Madam Chair,
I thank the distinguished briefers, USG DOS and ASG DPPA for their informative and useful briefing. We take note of the report of the Secretary General on the overall policy matters pertaining to Special Political Missions (SPMs) contained in document A/78/307.
Bangladesh aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Kingdom of Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Madam Chair,
In the last 75 years, Special Political Missions (SPMs) have become indispensable mechanism for the maintenance of international peace and security. The contribution of SPMs in conflict prevention, peacemaking and post-conflict recovery, have been instrumental and supporting the peacebuilding and sustaining peace efforts around the world. The advocacy of United Nations for peace through diplomacy relies heavily on the effectiveness and successes of the SPMs.
Madam Chair,
From the very beginning of its membership, Bangladesh has been supporting and contributing to the peace endeavours of the United Nations. We contribute to the work of the SPMs by extending support in capacity building, sharing information, preparing control list, and providing judicial and correction officials and experts.
We have also extended our full cooperation to the Special Envoy of the Secretary General on Myanmar. The effective implementation of the mandate of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General on Myanmar critical for a sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar. However, we are very disappointed that the position of the Special Envoy is currently vacant. We urge the appointment in the position at the soonest.
Madam Chair,
I would like to mention a few points:
First, we emphasize on clear, credible, sequenced and achievable mandates of the SPMs as recognized in the resolution. It should be sequenced with the local context and situation on the ground in addressing main conflict drivers and related grievances. At the same time, we also underscore the need of providing resources necessary for the mandate delivery.
Second, considering the critical role of regional and sub-regional organizations in conflict prevention, mediation and providing recovery support, the Special Political Missions need to have effective coordination and cooperation with regional and sub-regional organizations. In this regard, we refer to the Security Council resolution 2669 of 2022 which highlighted the role of ASEAN in facilitating a peaceful solution in the interests of the people of Myanmar and underlined the need for close coordination between the SG’s Special Envoy and the ASEAN Special Envoy.
Third, opinion and suggestions of the affected countries are essential to ensure the effectiveness and impactful result of the work of Special Political Missions. Consultations with the affected countries is important before appointing the mandate holder.
Fourth, we commend work of the Special Political Missions in supporting member States to implement their peacebuilding priorities and activities. We also acknowledge the contribution of Peacebuilding Fund in supporting the SPMs. It also encouraging to see the increasing engagement of Special Political Missions with the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). We need to leverage the potential of the PBC’s advisory, bridging and convening role to reinvigorate the work of the SPMs.
Fifth, we appreciate Secretary-General’s continued commitment to promoting a
more diverse workforce in SPMs. Innovative measures are needed to ensure equitable geographical representation of the Member States in all SPMs. We hope that the revised geographical diversity strategy of the UN will be published soon and will help us to achieve this goal.
Sixth, we want to see the continuation of the implementation of Women Peace and Security agenda by SPMs as a strategic priority. We also appreciate the SPM’s efforts in enhancing meaningful engagement of youth in political and peace processes.
Seventh, we express our full support to the Secretary General’s enhanced resource allocation proposal for the SPMs in 2024. Ensuring adequate financing for the SPMs is urgent, to overcome emerging and prevalent security challenges globally through the judicious use of preventive diplomacy and post-conflict peacebuilding efforts. In this regard, we refer to the General Assembly Resolution 76/305 on Financing for Peacebuilding.
Finally, we take note of the recommendations and proposals put forward by the Secretary-General in his policy brief – “New Agenda for Peace”, which are good basis for further discussion and consideration to finalize the Pact for the Future and subsequently will contribute to the work of the SPMs.
I thank you all.