvia has been actively contributing to shaping global policies regarding gender equality, including in the Executive Board of UN Women and the Bureau of Commission on the Status of Women, as well as by advocating the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda. We are also implementing practical projects in Africa and Central Asia, and elsewhere aimed at facilitating women’s participation in business and governance.
Third, it is important to address the disruptive impact of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons on sustainable development. We commend the “Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030” initiative. It serves as an example of regional leadership aimed at adressing both security and development aspects of conflict prevention. It is important to continue seeking ways for the UN system to better support such regional efforts. In this regard, we welcome the results of the recent Review Conference of Program of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, where Latvia served as a vice chair. The outcome document highlights the need to address illicit small arms issues through the development lense, preparing ground for further work on this matter during the next review cycle.
Mister President,
Latvia will continue to advocate peacebuilding and prevention agenda both in words and in deeds, including through continuous voluntary financial support to the UN Peacebuilding Fund and participation in UN peacekeeping missions, namely UNIFIL and UNTSO.
I thank you.