The United Nations Peacebuilding Commission held its annual session on June 20, 2025, focusing on lessons from successful peacebuilding initiatives. The meeting was chaired by Ambassador Leendertse, with contributions from various dignitaries including the German Minister of State, the Former President of Liberia, and the Foreign Ministers of the Gambia and Timor Leste.
Acknowledgment was given to the Permanent Representatives of Egypt and Slovenia for their roles as co-facilitators in this year's Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR). They were thanked for circulating an initial draft earlier in the week.
During the session, it was emphasized that conflict prevention, diplomacy, and peacebuilding are essential in addressing global security and development challenges. It was noted that international donors alone cannot prevent conflicts without engagement from involved parties. The effectiveness of UN peacebuilding efforts relies heavily on such participation.
The discussion highlighted how modest investments have positively impacted post-conflict environments by preventing relapses into conflict. However, ongoing conflicts continue to challenge these peacebuilding efforts.
Commendation was given to the Commission for guiding responses across various stages of peace processes including implementing agreements, fostering political dialogue, promoting coexistence, resolving conflicts peacefully, revitalizing economic growth, and re-establishing administrative services.
For UN peacebuilding to be effective, it must deliver outcomes that ensure meaningful conflict prevention and lasting peace while meeting stakeholder needs. This year's PBAR is seen as an opportunity to enhance coherence within the UN system's implementation strategies. It also aims to strengthen cooperation with international financial institutions and improve human rights integration.
The review emphasizes national ownership in conflict prevention and peacebuilding through national strategies. Members were urged to honor their commitments to ending conflicts seriously by taking concrete steps towards international peace.
The session concluded with anticipation for future discussions that could shape upcoming UN peacebuilding endeavors.