Statement by Ambassador Rabab Fatima, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN at the Co-Chair’s Meeting on the 2021 Peacekeeping Ministerial, 21 December 2020 

Thank you Ambassador Cho Hyun, for convening today’s meeting.  I thank you for outlining the priorities for the 2021 Peacekeeping Ministerial, and for reiterating your Government’s commitment to ensure a productive ministerial meeting.

I also thank USG La Croix for joining us this morning, and for sharing his insights from the ground.

We take note of the announcement of the Government of Korea to reschedule the 2021 peacekeeping ministerial meeting from April to December. Given the uncertainties involving the Covid-19 pandemic situation, we believe, that this is perhaps a very wise and prudent decision. Hopefully by then, the situation will improve and allow for holding a full-fledged in-person meeting with the participation of maximum number of representatives.

Excellencies,

As you aware, Bangladesh, Canada and the United Kingdom held the preparatory meeting on sustaining peace on the 3rd and 10th of November. The meeting was held virtually; but it was well attended with nearly 300 participants. The meeting included two plenary sessions and three parallel interactive sessions focusing on three thematic areas, namely: institution building, WPS and financing, all in the transition context. We expect to share the co-chairs’ summary soon.

Excellencies,

The peacekeeping ministerial and the preparatory meetings offer important opportunities to all stakeholders to exchange views on the ever-evolving challenges facing the peace operations and to identify possible solutions through focused and timely commitments.

Needless to say the importance of such consultations has never been more relevant than it is now, as we face new and additional challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic; calling for new requirements and needs of the peacekeepers.  We thank the relevant departments and UN leadership for swiftly adapting and adjusting to this unprecedented crisis.  The next ministerial meeting would be an excellent opportunity to revisit the current challenges of peacekeeping and the capacities in addressing these challenges.

It is important therefore, that the ministerial is held with the active and full participation of stakeholders.

To conclude, I would once again offer our full cooperation to the Government of Korea to ensure a successful ministerial meeting, and happy to note in this regard, your Government’s commitment to have an inclusive meeting.

I wish everyone happy holidays, and convey my warm greetings of the New Year.

I thank you.