Statement by H.E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza
Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the
United Nations
at Interactive Dialogue IV on “UN Comprehensive and
Integrated Approach to Peace”
of the High-Level Meeting on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace
New York, 25 April 2018
Mr. Moderator,
Excellencies,
Distinguished participants,
My Delegation wishes to congratulate the President of the General Assembly for introducing this initiative that focuses our attention on the need to adopt a coordinated, coherent and integrated approach towards achieving our development objectives.
As is recognized in the 2030 Agenda, “Sustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security; and peace and security will be at risk without sustainable development.” Indeed, societies cannot thrive if they are torn by conflict and strife and citizens cannot realize their potential if they are engulfed by instability and insecurity.
My Delegation wishes to emphasize the need:
- to develop a common approach among the United Nations and all participating actors that features a practical, comprehensive and integrated strategy to promote peace and takes into account the primary responsibility of the State concerned;
- to address the deep roots of conflicts, since development, security, and human rights are tightly interrelated;
- to take collective international responsibility to eliminate extreme poverty and develop an innovative approach and mechanism to address economic regression;
- and to focus on governance, democracy and the building of State institutions as essential ingredients for promoting peace.
Beyond these needs, my Delegation would also like to underline the importance of:
- the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants, with special attention to children and youth;
- the promotion of the role of women in mediation processes and peacebuilding;
- the coordination among all active parties and apportionment of responsibilities in peacebuilding, especially with respect to the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council;
- the particular role of the Security Council in mobilizing international political will, because of its special responsibility for international peace and security and the close relationship that exists between the maintenance of peace and security, conflict prevention and peacebuilding;
- the fundamental need of preventive diplomacy to prevent tensions from blowing into open conflicts;
- the value of initiating consultations among all active parties before establishing any peacekeeping mission, for better preparation and coordination towards that goal;
- and the promotion of sustainable and continuous international partnerships in all phases of conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
Mr. Chair,
The unprecedented scope of the 2030 Agenda testifies to our common commitment to a peaceful and prosperous world. The Holy See strongly believes that measures to prevent the outbreak, escalation, continuation and recurrence of conflicts, to be successful, require a coherent, integrated and coordinated approach. In this regard, the 2015 Review of the Architecture of the Peacebuilding Commission provides an opportunity to strengthen coordination. The Commission must continue to catalyze goodwill and to enhance its impact in the field.
In most conflicts, there are no winners and everyone loses. As Pope Francis has said: “In war, everyone loses, including the victors”.[1] That is why we must commit ourselves to being artisans of peace, working collectively to build sustainable peace and development by together addressing the root causes of conflicts.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
1. Pope Francis, Address during the World Day of Prayer for Peace (Assisi), 20 September 2016.