ROME/NEW YORK, JANUARY 26th – “The importance of UN peacebuilding activities has significantly increased: the pandemic has demonstrated the fragility of our world, and keeping violence and conflict under control has become more difficult everywhere,” The Deputy Foreign Minister, Marina Sereni, told the Replenishment Conference for the Peacebuilding Fund of the United Nations.
“Crisis prevention, political solutions and action for sustainable peace: these – continued Sereni – are the priorities for the UN and its member states. We have no better tool than peace-building to achieve these goals and avoid all human suffering, psychological and material consequences of conflicts.”
So far, the UN Peacebuilding Fund has contributed to the promotion of peace and security, development, justice and human rights across many countries. Its multidimensional and inclusive approach – said the Vice Minister – has the support of Italy, which shares the importance of strengthening local communities and collaboration between the UN and regional actors in peacebuilding action. But, as recalled by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, a ‘quality leap’ in the Fund’s funding is needed, said Sereni: an increase is necessary to support the Peacebuilding Strategy of 2020-2024. Italy has always contributed to the fund, concluded the Vice Minister, and will continue to ensure its commitment in the future. (@OnuItalia)