Statement of Latvia at the Arria Formula Meeting on Advancing New Paradigms for Peacebuilding: Fortifying Inclusive and Sustainable Approaches to Peacemaking
New York, 12 January 2026
Mr. President,
We welcome the timely initiative by Somalia to organize this meeting on peacebuilding. We also welcome the participation of Ambassador Beutin, representing the Peacebuilding Commission, as well as the valuable perspectives shared by Mr. Koenders and Ms. Qasas.
The international security landscape remains volatile, with a record number of conflicts worldwide. While peace agreements have recently been reached in some contexts, efforts to translate them into sustainable solutions often remain elusive.
The United Nations is uniquely placed to play a central role in these endeavours. No other actor combines a global presence with the full spectrum of tools required - mediation and good offices, humanitarian action, human rights monitoring, peacekeeping, and development assistance. Yet in many situations this potential remains untapped, and the UN’s role is too often marginalized. To reverse this trend, we must ensure that the UN leverages its comparative advantages in a more nimble and assertive manner, while strengthening the network of partnerships, including with the African Union, the European Union, and coalitions of the willing, as mentioned by Mr.Koenders.
Our efforts should be guided by the results of the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review, which reflects consensus among all member States. Together with other processes, including the ongoing review of UN peace operations and the UN80 reforms, it can serve as a roadmap for a more engaged and effective UN role in peace efforts.
Allow me to highlight three points as we move forward:
First, it is paramount to empower nationally and regionally led and owned peace efforts, as they are best placed to address the root causes of conflict. International engagement should support - rather than constrain - local initiative and responsibility. The 2025 Review outlines valuable tools, including voluntary national conflict prevention strategies. Such efforts should include civil society and local peacebuilders. The UN system should maintain regular dialogue with concerned countries, including through the PBC, and scale its engagement accordingly. Particular attention must be paid to countries transitioning from peace operations, to safeguard hard‑won gains.
Second, lasting peace cannot be achieved when women are barely present in peace processes. In 2024, women represented only 7% of negotiators worldwide. Strengthening women’s roles in peacebuilding and keeping the WPS agenda at the forefront requires more sustained attention at the Council level. In this regard, we commend the Secretary‑General’s launch of the “Common Pledge for Women’s Full, Equal and Meaningful Participation in Peace Processes.” We also welcome recent efforts to advance dialogue on YPS between the Council and the the PBC, and support strengthening coordination in line with the resolution 2807.
Third, as the UN undergoes reforms, it is important to assess the impact of ongoing peacebuilding activities. In particular, the PBC and the PBF should ensure regular monitoring and assessment of the outcomes of their work. These efforts should be supported through continued development of the Peacebuilding Impact Hub. The Hub can generate the evidence needed to measure the effects of UN peacebuilding efforts on the ground and adjust course where necessary.
In conclusion, Latvia reiterates its support for peacebuilding efforts that prioritize sustainable outcomes and reflect the participation of all sectors of society. There can be no one‑size‑fits‑all approach, as each context is different. It is our shared responsibility to tailor available tools in innovative and proactive ways that correspond to increasingly complex environments.
I thank you.