UN Peacebuilding Panel Wants Greater Agency Collaboration

Posted March 20th, 2012 at 4:40 am (UTC-5)
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The United Nations Peacebuilding Commission says it wants deeper collaboration with other U.N. entities to support post-conflict countries, and that those nations can benefit from better sharing of their experiences.

In a report discussed Monday at the U.N. General Assembly, the commission says bringing in the expertise of more U.N. agencies would give “balanced attention” to strengthening security and the economy in nations emerging from conflict.

Eugene-Richard Gasana, Rwanda's U.N. ambassador and the former head of the commission, highlighted a meeting last year in Kigali that discussed his country's experience. He said such talks allow the commission to develop best practices in peacebuilding and for countries to share knowledge with one another.

The United Nations set up the commission in 2005 to help post-conflict countries avoid sliding back into war. It currently focuses on six countries – Burundi, the Central African Republic, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone and the newest addition, Guinea.

The commission's report says it is working with the African Development Bank to further support peacebuilding efforts, including resource mobilization, policy discussions, youth employment and underlining the complimentary nature of their funding.

The commission also said it has worked with U.N. Women to examine the role of women in economic recovery and building sustainable peace.