“Partnerships and cooperation with relevant stakeholders, both within and outside the UN, are crucial,” underscored Cho Tae-yul, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC).

“[We] should examine all available opportunities to strengthen [our] collaboration with international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the African Development Bank, and with regional and sub-regional organizations, such as the African Union,” he added.

Cho, also the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Republic of Korea to the United Nations, further highlighted that during its session, the Peacebuilding Commission would further explore ways to improve the quality of the advice it provides to the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council.

Speaking on the second priority, coherence, the PBC Chair recalled the body's work in bringing different parts of the UN system together in one forum to induce better, integrated and coherent work in the countries concerned.

“I am committed to use the remainder of the current session to work in that direction, to engage relevant UN actors and explore ways to work better together,” he highlighted.

Turning to transparency, efficiency and flexibility, Cho told the members of the Security Council that the Commission would continue to explore ways to respond in a rapid and effective manner to requests for advice and support, including through newly created focal points on gender, youth, institution-building, financing and national ownership.

He also informed the Council of the adoption of the gender strategy by the PBC and that it is now being integrated into the work programme.

“The Commission will continue to build on the achievements of the past year to promote the gender dimension of peacebuilding and to provide opportunities for increased participation of women in peacebuilding and sustaining peace,” he said.

In conclusion, the PBC Chair expressed that the body remains committed to provide that kind of advice by fully utilizing its convening role and diverse membership, recognizing that peace, development and human rights are closely interlinked and mutually reinforcing.

“We stand ready to respond to the requests to contribute to support peacebuilding and sustaining peace,” he committed.