Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations
russiaun.ru

I would like to thank you, Sir, for having convened today’s meeting. This is a timely exchange of views that we hope will help us find a common denominator during the current talks on a draft resolution in the General Assembly and in Security Council on the reform of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture.

We carefully listened to the briefings by the current and outgoing Chairs of the Peacebuilding Commission — the Permanent Representatives of Sweden and Kenya — as well as by Mr. Gert Rosenthal, Chair of the Advisory Group of Experts on the Review of the United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture.

Peacebuilding systems are one of the most important instruments of the United Nations for effectively resolving conflicts, stabilizing post-conflict situations and preventing new outbreaks of disastrous crises. We welcome the contribution made to the process by the report of the Advisory Group of Experts (see S/2015/490). The document offers a basis on which Member States can take informed decisions. Currently, there are ongoing discussions at the inter-State level regarding which of the constructive recommendations could be implemented in practice. The report stresses the need for peacebuilding efforts at all stages of the conflict cycle.

Without a doubt, preventing the resumption of conflict takes up much of the international agenda. Seventy years ago, the task was enshrined in Chapter I of the Charter of the United Nations, and the Organization subsequently took additional decisions on that important sphere of activity, which strengthened the basis for international efforts in that area. We think it is necessary to draw on the expertise and know-how we have garnered over time.

Furthermore, the report of the Group of Experts calls on States to look into the concept of sustaining peace, which concerns reconciliation and building a common vision of a society that only national stakeholders can undertake. The United Nations and international entities can support and facilitate the process, but not lead it. We fully agree that the primary responsibility for defining priorities and implementing strategies is borne by States themselves and that corresponding international efforts should be focused, first of all, on capacity-building in affected countries. That assistance should be provided to States upon request, in line with their action plans and based on the national sovereignty and independence of States.

We are sure that the principle of national responsibility is the linchpin in peacebuilding efforts. In current crises, which are often domestic, national Governments continue to bear the primary responsibility for their people’s security. At the same time, societies themselves play a key role in creating lasting peace, as they can and must do their utmost to assist the peace process, shoulder responsibility and more fully realize their constructive potential. That is why inclusive national processes and a single vision within countries based on shared responsibility for lasting peace are of critical importance.

We recognize the productive role of women in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, as well as the importance of their equitable participation in that process. However, we believe that excessive focus on the gender issue is counterproductive, as there is no direct link with the root causes of conflict — and eradicating such root causes is the main task.

With regard to the United Nations peacebuilding architecture, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) — a singular, intergovernmental advisory body— plays a key role. We support its efforts to increase the effectiveness and coordination of international assistance to countries that have requested such assistance or to those countries that are placed on its agenda by the Security Council. We believe that the PBC will continue to increase the quality of its advisory assistance to the Security Council regarding countries within the remit of both bodies. We expect that the work conducted by the Group of Experts will, in the final stage, be carried forward by Member States through specific steps to increase the Commission’s effectiveness, while preserving its mandate in accordance with General Assembly resolution 60/180 and Council resolution 1645 (2005).

We also note the role of the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), which is an important mechanism for urgent financing that brings in long-term resources for aid in rebuilding and development. We have constantly advocated the country principle in the distribution of the PBF’s funds. It is important that the work of the Fund be buoyed by relevant financial resources. Member States need to take a look at the possibility of more actively and voluntarily providing assistance. Each year, Russia provides the Fund with $2 million, with a total contribution of $12 million. It would be useful to take a closer look at all existing possibilities for raising funds, but the idea of moving the PBF to the regular budget is contradictory. That step would not only create an additional load for payers in a difficult economic context, but would also strip the Fund of its chief advantage, which is effectiveness and flexibility in chanelling funds to meet the urgent needs of States calling for assistance. On the whole, we would like to see PBC interaction with international financial institutions be bolstered.

While many initiatives developed outside the United Nations merit our attention in general, they cannot be automatically considered to be already approved and officially adopted by the Organization, and that definitely applies to the so-called New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States, launched in line with the policies of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

In conclusion, would like to emphasize that the issue of adapting the United Nations peacebuilding architecture to modern realities requires a responsible, balanced and in-depth discussion. It is vital that we achieve the kind of result that will help to build peace rather than create new risks.