New York, 15 March 2023 (TDI): Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Martin Bille Hermann delivered a statement on behalf of Denmark at the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC).
The Denmark Ambassador highlighted the alarming reality of the world’s impoverished population to be living in countries highly affected by fragile social fabric, conflict, and violence. These myriads of crises have placed the multilateral world system at a critical junction.
In such demanding times, pragmatic reforms are required to sustain institutions fit for purpose in evolving global environment.
The statement highlighted the commendable efforts and outcomes of the UN Peacebuilding Fund and the World Bank’s State and Peacebuilding Trust Fund. Denmark encourages the systematic implementation of the peace initiative in full faith.
The Ambassador drew attention to key findings of the World Bank’s “Defueling Conflict” report from last year to enhance financing for peacebuilding.
He highlighted the urgent call for increased and coordinated investments in conflict prevention and peacebuilding amidst the current surge in violent conflicts. The collective investments should be adequate, predictable, and sustainable.
The peacebuilding financing also includes prioritizing multi-annual commitments as well as alignment of the funding stream.
In order to deliver, Denmark stressed collective efforts on climate and conflict-sensitive programming, based on extensive and in-depth data from amassed experience from a variety of fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Furthermore, systemized and joint planning, programming, and reporting are required under the same pretext. This also includes pooling resources and experiences with better integration of local knowledge to expand the reach to affected populations.
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The Ambassador also highlighted the untapped potential in broadening and diversifying the financing base for peacebuilding.
New innovative financing models, in collaboration with Development Finance Institutions, the private sector, investors philanthropists, and blended finance approaches should be the guiding principles.
The current reform process in the World Bank Group should center around the mobilization of private capital and domestic revenues.
Lastly, the statement by the Ambassador emphasized the inclusion of women in institutional, economic, and peacebuilding processes for significant peace dividends.
There is a need for actively exploring avenues to fund women peacebuilders and local civil society organizations in conflict-affected zones.
The World Bank Group and donors should translate the visions into meaningful programming, operations, and practicable actions.
