Pakistan hopes to engage constructively in peacebuilding: envoy

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly Debate on the Annual Report of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and the Secretary General's Report on the Peacebuilding Fund, Lodhi said that "Peace is sustained when its foundations are based on inclusiveness. Nationally owned political processes must therefore be supported, as only they can chart a sustainable path forward."

As a founding member of the PBC, and a major Troop Contributor to UN Peacekeeping, Pakistan fully appreciates the importance of peace to sustain the gains achieved by Peacekeeping Missions, she said, adding that peacebuilding is the natural and indispensable successor of peacekeeping.

The Peacebuilding Commission therefore assumes a critical role in transitions following conclusion of peacekeeping operations, when the UN Country Teams begin to take over, the Pakistani diplomat said, adding "that is the moment to invest our energies to ensure that there is no elapse into conflict."

The transitions entail adequate funding, capacity building of state institutions, and political processes anchored in national inclusivity, she said.

Much like the principles of peacekeeping, the principle of national ownership provides credibility at the Peacebuilding Commission, which the Pakistani envoy said "must always remain front and centre of the PBC's efforts."

She said that flexibility and adaptability in reflecting national priorities of countries engaging with the Peacebuilding Commission is an indispensable ingredient for success.

While focus on thematic issues is important, it is their relevance in a given situation that should guide their work, the envoy said.

She stressed that continued and stronger engagement with regional organizations is critical.