Statement at conference for UN Peacebuilding Fund

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Norway has been a firm supporter of the UN Peacebuilding Fund since it was launched in 2006.

We are firmly committed to bridging the gap between peacekeeping and sustainable peacebuilding.

More than ever, there is an urgent need to prevent conflict and build sustainable peace, especially in fragile states.

The Peacebuilding Fund is an important part of this effort.

Allow me to point out three elements that are crucial in this regard:

The first is national ownership.
The international community can only contribute if there is a strong national and local ownership. Women, youth, religious leaders and communities must also be consulted. Peacebuilding processes must be inclusive in order to be sustainable.

The second is partnerships.
The Peacebuilding Fund has a comprehensive approach.
It pulls the UN system together at country level, and it engages and supports civil society.

The third is long-term commitment.
Building sustainable peace is a long-term task. It takes time.
This requires patience and persistence, on all sides of the table.

***

Finally, I am pleased to announce that Norway will increase its contributions to the UN Peacebuilding Fund to 115 million kroner over the next three years, about 15 million US dollars.

Thank you.