Mr. Chair,
I thank you for organizing today’s meeting.
I thank ASG Taranko for sharing updates on PBF’s activities during the second quarter of 2021.
I hank the PBC Chair for his initiatives and efforts to strengthen the synergies between the Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund, including his efforts towards exploring new avenues of financing and partnership. I also wish to acknowledge the efforts of the chairs of the country specific configurations for their excellent work despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
PBF has been playing a crucial role in financing and mobilizing critical resources for implementing various peacebuilding initiatives in the conflict affected countries, particularly to complement the national efforts towards sustaining peace. The quarterly report provides information on some promising trends in this regard.
[However, we would have preferred to see further details on the projects funded by PBF, particularly information on key actors involved in the implementation on the ground, potential beneficiaries and projected outcomes. We would also appreciate increased engagement of PBC and its members in the process.]
Let me highlight some specific points in this regard:
First: The investment of PBF should contribute to the institution and capacity building in conflict affected countries, enabling them to address the root causes and drivers of conflicts and inequalities in their societies. In this regard, I appreciate the projects approved in Liberia and Niger.
Second: The multidimensional impacts of covid has crippled every nation. The conflict affected countries are worse off. Mobilization of resources in those countries should be done in a manner that would strike the right balance between sustainable and resilient recovery from COVID-19 and for continuation of existing national development plans and priorities including the SDGs.
Third: The benefits of PBC’s work must contribute in creating an inclusive society. As such the benefits of PBF’s investment should reach all segments of the society irrespective of ethnicity, race or religion.
Fourth: the peacebuilding initiatives in conflict affected country must ensure full, equal and effective participation of women and youth. Implementation of WPS and YPS agenda is of critical importance in this regard which needs to be integrated in the implementation of PBF’s investment strategy. The PBC’s gender strategy and recently concluded YPS Implementation plan could provide critical guidelines in this regard.
Fifth: We need to address perennial funding gaps in supporting the peace endeavours of the conflict affected countries. In this regard, we look forward to the high-level meeting during the 76th session of the General Assembly, which is expected to advance, explore and consider options for ensuring adequate, predictable and sustained financing for peacebuilding.
To conclude, I would like to reiterate Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to peacebuilding and sustaining peace and in this regard our full support to the Peacebuilding Fund.
I thank you all.