Crisis Prevention and Recovery

Security Council on the Secretary General's report on Peacebuilding in the Immediate Aftermath of Conflict

Jordan Ryan, Assistant Administrator and Director, Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery, UNDP

22 July 2009, New York

Mr. President,

Thank you for inviting UNDP to address the Council.

UNDP strongly welcomes the Report, and this opportunity to add its perspective to the statement of the Secretary-General. Under the leadership of the UNDP Administrator Miss Helen Clark we are committed to work with partners both within and outside the UN system to ensure its smooth and effective implementation under the guidance of the Secretary-General. The Peacebuilding Support Office will play an important role in facilitating the follow-up process.

UNDP contributes to peacebuilding through our presence in all conflict affected countries, including countries going through conflict, countries that have recently emerged from conflict, and countries that are moving into long-term recovery.

Many post-conflict countries are struggling to make progress towards the Millennium Development Goals, and effective and quick peacebuilding action is essential if countries are to succeed in their MDG effort. Development of national capacities is a core peacebuilding objective.

In moving the peacebuilding agenda forward, we must strive to link effectively short-term peacebuilding activities with longer term recovery and development.
We also need to remember that peacebuilding does not start from scratch when the conflict is over. It should always build on the existing national capacities and draw on the expertise of UN country presence, including the humanitarian actors.

UN Funds and Programmes work together for peacebuilding under the leadership of a Resident Coordinator. When the Security Council provides a mandate, the UN Country Team works with other system partners as part of an integrated mission.

The Report suggests new steps to take the integration process forward and to strengthen the coordination and accountability of the UN country presence. The Report’s emphasis is rightly focused on the need for stronger and more coherent UN leadership teams with the right support staff to plan and coordinate the joint effort.
Women and youth require special attention. Peacebuilding efforts should make sure that they benefit from peace dividends, and that they are fully engaged in planning and decision-making processes. In this respect, UNDP is currently deploying Senior Gender Advisers in 10 post-conflict countries. They will support UN system-wide efforts to implement Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 and help to stop sexual violence against women.

The World Bank is an important partner for the UN in post-conflict situations. We have gained significant experience working together on the ground in many post-conflict countries. But we can do even better based on recognition of each other’s strengths and a continued commitment to put global agreements for cooperation into practice at the country level.

An effective UN response will require active support from member states, including the necessary funding. With this support, we in the UN will do our utmost, under the leadership of the Secretary-General, to match expectations of quick and effective implementation of peacebuilding activities. UNDP will contribute actively to this effort as part of the implementation of the recommendations of the report.

Thank you for your attention.