Enhancing Integration and Strategic Coherence in Peacebuilding
As peace operations are increasingly confronted with complex threats arising from rapidly changing conflict situations, there needs to be renewed investment in diplomacy, prevention, and sustainable peace. The linkages between peace operations and the UN’s prevention agenda, as well as Agenda 2030, need to be reinforced.
- Locally anchored peacebuilding. UN leadership should promote a common strategic vision based on national priorities. Inclusive joint assessments, bottom-up planning processes and nationally owned prevention strategies should be prioritised. An overall shift in mindset is needed to understand sustaining peace as cross-cutting for all UN entities. Local peace champions, including women and youth, should be identified to drive political dialogue and peacebuilding efforts.
- Multi-year funding and pooling of resources. Flexible, predictable, multi-year funding wouldbe a game changer for the UN. Pooling resources and linking their use to national prevention strategies would reinforce streamlined approaches. The untapped potential of private sector engagement in peace efforts should also be explored.
- Leadership for Peace. UN leaders should be empowered to think creatively, put forward bold proposals and take risks. Foresight and scenario exercises, as well as contingency planning, need to be conducted more systematically and new technology embraced. This shift in mindset requires more systematic support, resources and coaching for UN leaders