United Nations S/ PV.8414

Security Council Provisional Seventy-third year

8414th meeting Thursday, 6 December 2018, 10 a.m. New York

President: Mr. Amon-Tanoh/Mr. Adom ...... (Côte d’Ivoire)

Members: Bolivia (Plurinational State of)...... Mr. Llorentty Solíz China...... Mr. Ma Zhaoxu Equatorial Guinea...... Mr. Esono Mbengono Ethiopia...... Mr. Amde France ...... Mr. Delattre Kazakhstan...... Mr. Umarov Kuwait...... Mr. Alotaibi Netherlands...... Mr. Van Oosterom Peru...... Mr. Meza-Cuadra Poland...... Ms. Wronecka Russian Federation...... Mr. Nebenzia Sweden ...... Mr. Orrenius Skau United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . . Ms. Pierce United States of America...... Mr. Cohen

Agenda Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security The role of States, regional arrangements and the United Nations in the prevention and resolution of conflicts Letter dated 28 November 2018 from the Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (S/2018/1064)

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This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the translation of speeches delivered in other languages. The final text will be printed in the Official Records of the Security Council. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room U-0506 ([email protected]). Corrected records will be reissued electronically on the Official Document System of the United Nations (http://documents.un.org).

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The meeting was called to order at 10.05 a.m. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Adoption of the agenda I wish to draw the attention of Council members The agenda was adopted. to document S/2018/1064, which contains the text of a letter dated 28 November 2018 from the Permanent Cooperation between the United Nations and Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the United Nations regional and subregional organizations in addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting a maintaining international peace and security concept note on the item under consideration. The role of States, regional arrangements I wish to warmly welcome His Excellency and the United Nations in the prevention and Secretary-General António Guterres, to whom I now resolution of conflicts give the floor. The Secretary-General (spoke in French): Letter dated 28 November 2018 from the Following the debate yesterday (see S/PV.8413), I Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire again thank the delegation of Côte d’Ivoire for having to the United Nations addressed to the proposed this open debate on the role of States, regional Secretary-General (S/2018/1064) arrangements and the United Nations in the prevention The President (spoke in French): I wish to warmly of conflicts. welcome the Secretary-General, who is honouring (spoke in English) us again today with his presence, the Ministers and other representatives present in the Security Council Our world is faced with complex threats that are Chamber. Their presence today underscores the multidimensional, interconnected and unpredictable. importance of the subject matter under discussion. The number of countries experiencing violent conflict is higher than it has been in 30 years. The number of In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s low-intensity conflicts has increased by 60 per cent in provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives the past 10 years. We have a responsibility to act, not in of Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, isolation but collectively. Canada, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Since assuming office, I have prioritized prevention Egypt, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, of all kinds, from conflicts to natural disasters to Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ireland, Italy, pandemics and the foreseeable dangers posed by new Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Mali, Morocco, technologies. There are complex links among those Namibia, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, the threats, which can reinforce and amplify each other and Republic of Moldova, Romania, Rwanda, Senegal, should not be seen in isolation. I have therefore called Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, the Sudan, Turkey, on all parts of the United Nations system to focus on Ukraine, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and prevention, including, obviously as a priority for us, Viet Nam to participate in this meeting. the prevention of conflict. We are overwhelmingly managing crisis and conflict, when we should put far In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s more effort into preventing them from happening in provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following the first place. Rather than launching humanitarian aid briefers to participate in this meeting: His Excellency operations to save lives, we should invest in reducing Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African the need for aid. Union Commission, and His Excellency Mr. Jean- Claude Kassi Brou, President of the Commission of the For us, prevention is an end in itself. It should never Economic Community of West African States. be seen as the instrument of any other political agenda. First and foremost, it saves lives and protects people In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s from harm. But prevention also makes economic sense. provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Serge The recent United Nations-World Bank study entitled Christiane, Acting Deputy Head of the Delegation of the Pathways for Peace: Inclusive Approaches to Preventing European Union to the United Nations, to participate in Violent Conflict concluded that prevention would save this meeting. approximately $34 billion in damage in countries that

2/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 avoid war. Those benefits are compounded over time, same token, we must invest in helping countries and to reach over $140 billion after 15 years. From greater communities that are emerging from conflict. Justice, use of my good offices, including through my Special truth and reconciliation are essential for societies to Representatives and Envoys, to investing in mediation, heal and move beyond war. The United Nations works to strengthening the contribution of peacekeeping to support such efforts in many countries and regions and peacebuilding to prevention, we are working to of the world. States and subregional and regional improve our capacity. The endorsement of the Action organizations are our vital partners in all those efforts, for Peacekeeping initiative by 151 Member States and we are working together with respect and trust. is a strong sign of support for the central role of our Our relationship with the African Union is peacekeepers in preventing conflicts from worsening, showing the way forward, through our frameworks for and in proactively supporting peace. enhanced partnership for peace and security and the Beyond the peace and security pillar, the entire implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda United Nations system is tackling the root causes that for Sustainable Development. I am delighted that the can make communities and societies vulnerable to Chairperson of the African Union Commission is here violence and conflict, which often lie in competition to discuss this important issue with us today. over control of power and resources, inequality and Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations exclusion, unmet aspirations, the marginalization shows the visionary genius of those who drafted of women, young people and minority groups, poor our foundational document. At that time, regional governance and the instrumentalization of ethnic organizations barely existed. Seventy years on, regional and religious divisions. They are also interlinked and and subregional organizations are an indispensable exacerbated by climate change, migration, transnational part of the rules-based global order. Chapter VIII crimes and global terrorism. even envisages our cooperation on joint peacekeeping All our work to achieve the 2030 Agenda for operations. Regional and subregional organizations Sustainable Development, from human rights and have the proximity, experience, knowledge of local humanitarian affairs to gender equality, environmental dynamics, flexibility and relationships to engage more protection and combating climate change, has a role rapidly and effectively when situations deteriorate. in preventing conflict. Sustainable development is an In the Gambia two years ago, the coordinated joint end in itself, and must be considered as such. But it action of the African Union, the Economic Community is also one of the most effective tools for prevention. of West African States, the United Nations and Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will neighbouring countries helped to prevent a political make a significant contribution to tackling root causes crisis and supported a peaceful, democratic political and building lasting peace. transition. In Madagascar, the United Nations worked in While conflict between States has declined, internal close coordination with the African Union, the Southern conflicts are increasing and account for the majority of African Development Community and the International humanitarian needs and displacement around the world. Organization of la Francophonie to facilitate dialogue, Strong, resilient societies are enriched, not threatened, which contributed to peaceful presidential elections last by diversity. But such societies do not come about by month. We hope that cooperation will be maintained in chance. As societies become more multi-ethnic and the near future. When crises broke out in Mali and the multireligious, cultural and economic investments in Central African Republic, the Economic Community of West African States and the Economic Community of cohesion are vital. Every member, every group, must Central African States were the first to deploy troops feel valued. and engage in mediation efforts. The African Union We must also invest in education and training for took over the operations, which later became United young people so that they have hope and prospects for Nations peacekeeping operations. In Central Asia, the future. Young women and men must be empowered the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive to participate in making the decisions that affect their Diplomacy for Central Asia supports regional dialogue lives. That is a vital goal in itself, but it is also essential on transboundary water management and promotes to counter the risk of alienation and susceptibility to water diplomacy, in close cooperation with national extremist narratives, and even recruitment. By the Governments and the International Fund for Saving the

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Aral Sea. And in the aftermath of contested elections key role in implementing a global multidimensional in Honduras in November 2017, the United Nations strategy that can meet the challenges ahead. maintained close contacts with the Organization of The President (spoke in French): I thank the American States to ease tensions and facilitate dialogue. Secretary-General for his briefing. I would like to Those efforts should — and must — be replicated reiterate that the President of Côte d’Ivoire thanks him elsewhere. for contributing to yesterday’s debate. (spoke in French) I now give the floor to Mr. Faki Mahamat. That was the subject of the high-level interactive Mr. Faki Mahamat (spoke in French): Today’s dialogue that I organized in June with the leaders debate on conflict prevention takes place at a time of various organizations, including regional ones, when the international order is faced with a series of to consider ways and means of strengthening our diverse and grave threats. Whether related to climate cooperation by placing special focus on prevention. change, migration, the rise in racism and xenophobia, I intend to continue that dialogue and intensify our transnational crime or terrorism, such threats exacerbate collaboration with a view to contributing our expertise current situations and could transform latent tension and support to anchor stable and resilient societies. I into open conflicts. also intend to take inspiration from the success of frameworks adopted by the United Nations and the Today’s debate addresses an issue that is extremely African Union, but also coordination mechanisms sensitive for Africa, as well as for the rest of the in other regions of the world. The reforms I have world, because it is true that the challenges in question undertaken will help us to improve the coherence of transcend borders and continents. Today’s debate is our efforts. In particular, we need to help regional and also crucial for the Security Council, whose credibility subregional organizations to better anticipate crises and and legitimacy can be heightened only if it is able to take preventive measures early. The Alert and Response effectively address international crises. I commend System of the Economic Community of States of West Côte d’Ivoire for convening a debate on this issue. The Africa is a rather edifying example in that regard. commitment to silencing the guns by 2020, which is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063 of the African No State or organization can alone overcome the Union, not only entails settling current conflicts; but current challenges, whether they involve climate change also building peace where it has already been achieved or inequality. I fear therefore that the current political and preventing new crises, in particular in Africa. trends, prevailing pessimism and lack of confidence could undermine multilateralism and the international The need for sustained action in the area of conflict rules-based system. I urge world leaders to renew their prevention is indeed one of the issues that enjoy the commitment to inclusive multilateralism based on the broadest consensus within the international community. Charter of the United Nations, and on the principles of Very often, however, such consensus exists more in complementarity and subsidiarity. I also urge them to theory than in practice. There are many challenges to use the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and effective preventive action. In my opinion, two arise the Sustainable Development Goals as a global plan of most frequently. The first is linked to the reticence action. The willingness to collaborate and act quickly of States that view any early intervention as a threat must be translated into genuine and tangible results. to their sovereignty. The second lies in the culture of Promoting prevention and resilience must be at the urgency, which ends up tainting international action in heart of our collective efforts. several areas. I believe that we have the knowledge and resources An awareness of that situation led to the development required to achieve that objective. We lack only the of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the courage and political will. We must involve everyone African Union Peace and Security Council, which made in building stable and resilient societies, work together prevention one of the African Union’s top priorities. with management teams, ensure the full participation of Since the adoption of the Protocol, the African women and harness the energy and creativity of young Union has significantly strengthened its capacity people. Conflict prevention is a responsibility we all to prevent, manage and settle conflicts. There is no share. Regional and subregional organizations play a better illustration of that encouraging development

4/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 than the progress made on the deployment of African for African peace operations, which was solemnly peacekeeping operations. In recent years, experience reiterated by the African Union Peace and Security has clearly shown that such operations are useful tools Council at its meeting three days ago, is important. I for curbing violence and preventing its escalation. They must underscore that such operations are possible only are part of the range of instruments at the disposal of with the consent of the Security Council. The Security the African Union in the area of preventive diplomacy. Council must be allowed to more effectively assume its primary responsibility of maintaining international The issue of funding such operations has been peace and security by using all the resources offered on the agenda of the Security Council for more than by the Charter of the United Nations. Furthermore, a decade. We are pleased to note that, throughout the partnership between the United Nations and the this time, the international community has become African Union must be further cemented by ensuring increasingly aware. Everyone acknowledges the fact that a better distribution of the financial burden that comes international crisis-response mechanisms are not suited with promoting peace. to today’s challenges. The reasons for that situation are well known and linked to the nature of conflicts, Over the years, we have taken several initiatives which are often intra-State rather than inter-State, the precisely to shoulder our share of the responsibility in high number of actors involved, extreme violence, the that area. African leaders have agreed to fund up to scourge of terrorism and organized crime. Those are 25 per cent of the continent’s peace and security agenda. the many factors that have shaken the very foundations We have revitalized the African Union Peace Fund. of peacekeeping operations, including the conditions More than $80 million has already been raised and its of their deployment. The situation on the ground has Board of Trustees has just been established. We have become so complex that waiting to fully restore, build taken concrete steps to ensure greater accountability and keep the peace often means being unable to help and respect for human rights in the conduct of our people in danger. operations. Admittedly, additional efforts are required, but the foundations for a Security Council decision That is the context in which the division of labour have already been laid. between the United Nations and regional organizations, in particular the African Union, has evolved. The The renewed determination of Africa to play a African Union has demonstrated that it can intervene greater role in the promotion of international peace and rapidly in complex environments to curb violence, security must find support in this Council Chamber. facilitate peace and create the conditions for keeping Now is not the time to hesitate with respect to our it. The partnership between the African Union and continent, still less so at a later time. The draft resolution the United Nations has evolved to allow for creative for Africa proposed by the three African members of negotiations on current security challenges. The African the Security Council sets out a framework that in no Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, the way prejudges subsequent decisions by the Council on transitions in Mali and the Central African Republic a case-by-case basis and does not have any financial from African missions to United Nations missions, impact at this stage. It preserves the authority of the and the considerable support that the United Nations Security Council. I would even say that it reinforces provides to our mission in Somalia are illuminating it, because it gives it more effective control over the examples in that regard. We should ask ourselves if conduct of African operations partially supported by the situation in the countries concerned would have the United Nations. We call for consensus on texts, on arisen had the international community opted only for the understanding that this one should not empty them orthodoxy and conservatism instead of the innovation of their substance. I would like to acknowledge the required by the circumstances. outstanding work done by the three African members in this regard. It was a truly consultative approach that It is up to us to go even further. Those extra steps guided their efforts. are not a leap into the unknown. They represent the extension of what we have already experienced, the Today we are at a turning point. We must seize lessons learned from the multifaceted support provided the opportunity to better address the challenges by the United Nations and the resolutions already of peace and security. That is what our continent adopted on the issue. The approach of adopting a expects, as do many other members of the international resolution on sustainable and predictable funding community — of that I am sure. In an unpredictable

18-41579 5/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 international environment where threats that are of these countries — led in particular to the adoption becoming more serious and complex every day, we of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty in 1993. Through this cannot adopt a wait-and-see attitude. Sooner or later we revision, the regional peace and security agenda was will pay dearly for such an attitude. added to the Community’s original agenda, namely, regional economic integration and development, with I have come to the Security Council to express the overall objective of creating a peaceful and secure Africa’s renewed faith in the United Nations and its environment conducive to regional integration and hope in its ability to meet the challenges of the day. I economic development in the region. ECOWAS has have come to say that the African Union is determined adopted two major instruments enabling it to intervene to play its rightful role in the collective endeavour to at any time in crisis prevention, management and strengthen our shared Organization and make it more resolution, as well as to undertake peacekeeping and effective in promoting peace and security. I have come post-conflict reconstruction: the Protocol relating to to acknowledge the need to work with a strong sense of the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, urgency towards the advent of an international peace Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security, adopted in and security architecture that is in line with the threats 1999, and the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy of today and tomorrow. May this faith and hope come and Good Governance, adopted in 2001. These two out of this debate stronger than before. instruments provide the legal framework for and give The President (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Faki legitimacy to ECOWAS interventions. Mahamat for his briefing and for honouring the Côte These actions are carried out, on the one hand, d’Ivoire with his presence again at this second debate. at the level of crisis prevention, to prevent tensions I now give the floor to Mr. Brou. and perceptible disputes from escalating and turning into conflicts. In this way, we avoid the dramatic Mr. Brou (spoke in French): On behalf of the consequences of conflicts while avoiding the cost of institutions of the Economic Community of West a hypothetical intervention. Preventive actions and African States (ECOWAS), I would like at the preventive diplomacy have been conducted in almost beginning of my briefing to express my condolences to all States at the precise moment when a crisis emerges. the Government and the people of the United States on They are less visible but have helped to reduce tensions the occasion of the passing of Mr. George H. W. Bush, and avoid the emergence of difficult situations. forty-first President of the United States of America. Preventive diplomacy actions are more frequent I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for the during electoral processes, especially during opportunity to participate in this important meeting, elections. They have been successfully deployed in the which is in line with the high-level meeting presided presidential elections in Guinea, Nigeria and Ghana, over yesterday by His Excellency Mr. Alassane and more recently in Sierra Leone and Mali. In addition, Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, recently, preventive diplomacy actions were carried out whose theme was post-conflict reconstruction and in Nigeria in anticipation of the upcoming elections. peace, security and stability (see S/PV.8413). All of yesterday’s statements provided ample evidence of Furthermore, to enhance the effectiveness of the the reciprocal causality between sustainable economic Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, ECOWAS is development and peace and security. Today’s theme establishing an early-warning and response system, gives us the opportunity to deepen our reflections on based on the collection and analysis of a variety of the international community’s efforts to promote peace indicators in the political, social, economic, climate and and security. I would like to make three observations environmental fields. Based on a regional architecture, that summarize the action of ECOWAS on this key this arrangement is being extended with the creation of issue. early-warning and response mechanisms at the national level; these are already in place in five Member States. The first concerns the ECOWAS internal mechanism The programme envisages a gradual extension to the for peace and stability in the region. The civil wars in the other countries of the region. region, particularly those in Liberia and Sierra Leone, and their consequences — destabilizing for security and With respect to crisis management and resolution, devastating for the economic and social development interventions are deployed when preventive diplomacy

6/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 actions have not achieved the expected results or have led reconciliation, democratic governance and conflict to open crises or when crises occur in an unpredictable prevention and management, as well as human rights manner. These actions focus on facilitation or mediation and the rule of law. efforts between national political actors, and, in The third observation relates to the implementation extreme cases, involve the deployment of peacekeeping of post-conflict reconstruction activities. The aim missions. The recent history of ECOWAS is rich with of such work is to build peace through support so these missions. They include, for example, mediation as to prevent the resurgence of conflict, including in the political crises in Togo and the Niger, in 2005 through institution-building, reconciliation and the and 2009, respectively; multiple mediations in Guinea implementation of disarmament, demobilization Bissau, resulting in the deployment of the ECOWAS Mission in Guinea Bissau since 2012; the case of Côte and reintegration (DDR) and security sector reform d’Ivoire, presented yesterday by His Excellency the programmes. In Guinea-Bissau, the security sector President of the Republic; mediation efforts in the post- reform programme was launched in 2013. In The electoral crisis in the Gambia following the presidential Gambia, for example, it involved supporting the election of December 2016, which led to the deployment Government in drawing up and implementing a security of the ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG); and sector reform programme and capacity-building of the ongoing mediation in the political crisis in Togo. the National Assembly in its role of political control over the defence and security forces. ECOWAS also The second observation that underlies our action supports the Government in its efforts to improve the is the partnership in all the aforementioned areas management and security of weapons and ammunition of intervention. Collaboration with all partners, in stockpiles. particular the African Union and the United Nations, is a constant feature of our action. We coordinate our Currently, there is close cooperation with the actions to ensure better visibility and efficiency. The United Nations and the African Union through the joint partnership is characterized by the following. missions deployed in various countries. More recently, ECOWAS has embarked on programmes in other First, our partners, in particular the representative areas, namely, providing basic goods and services to of the African Union and the Special Representative of disadvantaged groups, particularly women; supporting the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations resilience in the agricultural sector; and facilitating Office for West Africa and the Sahel, participate in reintegration through training and job-creation all meetings of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security programmes. Such activities are necessary to create the Council at the ministerial level and the Meeting of Heads conditions for sustainable peace. of State and Government, the main decision-making bodies on issues of regional peace and security. In conclusion, ECOWAS remains strongly committed to working with all its partners, in particular The second element is the political support of the United Nations and the African Union, in order to the African Union and the United Nations for the maintain and build peace and to ensure sustainable deployment of peace missions. Such support was development. I would like to end my remarks by instrumental in defining the mandate of ECOMIG and reiterating our sincere thanks for the opportunity of in its deployment, which required the authorization of this meeting. the Security Council; The President (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Brou Third is the conduct of joint missions with the for his briefing. United Nations, particularly in Burkina Faso in 2014 during the political crisis and in Mali in 2012 following I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the the military coup d’état, and preventive diplomacy, as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire. I have already mentioned, in Guinea, Nigeria, Ghana It is a great honour and privilege for me to preside and, more recently, Sierra Leone. over today’s Security Council meeting following that Lastly, as part of strengthening that cooperation, of yesterday, which was presided over by Mr. Alassane on 23 April, ECOWAS signed a memorandum of Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire (see understanding with the United Nations, which S/PV.8413). I would like to thank Secretary-General covers areas related to political dialogue, national António Guterres, who honours Côte d’Ivoire with his

18-41579 7/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 presence on two successive days — at yesterday’s high- States of course have the primary responsibility for level debate and again today. I congratulate him on the detecting and eliminating the structural and cyclical quality of his briefing. I would also like to thank my two factors conducive to the outbreak of crises, in particular brothers Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the by reducing inequalities, promoting the rule of law and African Union Commission, and Mr. Jean-Claude Kassi good governance, facilitating access to employment Brou, President of the Commission of the Economic for young people and ensuring political support for Community of West African States, who, after being resource mobilization, both human and material. present yesterday, honour us with their presence today. After more than a decade of crisis, Côte d’Ivoire, I congratulate them on their valuable contributions to which very early on realized the stakes of restoring today’s debate. I would like to extend a warm welcome stability, has resolutely embarked on the path of to all the eminent persons who have kindly accepted peace-building thanks to the excellent cooperation our invitation, honouring us with their presence at this between the Ivorian Government and the United meeting on a topic that we hold dear, namely, the role of Nations through the United Nations Operation in Côte States, regional arrangements and the United Nations d’Ivoire (UNOCI). in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. The combined national and international The increasing number and continuance of conflicts efforts resulted in establishing, in the context of in the world, which are testing the United Nations peace the Peacebuilding Fund, a joint plan, called the architecture, as well as the various crisis prevention and Peacebuilding Priority Plans for 2011-2014 and 2015- resolution mechanisms, continue to represent significant 2017. It has $30 million and has supported local efforts challenges and sources for collective reflection for the in the areas of governance, preserving the social Council and the international community. climate, normalizing political life and ensuring the Given the complexity of the situation, it is security of people and property. increasingly necessary to adopt innovative and Consequently, the Ivorian Government, with the inclusive approaches that go off the beaten path and assistance of its partners, has managed to restore State to call for common action and the greater involvement authority and security throughout the national territory, of all national, subregional, regional and international accelerate and make national reconciliation and social stakeholders in the prevention and management of cohesion irreversible, successfully implement the DDR conflicts. and security sector reform programmes, and promote In this globalized world, where no organization the rule of law and human rights. alone can shoulder the responsibility for managing the Since the departure of UNOCI in June 2017, the threats to collective security, strengthening cooperation Government has capitalized on all those achievements and coordination among national actors, subregional and continues that worthy course with the support of and regional organizations and the United Nations is the United Nations country team. imperative. The support of the United Nations Development In our view, the pursuit of a more inclusive approach Programme (UNDP) to the national development plan of all actors, taking into account a clear definition of 2016-2020 is eloquent testimony to that. Those actions responsibilities, remains the most effective way to have allowed us to preserve the State and its institutions ensure the prevention and management of the conflicts and to organize national and local elections in peace, that are at the heart of the agenda of the Security security and stability, which has greatly contributed Council and underpin its existence. to the current economic growth in Côte d’Ivoire. The Ivorian experience in peacekeeping, peacebuilding and Conflict prevention and management, which sustaining peace, must therefore be pursued and shared. are increasingly multifaceted, necessarily require a common strategy, accepted by all, with national In recent years, there have been major ownership and clear priorities, to which the United developments in conflict prevention, management and Nations, the international community and national resolution in Africa. They are particularly marked by partners should devote sufficient resources. The case shared responsibilities and the primacy of regional of my country is a perfect illustration of that. and subregional actors in the conduct of the earliest

8/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 peace initiatives after the outbreak of conflict, in Nations. To that end, the signing on 19 April 2017 by the accordance with the principle of subsidiarity. It is in Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African the name of that principle that ECOWAS is playing an Union Commission of the Joint United Nations-African increasingly decisive and leading role in the settlement Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in of conflicts in our region. Thus, in my country, for Peace and Security, is the expression of the strategic example, negotiations conducted by Senegal, in its commitment of these two organizations to address former capacity as Chairperson of ECOWAS, led to threats to peace and security on the continent. the first ceasefire agreement with the Ivorian rebels in Today, the political and military mechanisms October 2002 in Bouaké. In addition, in the framework deployed by subregional and regional organizations of ECOWAS mechanisms, Togo hosted the first inter-Ivorian negotiations from October to December in the context of conflict prevention and resolution, 2002, which had the merit of establishing the bases of a which have already proved their effectiveness, political solution to the conflict. deserve to be strengthened so as to be more effective. Peacekeeping, an essential tool of the United Nations I also welcome the mediation of other friendly for promoting and ensuring international peace and countries, such as Ghana and South Africa, under security, faces many challenges that significantly affect whose auspices several agreements were signed its effectiveness. The extent of the challenges facing between the Ivorian warring parties. The African Union our world calls for diligent action on our part, which and then the United Nations subsequently took over highlights the important of the Secretary-General’s from ECOWAS in the conduct of political and military Action for Peacekeeping initiative, which my country processes. Finally, Burkina Faso played a decisive role fully endorses. in organizing the October 2010 presidential elections in my country. It is important to recall that some of the major obstacles to the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations In Mali in 2012, the resolve of President Alassane include the way host countries and populations perceive Ouattara, who was Chairperson of ECOWAS at the time, those missions, vague mandates and the inadequacy and the mobilization of his peers enabled the return to of the human and logistical resources available. constitutional order in the country after the putsch led by It should be noted that peacekeeping operations Captain Sanogo. That regional commitment also helped with clear, precise and objective mandates support to mobilize the international community, particularly national political processes. Côte d’Ivoire supports the France, whose military intervention prevented terrorist Secretary-General’s vision of peacekeeping, which is groups from the north of the country from seizing first and foremost one of collective responsibility. There Bamako. I thank the French authorities for the action is therefore a need to act together to address, through being taken by the French army in the Sahel against peacekeeping operations, contemporary challenges to the terrorist groups that threaten our common security peace and security. Moreover, strengthening the troop in West Africa. In all these situations, the African capacities and taking account of the gender dimension Union, followed by the United Nations, took over from in peacekeeping operations could play a decisive role in ECOWAS on the political and security levels. It is clear the effective implementation of their mandates. from all this that the State’s close cooperation with subregional and regional organizations and the United International security remains inextricably linked Nations is an undeniable asset for crisis prevention and to peace and security in Africa — a continent where management. complex and multifaceted security challenges, as well as the perpetuation of conflicts, undermine the In that sense, the strategic partnership between foundations of stability and development. regional organizations and the United Nations, pursuant to Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, In regard to funding at the African level, must be more closely oriented towards action and Côte d’Ivoire welcomes the fact that, in 2017, the results, shared responsibility, the spirit of cooperation African Union Peace Fund received the highest and enhanced coordination. In that regard, the African level of contributions from member States since its Union, through its regional conflict prevention and establishment in 1993. In that regard, it is important to management mechanisms, has established itself today note once again that only solidarity between the United as an essential and credible partner of the United Nations and the African Union will make it possible

18-41579 9/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 to consider appropriate and lasting solutions in the Mr. Delattre (France) (spoke in French): At the framework of a common vision for the maintenance of outset, I should like to warmly thank Côte d’Ivoire for peace and security in Africa. That highlights the need organizing this important debate, presided over by the for close cooperation between those two organizations, Ivorian Minister for Foreign Affairs, whose presence which deserves to be encouraged and strengthened, and statement I welcome. The successful experience particularly with respect to the crucial issue of of Côte d’Ivoire — which is in many ways exemplary, financing African peace operations. In that regard, my as you have just recalled, Sir — certainly imbues your country welcomes the gradual evolution of approaches message with particular weight as regards our work. with a view to improving the financing of peace support Allow me also to thank you for the warm words you operations in Africa, and that this step is an essential have just pronounced regarding my country. Better link in the process of stabilizing the continent. coordination between the United Nations, regional Indeed, resolution 2320 (2016) marked a major organizations and States is essential to meeting our step in the United Nation’s commitment to African common goal of improved conflict prevention and Union peacekeeping operations by demonstrating the resolution. Council’s readiness to consider funding proposals, in I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, accordance, inter alia, with international obligations the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and applicable to the principles of accountability and the Chairperson of the Commission of the Economic transparency, to which African Union peace support Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their operations are subject. In that regard, resolution 2378 presence, their important briefings and their exemplary (2017) is also an important step in the right direction, commitment. expressing the Security Council’s intention to consider the practical arrangements and conditions necessary for Today, I will deliver three principal messages on the establishment of a mechanism whereby authorized behalf of France. The first is a call to further strengthen African operations, pursuant to the provisions of the necessary synergy between the United Nations Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, and regional organizations. The second emphasizes could be financed on a case-by-case basis. the absolutely strategic nature and importance of cooperation between the United Nations and the My country is of the view that measures should African Union. The third is a message of support for therefore be taken on the basis of bolder commitments, African peace operations. particularly aimed at the establishment of flexible, predictable and sustainable financing based on My first message is a call to pool our efforts to assessed contributions. Côte d’Ivoire therefore invites better prevent and resolve conflicts. France fully all stakeholders to take a further step towards finding supports the vision of the Secretary-General. We must lasting and solutions that are essential to the effective do more upstream by investing in conflict prevention, functioning of African Union peace support operations. and downstream by supporting peace and reconciliation processes. France once again commends the efforts In any case, it is in the context of a united effort of the Secretary-General and his team to strengthen and the genuine involvement of all its actors that the the prevention and mediation capacities of the United international community will succeed in strengthening Nations. conflict resolution and prevention mechanisms, which can make an effective contribution to international To better prevent conflicts, it is imperative to go peace and security. Côte d’Ivoire intends to play its beyond the silo approach and to decompartmentalize full part in that regard and hopes that its experience in our interventions. In that sense, the humanitarian- emerging from crisis, which it is eager to share, will development-peace nexus must be given practical contribute to achieving these objectives for the well- expression on the ground in order to provide being of the peoples and development of Africa. comprehensive and consistent responses to crises. That is not a conceptual issue; it is a question of the necessity I now resume my functions as President of the of efficiency and, I would say, common sense. It is a Security Council. response to the challenges on the ground that must I now give the floor to the members of the Security be given with respect to institutional or bureaucratic Council who wish to make statements. considerations, and not the other way around. That

10/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 is why we need to strengthen the exchange between crisis and conflict situations. To name just a few of United Nations agencies and among bilateral and many examples, the case of The Gambia is an example multilateral actors in order to make the best use of worth following. The combined efforts of the United resources and skills. For the same reason, we must as Nations, the African Union and ECOWAS have helped a matter of necessity promote synergies between the to prevent the post-electoral crisis from turning into a United Nations and regional organizations. conflict of which the people would have been, as always, the main victims. More recently, Madagascar has also This is not about a political game or trying to please seen the success of joint prevention efforts led by the any particular person. It is a question of being more African Union, the Southern African Development effective together in the service of our shared goals. Community, the United Nations and the European Regional and subregional organizations have assets that Union, also making it possible to avoid a major crisis the United Nations does not have. They are closer to the surrounding the organization of presidential elections. action, more often have a more in-depth knowledge of what is happening on the ground, and have invaluable We further welcome the efforts undertaken by human networks. We must therefore work together the African Union and its member States, as well as and in a spirit of trust, share information and analysis, by African subregional organizations, to prevent and and carry out joint initiatives. It is together, hand in respond to crisis situations on the continent, thanks hand, that we can advance peace. We are convinced in particular to the Silencing the Guns by 2020 that the partnership between the United Nations and initiative, which we fully support. The African Peer regional organizations is one of the keys to the success Review Mechanism is also a valuable tool for conflict of multilateralism, in which we believe now more than prevention in Africa. ever. In that regard, I wish to commend the efforts of the My third message is a call to support African peace Peacebuilding Commission, which is cooperating ever operations. As Council members know, France fully more closely with regional organizations in the context supports the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the of the so-called country-specific configurations. That Sahel, and we will continue to plead resolutely for the is a step in the right direction that should be continued widest possible support from the United Nations to the and expanded. Force, which embodies the commitment of the States of The State is also indispensable of course. National the Sahel to their own safety. authorities, but also civil societies, especially women’s As I recalled yesterday in the presence of President organizations, must be fully involved in international Alassane Ouattara (see S/PV.8413), France fully efforts to prevent or resolve conflicts. We all know that supports the initiative, led by the African Union and the ownership by the actors concerned is the prerequisite three African members of the Security Council, aimed for lasting peace. at adopting an ambitious draft resolution on African My second message concerns the special peace operations by the end of the year. Such operations importance of the partnership between the United will enable intervention as early as possible before Nations and the African Union. France is of the view crises degenerate and destabilize one or more States that the partnership between the United Nations, the in the long term. They testify to the African Union’s African Union and African subregional organizations desire to become more deeply involved in the security is of absolutely strategic importance today. That of the African continent, as Moussa Faki Mahamat, is why we are resolutely committed to supporting Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and its development, which in our view has immense the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire so resolutely and eloquently recalled today. potential. We welcome the important progress made under the joint leadership of the Secretary-General and Let us all stand alongside our African partners the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, in support of their efforts. It is in our interest and especially since the signing of the Joint United Nations- corresponds to the flow of history. African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership Mr. Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in in Peace and Security in April 2017. Spanish): The Republic of Equatorial Guinea should That partnership is manifest today in a very like to thank His Excellency Mr. Marcel Amon-Tanoh, concrete and operational way on the ground to prevent Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cote

18-41579 11/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 d’Ivoire, and his country for organizing this open the technical, financial and institutional assistance debate on cooperation between the United Nations necessary to carry out large-scale peacekeeping and regional and subregional organizations. We also activities. welcome the presence of Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, The African Union has proved to be a key partner for Chairperson of the African Union Commission. We the United Nations in steadfastly proposing innovative are pleased to see His Excellency Secretary-General responses, based on the comparative advantage of António Guterres among us once again, and we the rapid deployment of peace missions with strong welcome also the presence of His Excellency Mr. Jean- mandates within the framework of continental Claude Kassi Brou, President of the Commission of and regional agreements, thereby demonstrating the Economic Community of West African States. We convey to all of them our thanks for their informative the flexibility of the African Peace and Security briefings. Architecture and its ability to adapt to constantly evolving security challenges. Bringing peace to Africa and the comprehensive development of the continent is one of the main of Africa is an important part of ongoing peacekeeping objectives of my country’s foreign policy under the operations, not only in terms of hosting United leadership of His Excellency President Obiang Nguema Nations missions, but also, and especially, in terms Mbasogo. My delegation therefore welcomes this open of the military contingents and police units that its debate given the importance of strengthening the countries provide. We therefore believe that funding partnership between the United Nations and the African should be stepped up, that mechanisms for voluntary Union, which contributes to improving and sustaining contributions from Member States and other external peace and security, not only on the African continent, as well as African sources should be improved, and but also at the global level. that the United Nations should provide continuous training to the armies of countries that traditionally By holding this debate, we are reinforcing the contribute military personnel to peacekeeping missions message underlying the partnership between the United and other countries in need of such training, as well as Nations and the African Union, which is important work closely with missions with regard to promoting if we are to meet the goals set by both organizations sustainable peacekeeping. with regard to conflict management and prevention. The latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/678) Ultimately, conflict resolution in Africa requires indicates, that, despite the security challenges and greater political harmony between and a well-developed obstacles present in regions affected by active conflict, joint vision for the African Union and the United such as in Libya, the Sahel region, the Horn of Africa, Nations, including improved coordination between the Lake Chad basin and the Great Lakes region, there the Security Council and the African Union Peace and has been significant progress thanks to the continued Security Council, the development and identification of economic and logistical support that has been received cooperation modalities, the promotion of mutual respect and to the cooperation among the United Nations, and the establishment of an operational decision-making international partners and the African Union with mechanism shared by the two organizations. The the host Governments of peace missions, regional African Union and other regional and subregional economic bodies and regional mechanisms, as they organizations in Africa enjoy unique advantages and a enjoy the advantage of superior knowledge of their own great deal of experience in resolving critical problems region, which makes it easier for them not only to act on the continent. The United Nations and other partners quickly and prevent conflicts, but also to prevent them are a necessary factor to ensure greater effectiveness in from spilling over into neighbouring regions. the quest for lasting and beneficial solutions. That is all attributable to certain key elements, That very same idea was taken up yesterday by His including their proximity to conflicts, experience and Excellency Mr. Simeon Oyono Esono Angue, Minister cultural similarity. As they are familiar with local for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Equatorial cultures, regional organizations could work more Guinea (see S/PV.8413), when he spoke of the simple effectively in the area of early-warning and conflict- and clear equation of cooperation. In that regard, the prevention systems. In the area of operations, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea welcomes the signing United Nations should provide support in the form of of the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework

12/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, which peace support operations, which is expected to be outlines closer collaboration, more regular exchanges introduced during the presidency of Côte d’Ivoire. of information and consultations and coordinated While we note that that would constructively support action to promote lasting peace and security in Africa. the African initiative mentioned in the latest report of the Secretary-General, which indicates that the African With regard to transparency and respect for human Union has moved towards the operationalization of rights and humanitarian law during peace operations, the African Peace Fund, African States have in fact we believe that it is important to establish mechanisms contributed $74 million to the Fund so far, an amount and measures within missions and organizations that would focus on strengthening policies to prevent sexual that, it is hoped, will reach $100 million by early exploitation and abuse and step up disciplinary responses 2019. In that regard, we hope that the dynamic of and corrective action in cases of violation of the relevant cooperation between the United Nations and regional norms. Equatorial Guinea therefore welcomes the organizations will find a platform enabling them to step African Union Peace and Security Council’s adoption up cooperative efforts with a view to achieving stable of the draft policy on conduct and discipline for peace and lasting peace in all conflicts throughout the world, support operations and the draft policy for prevention in which regional organizations could play a decisive and response to sexual exploitation and abuse for peace role given their knowledge of local circumstances and support operations. On the other hand, although new their proximity to specific situations on the ground. mechanisms and strategies for the implementation of Mr. Skoog (Sweden): I wish to thank the Secretary- human rights policies are being adopted, it is necessary General, the Chairperson of the African Union to strengthen existing mechanisms so as to ensure Commission and the President of the Commission of that they are respected in the deployment of personnel the Economic Community of West African States from troop-contributing countries, as well as to ensure (ECOWAS) for their valuable remarks this morning. compliance with training standards for African Union peace support operations. During our very first month as a Security Council member, in January 2017, we organized a debate on In order to address the issue of conflict prevention, conflict prevention and sustaining peace, at which the especially with regard to those conflicts affecting Secretary-General had the opportunity to set out his the African continent, Equatorial Guinea deems it of vision for a surge in diplomacy for peace and effective utmost importance to promote economic and social conflict prevention (see S/PV.7857). We did so because development in Africa, as the lack of sustainable we saw a need for a new political consensus in support economic management, the disparity among various of prevention and a commitment to policies and actions social classes, gender inequality and extreme poverty are that prevent conflicts before they begin. Now, nearly the main factors exacerbating existing conflicts, such as 24 months later, how have we done? As our term on terrorism, transnational crime and drug trafficking. We the Council is ending, it is only natural to look back at also deem important the professionalization of women what has been achieved and what conclusions can be in the areas of diplomacy and preventive mediation at drawn. Even though we have seen a new momentum all levels, as well as their consequent integration into all for prevention overall, when it comes to the actual stages of the peace process, as we see such inclusivity prevention of conflict, the Council is still falling short. as critical to achieving sustainable and permanent We should all be held to account for that. peace on the continent. The Charter of the United Nations provides us with In conclusion, we would like to highlight resolutions a clear mandate to investigate any situation that might 2320 (2016), of 18 November 2016, and 2378 (2017), lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute. of 20 September 2017, which emphasize the need to Yet we still spend the majority of our time and resources improve the predictability, sustainability and flexibility trying to manage the conflicts on our agenda. A culture of financing for African Union-led peace operations of complacency surrounding conflict prevention has previously authorized by the Security Council, to be very real costs and, in the long term, risks undermining financed by United Nations contributions, based on the credibility of this institution. strict case-by-case analyses. In that regard, we see the need for the members of the Council to approve Today’s meeting therefore provides us with a useful the draft resolution on financing for African Union opportunity to focus on the earlier phases of preventing

18-41579 13/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 and resolving conflicts and on how to overcome the further facilitate a shared analysis of the situations on current status quo. That includes an important discussion our agendas. on how to strengthen cooperation between the United The United Nations regional offices represent some Nations and regional and subregional organizations, of the most effective mechanisms at our disposal for as they play a key role in complementing the United conflict prevention and resolution, and we see scope Nations in the fields of conflict prevention and conflict for establishing further such offices in other parts of resolution. Regional organizations are crucial partners the world. The United Nations Office for West Africa in that work, as they are often the first to identify the and the Sahel and its preventive functions must be initial signs and risks of potential conflicts and have built upon, and we should learn from its successes. We a good understanding of the issues at stake and carry credibility at the local levels. We have seen numerous welcome the enlarged mandate for a Special Envoy of examples in which their early engagement has changed the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa, as we potentially negative outcomes for the better, and we see potential for an enhanced role for IGAD in leading have also seen the effectiveness of regional approaches integration in the region. The proactive and successful in resolving conflicts. cooperation between the United Nations regional offices and regional organizations should be harnessed ECOWAS played a key role in achieving a successful to enhance subregional capacities and create synergies. outcome in the Ivorian peace process and in its resolute actions in the Gambia, which, with the active support of We commend the work carried out by the AU to the Council, ushered in a peaceful transition of power in strengthen its capacity in preventing, mediating and January 2017. In the Horn of Africa, we have seen how settling conflicts on the African continent, consistent the courageous decisions of leaders have generated hope with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter. We and prospects for peace and development in the whole also commend the ongoing effort of the AU to enhance region, and how the Intergovernmental Authority on self-reliance and the financing of its activities, and Development (IGAD) has been instrumental in reaching especially welcome its commitment to funding 25 per a revitalized peace agreement for South Sudan. It is cent of its peace support operations by 2020, as well as crucial that organizations such as the African Union the progress made in fulfilling that commitment. (AU), ECOWAS, the Southern African Development To realize the full potential of the AU-United Community and IGAD have the necessary capacity to Nations partnership, additional financial and political engage in the early stages of conflict. support is now needed. We welcome the ongoing The United Nations and regional and subregional collaborative work on strengthening the oversight and organizations have important, complementary roles in accountability of AU-led peace operations, including conflict prevention. Sweden has therefore been a long- by further reinforcing the women and peace and standing supporter of an enhanced strategic partnership security agenda. We also welcome the ongoing work between the United Nations and the AU, and we to strengthen respect for human rights, international welcome the renewed momentum and concrete steps humanitarian law and the conduct and discipline taken to advance that, not least thanks to the dedicated framework for AU-led peace operations, in order to leadership of the United Nations Secretary-General and enable access to assessed United Nations contributions. the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The ongoing work on a draft resolution to that effect is important and has our full support. We have already benefited from that closer cooperation, including during the recent joint visit by Our efforts to enhance African capabilities must United Nations and AU officials to Lake Chad, South go beyond strengthening military responses and should Sudan and the Sahel. The collaboration between our rather be based on the presumption of prevention and two Councils has also increased, as demonstrated by a focus on early investments, given that prevention the fruitful meeting between the Security Council and not only saves lives, but, as the Secretary-General the African Union Peace and Security Council in July, pointed out this morning, is also economically sensible. in which we saw constructive discussions, concrete There is a need to shift from a silo mentality between outcomes and unified messages. That spirit now mediation, political dialogue, security and development needs to be further built upon, including through our towards taking a holistic and integrated approach. That two Councils conducting joint field visits in order to includes structural prevention at the national level and

14/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 building strong and inclusive institutions. Based on the We wish to underscore the importance of promoting recent discussions and conclusions of the Council and the greater involvement of States and regional and the African Union, we should also cooperate to ensure subregional organizations and their close cooperation adequate risk assessments and forecasting analysis with the United Nations system, with a view to pertaining to the root causes of conflict, not least with preventing and resolving contemporary conflicts respect to climate-related security risks. Regional more effectively. We emphasize the need to develop a integration is also a powerful vehicle for conflict comprehensive legal basis comprising administrative prevention in the long haul and should therefore be structures and coordination mechanisms with the encouraged. United Nations and the Security Council, based on Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. In addition, triangular partnerships between the That would promote synergies and complementarities AU, the United Nations and the European Union should between the United Nations system and various be further explored. The European Union has been a regional and subregional organizations, with a view to long-standing supporter of the AU’s peace operations, institutionalizing and increasing the effectiveness of not least in Somalia and the Sahel, where we have seen the peace and security architecture. fruitful collaboration between the three organizations. We welcome further opportunities for such trilateral The Council maintains active cooperation with cooperation. We also see the potential for increased the African Union and subregional organizations such European participation in United Nations peacekeeping. as ECOWAS, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the Southern African Development In conclusion, upon entering the Council, incoming Community. The same is true of the European Union in elected members are often told that conflict prevention its involvement in various conflict-affected countries. is a difficult topic and that it is too sensitive to try In that regard, we would also like to highlight to push this agenda. But really it should be more the meeting held last September on the situation in politically sensitive to continue to fail in that regard. Nicaragua (see S/PV.8340), at which the members of We all have a joint responsibility to do everything we the Council were able to provide support to the efforts can to ensure that conflict prevention now becomes the of the Organization of American States to contribute to new normal and at the very core of our efforts. The the achievement of a political solution that would make permanent members of the Council have a particular it possible to prevent a major conflict in that country. responsibility in that regard. Moving forward on enhancing the partnership between the United Nations The nature and extent of contemporary conflicts and regional and subregional organizations is one reflect the growing vulnerability of many countries to critical part in making the Secretary-General’s vision global challenges such as violent extremism leading for a surge in diplomacy for peace a reality. That will to terrorism, transnational organized crime and the require our substantial and sustained political and negative effects of climate change. In that connection, financial investments, and Sweden intends to continue we stress the importance of having the capacity to to actively contribute to that end. analyse risks and conflicts, as well as to mediate and, in general, to develop and strengthen inclusive, Mr. Meza-Cuadra (Peru) (spoke in French): At the transparent and accountable institutions. outset, I wish to express my gratitude to Côte d’Ivoire for having convened this debate on regional cooperation That is consistent with the concept of sustainable in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. We are peace and with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable also deeply honoured by your presence here today, Development and its Sustainable Development Goals. Mr. Minister. As the Secretary-General has pointed out, in addition to being an end in itself, development is an effective (spoke in Spanish) and efficient means of tackling the contemporary We are also grateful for the enlightening briefings proliferation of conflicts by addressing their root causes. delivered by the Secretary-General, the Chairperson Yesterday, as we considered the importance of of the African Union Commission and the President of supporting national reconstruction and reconciliation the Commission of the Economic Community of West processes (see S/PV.8413), we highlighted the African States (ECOWAS). Peacebuilding Commission’s role in preventing the

18-41579 15/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 recurrence of conflicts by gathering various actors The Secretary-General has stressed on more than one capable of forging the alliances necessary to sustain occasion that such cooperation is a need, not a choice. peace and development. Our world today faces numerous extremely complex challenges that require us to make concerted efforts Within the framework of the reforms that are being and achieve a united stance. promoted, the United Nations system must pay special attention to the development and strengthening of The challenges posed by the protracted conflicts regional capacities to support national efforts. In that and disputes on the African continent have highlighted regard, we stress the importance of promoting greater the role of the United Nations as a key player. In 1960, participation by women and young people. We also the first peacekeeping operation in Africa was deployed stress the need for fluid coordination mechanisms to in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to assist enhance the complementarity of the various actors in the Government in maintaining law and order. Since their distinct operational and geographical scopes, as then, thousands of peacekeepers have been deployed well as the synergies generated as a result of regional in approximately 31 peacekeeping operations in many actors’ better understanding of the circumstances and African States. Today, the African continent hosts requirements on the ground. seven of 14 United Nations peacekeeping operations, in addition to the African Union-United Nations Hybrid That requires predictable, sustainable and flexible Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). financing for peace support operations, which, in turn, requires renewed support from traditional contributors, The African continent is vast, with diverse the development of innovative financial mechanisms geographic, ethnic, cultural, social and historical and greater involvement of the private sector. In limitations. Those limitations give rise to subregional that regard, we believe that, as recommended by the realities with political and economic dimensions Secretary-General in his Action for Peacekeeping under the umbrella of the AU, realities that have initiative, the Organization must be able to prioritize created a new form of cooperation between the the financing of support missions deployed by the United Nations and the AU communities because African Union where the needs are greatest. each conflict is of a different nature and has different characteristics. Security Council resolution 2033 We would like to conclude by emphasizing that (2012), which calls for continued consultation with investment in the development and strengthening the AU and economic regional communities on peace of regional capacities for prevention presupposes a and security challenges, encourages the enhancement more efficient and effective exercise of our shared and promotion of cooperation between the United responsibility for the maintenance of international Nations and its specialized agencies, on the one hand, peace and security. and, on the other, the AU subregional organizations, Mr. Alotaibi (Kuwait) (spoke in Arabic): At including ECOWAS, the Intergovernmental Authority the outset, I wish to congratulate you, Sir, on your on Development, the East African Community, the assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. Southern African Development Community and the I also thank the delegation of your friendly country for Economic Community of Central African States. holding this important meeting. I would like to thank With respect to developing and improving the Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, as well cooperation between the AU and the United Nations, as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, particularly with regard to peacekeeping operations, we Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, and Mr. Jean-Claude Kassi must stress that predictable and sustainable financing is Brou, President of the Commission of the Economic the greatest challenge facing all United Nations funds. Community of West African States (ECOWAS), We would underline the remarks made by the Secretary- for their comprehensive and valuable briefings on General’s during the Security Council meeting held enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and yesterday on funding African peacekeeping operations regional and subregional organizations, with a focus on and the importance of supporting them, if possible, the relationship between the African Union (AU) and through assessed contributions (see S/PV.8413). the United Nations. Hence, Kuwait looks forward to a consensus in the Cooperation between the United Nations and Council on a draft resolution to guarantee financing for regional organizations is more important than ever. peacekeeping operations. The draft is being submitted

16/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 by Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea, and welcome his participation in this debate as President is currently subject to consultations. of the Security Council. We would also like to thank him for choosing the theme for today’s open debate, Cooperation between the United Nations and namely, “Cooperation between the United Nations and the AU is an explicit example of the application of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. regional and subregional organizations in maintaining That cooperation in the fields of peace and security is international peace and security”, which concerns the manifested in two Arab-African countries — Somalia prevention and settlement of conflicts. It is important and the Sudan — through the African Union Mission to start this debate by mentioning States, as they take in Somalia (AMISOM) and UNAMID, respectively. prime responsibility in those processes. We would like Those missions are two different successful models to thank the Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres; of regional partnerships. The Declaration of Shared the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat; and the President of the Operations, in addressing the issue of partnerships, Commission of the Economic Community of West renews host Governments’ commitment regarding African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Jean-Claude Kassi peacekeeping operations to do their utmost in the area Brou, for their opinions. of peacebuilding and maintaining peace. We share the goal of wanting to strengthen the All States that sponsored the Declaration are capacity of the United Nations to prevent conflict. committed to supporting peacekeeping operations, That is the goal that is enshrined as a priority in the which would provide the United Nations, the AU Charter of the United Nations. Why has it to date not and subregional organizations in Africa a clear path been given due attention? That is a good question. One for cooperation. In that regard, we underscore the reason could be a lack of political will and sincerity importance of launching effective initiatives to reform of intention. The Charter provides Member States with and develop cooperation in peacekeeping operations all the instruments necessary to prevent conflict. I am and enhance United Nations efforts to support the referring, first and foremost, to Chapters I and VI and capacities of the AU and subregional organizations also other decisions, particularly resolution 2171 (2014), in preventive diplomacy, including mediation, early which enshrined the basic principles of international warning, reconstruction and post-conflict development. cooperation in that area. All of the decisions adopted That was reflected in the 2010 initiative of the forum confirm that international assistance, including that of mediators and peace envoys in Africa. The forum of the United Nations and regional organizations, is considered to have been the first gathering of the must be based on the consent of the host country and Heads of peacekeeping operations and special political complement the efforts of national Governments. missions of the United Nations with their peers in the AU to coordinate peacemaking, peacebuilding and At the same time, each situation is, of course, peacekeeping policies at the United Nations and at the unique and arises owing to various factors. That means continental level. We look forward to the AU achieving that there can be no universal indicators of conflict. its desired goals through the Silencing the Guns on the History has shown time and again that conflicts African continent by 2020 initiative. can arise both in contexts where there have been no human rights violations as well as where there is a In conclusion, given the conflicts in the Arab region, rather developed State. At the same time, crises are the State of Kuwait looks forward to consolidating increasingly becoming the cause of external interference cooperation between the Security Council and the or intended provocations. That is why it is important in League of Arab States in the areas of early warning, every situation to make sure that we take an impartial conflict prevention and conflict resolution through approach and endeavour to seek unique solutions. The peaceful means, in accordance with the Charter of work of the United Nations must be based on proven the United Nations and the Charter of the League of diplomatic instruments, mediation and good offices. Arab States. Dubious concepts that are not unanimously supported Mr. Nebenzia (Russian Federation) (spoke in by States can only aggravate those situations and are Russian): We thank Mr. Marcel Amon-Tanoh, Minister ultimately in the interests of a fairly small group of for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and countries.

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In current conditions, when most crises are very well, in the most recent annual report (A/72/19) domestic and intra-State in nature, the line is becoming of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, fine between mediation, preventive diplomacy and the which was approved by the General Assembly, it clearly exertion of pressure on domestic political processes. It states in paragraph 19 of chapter V that the Special should be sufficient to point out the number of crises Committee is that have arisen from instances of blatant external “the only United Nations forum mandated to interference that were intended to topple Governments comprehensively review the whole question of that someone did not like — look at the situations in peacekeeping operations in all their aspects, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela and Nicaragua. including measures aimed at enhancing the That is a far-from-exhaustive list of situations that have capacity of the Organization to conduct United recently been discussed in the Security Council. And Nations peacekeeping operations.” it is the international community, which is purportedly facing some sort of new challenges to international And there are many such paradoxical situations peace and security, that ends up having to pay for the in the efforts to reform the peace and security pillar. actions of the foreign puppeteers. In fact, the only thing For example, we all agree that the mandates of the that is needed to prevent conflict is to stop interfering United Nations missions must be clear, focused and in internal affairs and stop lecturing about how to build implementable; yet some of those Security Council democracy and how to respect human rights. Each State members who agree that peace, security, development arrives at those values in its own way, and one should and human rights are closely linked are calling for not try to impose one’s own recipes or punish anyone the broadening of mission mandates and requesting for non-compliance with them. It is high time for all of unusual peacekeeping objectives. us to understand that. Another example is provided by the attempts we With regard to the settlement of existing conflicts, have seen to equate the protection of civilians with one of the key instruments for the United Nations human rights in United Nations documentation. Those remains peacekeeping operations. Given the complex, who advocate for that approach fail to acknowledge that ever-changing nature of peacekeeping missions, they the protection of civilians falls under Chapter VII of the must be adapted regularly. That is something that Charter, and implies the use of force. Needless to say, needs to be done in full compliance with the decisions their actual intention is to obtain another way to exert of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations. political leverage by using the authority of the United It would seem that everyone would be aware of that, Nations and Chapter VII, which is unacceptable. We but in practice we have been encountering paradoxical have already seen attempts to use Chapter VII with situations. On the one hand, we constantly hear regard to human rights at the United Nations Mission reasonable appeals to strengthen cooperation among in Haiti. The result of that was division within the key stakeholders of United Nations peacekeeping: host Council, where we always used to h consensus. countries, troop- and police-contributing countries, Lastly, Member States agree that strengthening the the Security Council and the Secretariat. On the other safety of peacekeepers is a top priority. However, some hand, we see increasing attempts to circumvent the delegations have started advocating for robust mission agreement of documents in specialized platforms, for mandates. We do not understand how robust mission example, through decisions of the Security Council mandates can improve the safety of the Blue Helmets, and all kinds of forums and conferences outside of the or how they can be reconciled with the primacy of the United Nations. political settlement of conflicts. In that context, we In that context, we cannot overlook the International also cannot overlook the mention in this meeting’s Forum on Challenges of Peace Operations, held in concept note (S/2018/1064, annex) of so-called peace Sweden on 28 and 29 November. There, a high-level enforcement operations. The United Nations cannot member of the Secretariat stated that the Special afford to get dragged into such scenarios. The greatest Committee is not supposed to rectify the implementation contradiction here is that everyone agrees with the process of the Declaration of Shared Commitments, priority to pursue the political settlement of conflicts which was developed by the Secretariat. We do not and that the United Nations missions must help the even know how to react to those words. As we know host country to create the conditions for that goal.

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However, what we are hearing in fact are proposals civilian component of AMISOM and for the mediation to replace the responsibility of States with United activities of the Committee of Elders and the High Nations mandates. That is the reason why the Russian Representatives for Somalia and Mali. Federation did not believe that it was in a position to Furthermore, Russia provides financing for fully endorse the Declaration of Shared Commitments humanitarian assistance and development strategies and on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and why for the fight against terrorism in the Sahel countries. At we insist that it be discussed in the Special Committee the same time, we understand the level of need with on Peacekeeping Operations. respect to funding African peacekeeping. We therefore The dialogue among Member States with regard to believe that it is justified to have a discussion about the reforms needed in peacekeeping operations is not increasing the predictability, reliability and flexibility over, but it is already clear that the current challenges of funding, and we stand ready to engage in further to peace and security require a collective approach. It dialogue with our African friends. At the same time, is important to strengthen United Nations cooperation we count on the fact that the text will not include with regional organizations based onChapter VIII of the any non-consensual elements on peacekeeping, in Charter and to use their comparative advantages. It is particular the Declaration of Shared Commitments on also important for the priority of regional organizations United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, which would to be to strive for the peaceful, political and diplomatic prevent us from supporting that important initiative. resolution of conflicts. We note with satisfaction that Ms. Pierce (United Kingdom): Mr. President, African countries are actively taking upon themselves I wish to welcome you back to New York. I join initiatives to address problems on their continent. The other speakers in saying how welcome it is to have leadership of the African Union can rightly be proud representatives of the Economic Community of West of that, although it still has a lot of work to carry out. African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) We understand the desire of our African partners also with us today. to independently and effectively confront the new challenges and, first and foremost, terrorism. A very Yesterday, the Council discussed the complex good example of that is the African Union Mission in challenges of post-conflict reconstruction, and Somalia (AMISOM), which is very active in combating President Ouattara reminded us of the immense human the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. and economic costs that civil war has imposed on his country and the steps that Côte d’Ivoire has taken to The situation remains worrisome in the Sahel, sustain peace and promote economic development where terrorists and radical groups are attempting (see S/PV.8413). With the cost of conflict so clear, if to extend their influence, and organized crime is we are to prevent the worst atrocities and injustices, in flourishing owing to the power vacuum in vast swathes accordance with the aspirations of the Charter of the of the territory. The threat to security and stability United Nations, it is crucial that we learn the lessons in that part of Africa has reached an unprecedented on what it takes to resolve conflict and sustain peace in level. We welcome the initiative of the Group of Five the long term. for the Sahel to create a joint force to combat terrorism and organized crime. That is an important factor in Today, I should like to focus on the complementary ensuring stability. roles that States, subregional and regional organizations and the United Nations can and should play in the Russia has extended assistance of various kinds to prevention and resolution of conflict. In that connection our African partners. African peacekeepers can receive I should like to make three specific points. training at the Russian centres in Domodedovo and Naro-Fominsk and at the International Mine-action First, as other speakers have noted, the role of Centre of the Russian Ministry of Defence in Nakhabino. States is paramount. Member States bear the primary In 2017 Russian instructors in the Sudan and in the responsibility for protecting their inhabitants and Central African Republic trained 200 local military for refraining from acts of aggression. But that also personnel at each location. By the end of the year in the means refraining from persecuting their own people. Central African Republic, we will have trained 2,000 The best and most durable solutions are home-grown people. We provide $2 million in financial assistance and inclusive. But building resilient societies is not to the African Union Peace Fund, which is used for the an easy task. By addressing the structural drivers of

18-41579 19/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 fragility and ensuring that people’s legitimate demands conflict dynamics. In Guinea-Bissau, for example, are met, including for justice, security and economic successful ECOWAS mediation delegations include opportunities, we can significantly reduce the risk of senior officials from Equatorial Guinea and Senegal. conflict. That is why democracy and human rights have With regard to peace-support operations, regional a very important role to play in stability but also in groups play a crucial role, as we saw in the Gambia prosperity, and there is some very good evidence freely in 2017. Quick mobilization by ECOWAS succeeded in available that explains the link between democracy and restoring stability to that country. human rights and prosperity and thriving societies. The United Kingdom is committed to ensuring Strong national capacities for conflict prevention that regional entities are sufficiently resourced, so that are also essential, and it is important that multilateral they can fulfil critical functions alongside the United organizations be willing and equipped to support Nations, specifically on the financing of African Union such national efforts. For that reason, the United peace-support operations. That is why the United Kingdom supports the United Nations Development Kingdom supports the principle of providing United Programme (UNDP)-Department of Political Affairs Nations assessed contributions up to a ceiling of 75 per Joint Programme on Building National Capacities for cent to AU-led peace-support operations authorized by Conflict Prevention. the Council. We continue to work constructively with our partners to ensure that the necessary conditions The deployment of United Nations peace and are fulfilled, particularly with regard to human rights development advisers has assisted Member States compliance, so that that can become a reality. in generating the analyses that allow for early identification of conflict risks and the ability to devise Thirdly, I would like to emphasize that coordinated de-escalation strategies. One such risk-identification efforts between the United Nations, regional system is now operational in Cameroon, where it organizations and Member States, based on comparative tracks emerging conflict trends and risks in a situation advantages, increase the effectiveness of all our efforts that is of increasing concern for international peace to prevent conflict and sustain long-term peace. and security. The Charter of the United Nations underscores the Secondly, regional organizations often have a important role played by regional organizations in the considerable comparative advantage over more distant pacific settlement of disputes, and the Secretary-General international institutions, including at times the United was absolutely right to point to the farsightedness of Nations. Few regional organizations have been as the Charter’s framers in that respect. It is a positive active on conflict prevention and resolution as the sign to see today the broad commitment of the Council African Union, a welcome development of the past two to strengthening its work with the AU and others. It decades. In the Lake Chad basin, the Central African occurs to me that broader support in this forum for Republic, the Comoros and the Democratic Republic of the important roles of NATO and the Organization the Congo, the AU has often been in the driving seat. for Security and Cooperation in Europe might have provided for more effective responses to the challenges In countries such as those in the Sahel region, faced in Armenia, Georgia and Ukraine. where a range of cross-border issues form fertile ground for conflict, the work of ECOWAS has been Where national and regional efforts fail, the crucial. When it comes to sustainable and inclusive Council has a responsibility, as the only legally economic development, regional cooperation can competent body, to surpass the State monopoly on ensure that limited resources are deployed effectively military intervention and to act to restore international and that economic isolation does not persist and peace and security. That is a last-resort step that we can become another cause of conflict. In the Horn of Africa, better avoid by mobilizing all the tools at our collective the Intergovernmental Authority on Development disposal for early peacebuilding and prevention so as to supports countries in their efforts to achieve better avoid escalation. economic integration. Mr. Amde (Ethiopia): Let me begin by once With regard to support for conflict prevention and again thanking Côte d’Ivoire for having organized mediation, regional actors have a unique advantage this important open debate on cooperation between owing to their understanding of the local context and the United Nations and regional and subregional

20/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 organizations in maintaining international peace to fulfil the conditions set out by the Council in the and security. We are glad to see you, Mr. Minister, relevant resolutions, including through the adoption of presiding over this important debate. We thank the landmark policy documents on the prevention and Secretary-General António Guterres and also thank response to sexual exploitation and abuse and conduct the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and discipline for AU peace support operations. Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, and the President of the Cooperation between the United Nations and the AU Commission of the Economic Community of West in those areas is incredibly important, and we hope the African States, Mr. Kassi Brou, for their briefings on joint declaration to be signed by the Secretary-General the theme of our debate. We take this opportunity to and the Chairperson today will help facilitate that express our profound appreciation to both of them for continuous cooperation. their leadership and their commitment to elevating the The financing issue is but one aspect of the United strategic partnership between the United Nations and Nations-AU strategic partnership. The fact that we the African Union to new heights. have not been able to make progress in discussions The timing of this debate could not be more on that issue means that we could not explore the opportune, as discussions are ongoing on a draft full range of possibilities for cooperation between resolution proposed by the African members of the the two organizations on possible responses to the Council on the financing of an African Union (AU) conflict cycle — from prevention and mediation and to peace-support operation, which has been an important peacekeeping and peacebuilding — in line with their issue in the United Nations-African Union partnership. Joint Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace We hope our debate today will build the necessary and Security. Therefore, with the possible adoption of momentum for the adoption of the proposed draft the proposed draft resolution on the financing issue, we resolution, which is vital in helping the partnership hope we will be able to move forward. move from commitments to concrete action. The need to There is a need to continue enhancing strategic ensure the predictability, flexibility and sustainability dialogue, partnerships, a more regular exchange of of financing for AU peace support operations has long views, analyses and information at the working level been recognized, and we believe that it is the perfect to build capacities in relation to preventive diplomacy time for the Council to take decisive step forward. tools. There is also a need to invigorate and engage The AU has demonstrated real commitment to potential and existing capacities and capabilities, sharing the burden by mobilizing resources from particularly through United Nations regional political within the continent. With the revitalization of the AU offices. Furthermore, more needs to be done to ensure Peace Fund, the AU has been able to mobilize around the coherence and integration of their early-warning, $80 million, as stated earlier by the Chairperson of the conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy efforts, AU, with the objective of endowing the Peace Fund inter alia through mediation and the Secretary- with $400 million by the year 2021. That is remarkable General’s good offices as appropriate. progress that needs to be acknowledged and supported In that context, we are encouraged by the progress by the Council. Yesterday we were very pleased to made in terms of closer collaboration, joint field have an opportunity to informally interact with the AU visits by senior officials, more regular exchanges High Representative for the Peace Fund, Mr. Donald of information, deeper consultations, increasingly Kaberuka, who clarified some of the issues with regard coordinated action and greater collaboration between to how the Peace Fund works. the Secretariat and the Commission. We appreciate We also understand that there are questions with the joint briefings of the Special Representatives and regard to the AU’s ability and commitment when it Envoys of the two organizations to the Security Council comes to meeting United Nations standards in terms and the African Union Peace and Security Council. It of accountability and compliance issues. AU peace is vital that the two Councils also take concrete steps support operations are fledgling, and they cannot be in line with the understanding reached at their twelfth expected to be perfect in a short span of time. United annual consultation to consider joint visits to conflict Nations peacekeeping has 70 years of experience and situations in Africa. A discussion on the modalities we are still discussing reforms to make it fit for purpose. should be initiated without delay to facilitate its Nevertheless, the AU has shown clear determination implementation.

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Finally, during the past two years of our membership subregional organizations is therefore essential to of the Council, we have exerted every possible effort to bolster those endeavours. promote enhanced cooperation and partnership between It is also necessary to underscore the responsibility the United Nations and the AU in general, as well as of the international community in general to ensure between the United Nations Security Council and the that this relationship is effective. That would facilitate a AU Peace and Security Council in particular, including common understanding of the root causes of conflicts, in our capacity as Chair of the Ad Hoc Working Group which can be resolved only through multilateralism and on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa. As its mechanisms. It is for that reason that we reiterate we hand over the baton to South Africa next month, the need to deepen the integration of peacebuilding we have every confidence that they will do everything possible — together with Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial and peacekeeping activities, as well as strengthen and Guinea and all other members of the Council — to improve dialogue and mechanisms for cooperation and continue advocating for enhanced partnership between coordination. the United Nations and the African Union, which is With regard to Africa, we believe such objectives essential for the promotion and maintenance of peace can be achieved within the Joint United Nations- and security in Africa. African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership Mr. Llorentty Solíz (Plurinational State of Bolivia) in Peace and Security, through joint strategies linked to (spoke in Spanish): I would like to join others in demobilization, disarmament and reintegration, as well welcoming you and your delegation, Mr. President, and as by prioritizing the leadership and active participation I thank you for convening this very important debate. of women and youth in order to promote the nexus I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, between peace, security and development. Furthermore, Mr. António Guterres; the Chairperson of the African we welcome the signing of the African Union-United Union Commission, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat; and Nations joint framework for the implementation of the the President of the Commission of the Economic African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. That Mr. Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, for their briefings. will promote a systematic and predictable strategic partnership based on the principles of mutual respect Bolivia recognizes the centrality and leadership of and comparative advantages. regional and subregional organizations in addressing the problems and conflicts faced by their respective In terms of cooperation and coordination regions. We acknowledge the fundamental role they mechanisms, a notable example is the deployment play to encourage and strengthen political stability, of joint operations. Such efforts constitute a key economic growth and social and cultural development instrument in the constant search for the consolidation within the framework of respect for the sovereignty, of peace and security, in addition to being a useful tool independence and territorial integrity of all the States in the face of obstacles and threats such as terrorism and that form their respective regions. humanitarian crises. Bolivia supports those initiatives, including the deployment and full operationalization Therefore, the development of synergies between of the Group of Five for the Sahel Joint Force, which, the United Nations and regional and subregional together with the African Union Mission in Somalia and organizations — as well as the promotion of consultations the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in for coordination and cooperation, in accordance with Darfur, are the most fruitful examples of the United Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations — are Nations and the African Union’s commitment to their useful and beneficial, as they can make a substantial partnership. contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security. Similarly, exhaustive analysis We also commend the initiatives spearheaded of, and debate on, conflicts and their unique features by subregional organizations, such as the Economic are indispensable for the effective implementation of Community of West African States, which, within the mediation, prevention and reconciliation efforts for framework of preventive diplomacy, made it possible to the peaceful settlement of disputes, in line with the prevent conflict in the Republic of the Gambia, as well application of the provisions enshrined in Chapters as the processes under way as part of the Nouakchott VI and VIII of the Charter. The role of regional and process. Bolivia once again expresses its full support

22/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 for the regional and subregional architecture for conflict acute lack of funding. Much remains to be done on their resolution in Africa. It is vital that we take on board the long journey towards lasting peace and development. African vision and its recommendations. In the context of those new circumstances, threats and challenges, how are we to further strengthen We also underscore the growing strategic cooperation between the United Nations and regional partnership between the Security Council and the and subregional organizations, within the framework Peace and Security Council of the African Union and of the Charter of the United Nations, for better conflict their commitment to developing a structured and equal prevention and resolution and more effective post- relationship by strengthening their partnership through conflict reconstruction? The answer lies in a range of mutual support and ongoing technical support, both in terms of political issues and peacekeeping operations, imperatives. Please allow me to elaborate. as continues to be demonstrated by the joint visits. That First, we must continue to strengthen multilateralism is why we must continue to seek various modalities of and hold fast to the notions of mutually beneficial assistance and support for African Union peace-support cooperation and common development. The United operations, in accordance with resolution 2320 (2016). Nations is an emblem of multilateralism. Strengthened In that regard, Bolivia supports the requests made by the cooperation between the United Nations and regional African Union for a predictable and flexible budget and and subregional organizations is an important part economic support for peace and security operations. of supporting multilateralism. All parties should To conclude, we underscore the importance for actively encourage regional countries to subscribe to strategic entities and partners to uphold all their the philosophy that cooperation should yield win-win commitments, with a view to continuing to forge ahead results, both bilaterally and multilaterally — that is, one along the path of stabilization, peace, security and party must consider another’s interests when pursuing development, leaving no one behind. one’s own interests and promote common development while seeking one’s own development. They should Mr. Ma Zhaoxu (China) (spoke in Chinese): At the uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, outset, I would like to welcome Your Excellency, the cooperative and sustainable security; encourage all Foreign Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, to this Chamber to efforts to find solutions through dialogue, good offices, preside over this open debate. Our thanks also go to mediation and other peaceful means; and enhance Secretary-General Guterres, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, mutual understanding and trust. Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Mr. Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, President of the Economic Secondly, we must fully leverage the unique Community of West African States Commission, for role of regional and subregional organizations, as their briefings. well as regional countries, in tackling topical issues concerning a given region. Regional and subregional As we look around the world today, we see organizations and regional countries have the benefit complexities that are in a state of flux. We are confronted of more intimate knowledge of the history, culture with a range of challenges that are intertwined, many and realities of their own region. They are uniquely of which have spilled beyond the borders of a given positioned to address regional topical issues, and their country, or for that matter, a given region. Regional role is irreplaceable. The international community countries and the international community must work would be well advised to fully respect the sovereignty, together to address them. In recent years, the United independence and territorial integrity of the countries Nations has steadily strengthened its cooperation concerned and support the role of regional and with regional and subregional organizations, which subregional organizations and regional countries in has significantly contributed to the prevention leading mediation efforts. There is ample proof of the and resolution of conflicts, peacebuilding and the effectiveness of that approach. Just recently, thanks maintenance of regional and global stability. to collaboration among the African Union (AU), the Meanwhile, non-traditional security threats and Intergovernmental Authority on Development and risks, such as terrorism and transnational organized regional countries, the South Sudanese parties signed crime, are on the rise. Some countries and regional and a new revitalized peace agreement and significant subregional organizations are faced with inadequate progress was achieved in the relations of the countries security and governance capabilities, as well as an of the Horn of Africa. That is a case in point.

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Thirdly, we must fully leverage the United Nations peacekeeping contributions to provide Nations advantages to lend more support to regional stable, predictable and sustainable funding for AU and subregional organizations. The United Nations peace operations and supports the adoption of a draft should make better use of the mechanisms, resources resolution by the Council to that end. We are keen and capabilities at its disposal to give regional and for the Council to reach consensus promptly. China subregional organizations more assistance for training, will continue to actively support the United Nations institutional development, logistical support and cooperation with the AU and other regional and funding. Coordination should be strengthened to enable subregional organizations through a combination of complementarity of comparative advantages, while channels, including direct donations and the China- avoiding overlap, and to bring the best out of each United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund. other, rather than inhibit each other. A true synergy will emerge from such an approach. Last but not least, I would like to reiterate that as a staunch and consistent supporter of Recent years have seen remarkable progress in multilateralism. China stands ready to work with the the cooperation between the United Nations, on the rest of the international community to help foster one hand, and the African Union and subregional closer cooperation between the United Nations and organizations in Africa, on the other, which has regional and subregional organizations, with a view to culminated in the successful resolution of issues reinforcing and enhancing the international collective concerning Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Liberia. security mechanism and to maintaining international The peacekeeping mechanisms of the United Nations peace and stability. Together we shall build a community in the African region have played an important and irreplaceable role in some hotspots, including Somalia, of a shared future for humankind by charting the way the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central towards a more secure and better future. African Republic. Mr. Umarov (Kazakhstan): Let me start by In 2017, the United Nations and the African Union welcoming you, Mr. President, in the Chamber and signed the Joint Framework for an Enhanced Partnership commend the Ivorian delegation for holding another in Peace and Security, under which there has been an very active debate on cooperation in the prevention expansion of the areas of cooperation between the two and resolution of conflicts. My delegation expresses organizations as well as improved levels of cooperation. its appreciation to Secretary-General Guterres, That sets an example for cooperation between the United Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Nations and regional and subregional organizations. It Faki Mahamat and the President of the Economic is also the best exercise in implementing the provisions Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations and Commission, Mr. Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, for their harnessing the advantages of regional organizations. substantive statements. China supports the strengthened cooperation The theme of today’s open debate is very timely. between the United Nations and the African Union The Charter of the United Nations states that the and subregional organizations in Africa and has made responsibility for peace and security in the world rests active efforts to that end. During China’s presidency with the United Nations. We observe, unfortunately, of the Council in November, China convened two open that contradictions are increasing day by day, thereby debates — one on strengthening multilateralism (see threatening the stability and security of States and their S/PV.8395) and the other on strengthening peacekeeping people. Unresolved disputes usually become the cause operations in Africa (see S/PV.8407) — to promote of armed conflicts and undermine international peace greater support from the United Nations and the and security. Given that conflicts of whatever nature international community at large for the African Union threaten domestic, regional and global security, the and other regional and subregional organizations. role of States, regional organizations and the United As the second-largest contributor to the United Nations in conflict resolution is essential. As one of Nations peacekeeping budget, I would like to the most representative and authoritative international underscore once again, in no uncertain terms, that organizations in the world, the United Nations has to China unequivocally supports the use of United play a central role in this sphere.

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But we should not be limited to resolution, we to establish a collective security organization in Asia. need to elaborate more on conflict prevention. That CICA could be the foundation for the future organization will require strengthening the United Nations system for security and cooperation in Asia. In cooperation as a whole. Investments in sustaining peace should with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in begin early to avoid conflict and ensure early action Europe (OSCE), such an organization could contribute rather than early warnings. Without that, stability can to the creation of a security zone throughout the be uncertain, fragile and vulnerable to new shocks. Eurasian subcontinent. Regional and subregional We could not agree more with the Secretary-General’s organizations such as OSCE, the Organization of observation that, Islamic Cooperation, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the “Instead of responding to crises, we need to invest Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the far more in prevention. Prevention works, saves Shanghai Cooperation Organization have accumulated lives and is cost-effective.” significant experience in conflict prevention and In that regard, we commend the determined efforts of resolution. Peace, security and development are the Secretary-General to reform the United Nations essential components of conflict prevention. Security and adapt it to the new realities, but the United Nations is complemented by sustainable development, and vice cannot succeed in that endeavour alone. It will require versa. We must therefore increase cooperation and commitments by Member States and strong partnerships coordination between the security and development with regional and subregional organizations. pillars of the United Nations at Headquarters and in the field to achieve effective results on the ground. The prevention of conflict remains a primary responsibility of States. It includes the protection of We are grateful to the Ivorian delegation for inviting civilians and respecting and ensuring the human rights the Chairperson of the AU and President of ECOWAS as of all individuals within their territory. Since gaining briefers today. My delegation is in full agreement with its independence, 27 years ago, Kazakhstan has been both of them that security and development synergy is at the forefront of preventive diplomacy, conflict key to alleviating and resolving conflicts. prevention and confidence-building measures, which It is in that vein that during our presidency, in are the core principles of our foreign policy. This January, the Security Council adopted presidential is not a political declaration, but rather the working statement S/PRST/2018/1, which was submitted by methods of my country. We have a mechanism in Kazakhstan and which, for the first time, highlighted place that demonstrates how we have realized those the importance of conflict prevention and sustaining principles in reality. An outstanding example is the peace in a regional perspective and underscored the initiative of President Nazarbayev to create the United need to utilize measures to rebuild trust and achieve Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for a world free of violent conflicts by the United Nations Central Asia, which has been successfully functioning centenary, in 2045. It includes in particular preventive in the Central Asia region for the past 10 years. The diplomacy tools and the strengthening of strategic United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa cooperation and coordination among the United and the United Nations Office for West Africa and Nations and regional and subregional organizations, an the Sahel — both regional organizations — have been innovative three-pronged strategy. That document also productively operating in Africa on a preventive agenda puts emphasis on sharing best practices and formulating for a number of years, a model that could be replicated forward-looking recommendations and strategies in in conflict areas globally. the light of the increasingly transnational nature of the causes, consequences and contributing factors of Regional organizations are particularly important conflict, including terrorism, armed group activities, actors in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, as indicated in Chapter VIII of the Charter of the organized crime and illicit trafficking in conventional United Nations. Kazakhstan founded the Conference weapons. on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia (CICA) as an intergovernmental forum to promote We therefore need to continue to support the peace, security and stability in Asia. In that context, I peaceful settlement of local disputes through regional would like to recall the recent initiative of my President arrangements, or by regional agencies, and continue

18-41579 25/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 strengthening strategic dialogue, partnerships, a more a positive role played by a regional organization in regular exchange of views, analyses and information conflict prevention. at the working level to build national and regional First, with regard to closer cooperation between the capacities in relation to the preventive diplomacy tools. African Union and the United Nations, the enhanced We should ensure stronger and closer cooperation partnership in the area of peace and security between the by the United Nations with regional and subregional United Nations and the African Union is a prerequisite organizations, because it is regional and subregional for long-term effective solutions to the security organizations that have the knowledge and will to deal challenges in Africa. There is no doubt that, since the with the conflicts in the areas concerned. In that regard, United Nations and the African Union signed the Joint we firmly support the growing United Nations-African Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Union partnership and look forward to enhancing that Security in 2017, tremendous progress has been made relationship in peacekeeping and peacebuilding spheres in that regard. I would like to commend all stakeholders as well. that have been engaging in strengthening the cooperation In conclusion, Kazakhstan believes that a more between the two organizations. A tangible example of holistic approach should be taken to further improve our subregional ownership and responsibility is ECOWAS. action in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. With Its involvement in preventive diplomacy, and in peace that in view, Kazakhstan will continue to promote the and security in general, needs to be highlighted. comprehensive threefold strategy I mentioned earlier, Furthermore, when discussing future arrangements, which includes strengthening the security-development we should approach the challenges in a holistic way. The nexus, a regional approach and coordinated efforts by United Nations agencies and structures. key areas we should be focusing on when drafting the framework for the next phase of the United Nations and Ms. Wronecka (Poland) (spoke in French): We African Union cooperation are, inter alia, compliance, are honoured by your presence among us today, reporting, accountability and sustainability. The Mr. President, and we commend Côte d’Ivoire for roles and responsibilities should be assigned based this initiative. We welcome this important debate on on the complementarities of both organizations in the cooperation between the United Nations and regional peace process. and subregional organizations. Poland believes that continued United Nations (spoke in English) support to the African Union in its efforts to equip I would also like to thank Secretary-General itself with capabilities, tools and the means necessary António Guterres, Chairperson of the African Union for effective action is critical. It is also of the utmost Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat and President importance in enabling both organizations to face new of the Economic Community of West African States threats and address complex sources of instability in (ECOWAS) Commission Jean-Claude Brou for their Africa. We consider regular interaction between this very informative briefings. Council and the African Union Peace and Security The cooperation between the United Nations and Council as an essential instrument in deepening regional and subregional organizations is based on the partnership. complementary advantages. Such cooperation ensures Secondly, with regard to the strategic partnership local ownership and a sense of responsibility. It also between the European Union and African Union, the provides all stakeholders with inclusive participation. framework of that cooperation was defined in the All those elements remain crucial for the success of Joint Africa-European Union Strategy. One of the key efforts aimed at conflict prevention and resolution. areas of the cooperation highlighted in the Strategy Let me focus on three points that Poland finds is European Union support to the African Union in particularly vital in that regard: closer cooperation conflict prevention and political solutions, including between the African Union and the United Nation; through substantial financial support. In that context, the strategic partnership between the European Union by focusing on enhanced performance, the European and African Union; and the Organization for Security Union helps strengthen the efficiency of efforts in and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as an example of cooperation on training and capacity-building.

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Thirdly, the OSCE is an example of a positive organizations bring critical expertise to negotiations, role played by a regional organization in conflict while identifying appropriate options and solutions prevention. We cannot omit the positive role played in and mobilizing resources for response. Many times, particular by its field operations. Such activities prove the only resource required for regional and subregional that conflict prevention is more cost efficient than organizations to play a stronger role is political will and conflict management. It is that guiding principle held an invitation. by the OSCE that put early warning and early action at We have been pleased to see the Organization the forefront of its endeavours by providing dialogue of American States (OAS) engage on Nicaragua and facilitation and helping in mediation processes. Venezuela, particularly the adoption of resolutions at Effective interaction facilitated by the OSCE enables a the OAS condemning human rights violations against reaction at various stages of the crisis cycle and, in that the people of Nicaragua and encouraging that steps sense, remains an effective conflict-prevention tool. We be taken to identify the individuals responsible and see growing space for strengthening OSCE cooperation demand that para-police groups be disbanded. The with the United Nations. It is urgently needed in places OAS established a working group in August, which is such as the conflict-affected parts of Ukraine. Such the beginning, we hope, of a stronger regional effort cooperation should be guided by good practices and to improve the lives of Nicaraguan citizens. We also lessons learned, which both the OSCE and the United welcomed the June OAS resolution condemning the Nations could offer. 20 May sham elections in Venezuela, which proposes In conclusion, let me emphasize the great added concrete actions to press the regime and highlights the value of the cooperation between the United Nations worsening humanitarian crisis. But those steps should and regional organizations. On one hand, it provides be the beginning, not the end, of a stronger regional us with invaluable regional perspective and expertise effort to improve the lives of the citizens of the region. to address regional challenges, and, on the other, it Similarly, the Association of Southeast Asian enables the United Nations to share the best practices Nations (ASEAN) has been engaged on Burma and has and standards in implementing relevant strategies and expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in frameworks. Let me reiterate Poland’s full support for Rakhine state and its support for the full implementation strengthening closer cooperation between the United of the memorandum of understanding signed among Nations and regional organizations. Let me assure the Myanmar, the United Nations Office of the High Council that we stand ready to continue engaging with Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations our partners in regional organizations to work together Development Programme to facilitate the repatriation in the field of conflict prevention and resolution. process of displaced persons from Rakhine state. The Mr. Cohen (United States of America): I thank you, ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Centre is helping Sir, for convening and presiding over today’s important address concerns in Rakhine state. In the past year, debate. I also thank the Secretary-General and our the Centre facilitated the provision of relief items to briefers from the African Union (AU) and the Economic vulnerable Burmese citizens and deployed emergency Community of West African States (ECOWAS). response and assessment team personnel to assist in the work of Burma’s relief and resettlement department. The United States remains committed to working That, again, should be the beginning, not the end, of a with regional organizations to address priority issues of stronger regional effort. peace and security. Regional organizations can also be force multipliers for the United Nations in meeting the In Africa, the United Nations and the African challenges we all face. Nonetheless, the Security Council Union have worked together to improve local security must always retain its autonomous decision-making environments and create space for political processes authority. We should ensure that new opportunities to take shape. There are many other situations where for cooperation address real and critical political, high-level political engagement by subregional groups security, development, human rights and humanitarian has been critical for conflict resolution and prevention challenges. There is much that regional organizations, throughout the African continent. One example in such as the African Union, can do to resolve ongoing particular, as mentioned by a number of other speakers, conflicts and crises, independent of our discussions on was the role ECOWAS played, in partnership with the new initiatives or new financing mechanisms. Regional AU and the United Nations, in resolving the political

18-41579 27/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 crisis in the Gambia in 2017. It mitigated a situation We thank Secretary-General Guterres, African that could have necessitated a larger and much Union Chairperson Faki Mahamat and the President of costlier intervention. When we look at South Sudan, the Commission of the Economic Community of West the continued political impasse in Burundi and the African States, Mr. Brou, for their briefings. volatile political environment ahead of elections in the We align ourselves with the statement to be made Democratic Republic of the Congo, we see situations later by the observer of the European Union. where regional and subregional organizations have long been involved in attempting to advance political Conflict prevention and peacebuilding are at the processes, but where much more work remains to be core of the external action of the European Union, done to reach satisfactory solutions. Again, the main and cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations is a key resources required to contribute to those situations are element for prevention and peacebuilding. In that political will and regional leadership. context, I will highlight three points: first, the need A number of Member States today have addressed to strengthen cooperation; secondly, the need for the draft resolution on the financing of AU peace complementarity; and thirdly, the need to better use the support operations in their remarks. The United Peacebuilding Commission. States regrets that we have so far been unable to reach On my first point, enhanced cooperation of agreement on a consensus text. We continue to believe subregional and regional organizations with the there is room for agreement on language that goes United Nations is crucial to preventing the outbreak well beyond the Council’s two prior resolutions on the of conflicts. An example of this — and my American matter, while respecting important concerns, especially colleague just mentioned it as well — is the cooperation related to financing, Council oversight and Council between the Economic Community of West African primacy for the maintenance of international peace and States, the African Union (AU) and the United Nations, security. Any draft resolution must not rush forward in preventing the outbreak of conflict in the Gambia on the matter of assessed contributions, acknowledge last year, when Italy was in this chair during our two- the AU’s unfinished work to meet the benchmarks year split-term on the Council. the Council previously established, affirm the AU’s Further institutionalizing cooperation will commitment to fund 25 per cent of any peace support strengthen our efforts aimed at prevention. A good operations supported through that framework and example of this is joint risk assessment and joint apply only to future AU-led operations. Ultimately, the analysis. In particular, we would welcome joint risk Security Council must maintain oversight and control assessment for all root causes of conflict, and this of any peace support operation conducted using United especially includes the adverse effects of climate change Nations funds. We urge the penholder to continue to and water stress. Various Security Council mandates, work with us and to show flexibility in finding a way together with conclusions of the AU Peace and Security forward that enjoys unanimous support. Council and of the Council of the European Union (EU), recognize the link between climate change and conflict. In conclusion, the United States welcomes a closer This recognition creates a possibility to work together working relationship between the United Nations and to address climate-related risks. If relevant regional regional and subregional organizations. It also welcomes and international organizations work together better to regional and subregional organizations leading the way assess, analyse and address these kind of security risks, in crisis resolution and conflict prevention. We need we ensure collective thinking for collective action. not wait for the establishment of new mechanisms or for the allocation of new funding for that work to intensify. My second point concerns complementarity. One There is plenty of work to be done right now. of the priorities of the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative, as he mentioned this Mr. Van Oosterom (Netherlands): We express our morning, is partnerships. Through the signing of the sincere thanks to you, Sir, for presiding over today’s Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations important debate. We congratulate Côte d’Ivoire on a Peacekeeping Operations, some 151 Member States so successful presidency thus far, and are honoured by far have committed to enhancing cooperation between your presence. international, regional and subregional organizations.

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Partnerships are essential to really improving and regional organizations with a link to the Security peacekeeping, and there are several examples Council, thereby ensuring that peacebuilding of this. One example is the EU-United Nations is inclusive. Strategic Partnership on Peace Operations and Crisis In conclusion, enhanced cooperation between Management, and the trilateral cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional the AU, the EU and the United Nations in peacekeeping organizations is imperative in all phases of the conflict is another prime example of this cooperation and should cycle. By better working together, we can do what the be further institutionalized. Charter calls upon us to do: “to unite our strength to Joint fact-finding missions should be the rule maintain international peace and security”. rather than the exception. An example of this are those The President (spoke in French): I now give the with the Security Council, the AU Peace and Security floor to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Council and the EU Political and Security Committee of Ireland, whom I thank for her presence in the to countries on the Council’s agenda. Regional and Council today. subregional organizations should enhance partnerships through these joint missions. Ms. Zappone (Ireland): I would like to extend, on behalf of the Irish Government, our deepest sympathies Additionally, let me emphasize the need for to the American people on the loss of their former sustainable funding and streamlined compliance President, George H. W. Bush. Ireland has lost a friend. mechanisms for future AU peace support operations. We feel that the time has come for a draft resolution I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing today’s in this context by the Security Council, which will important debate. Increasingly, it is recognized that strengthen cooperation between the United Nations cooperation between the United Nations and regional and the African Union, and we commend the leadership and subregional organizations is crucial to conflict of Côte d’Ivoire on this point and on peacekeeping resolution and prevention. Regional organizations have more generally. a central interest in promoting peace, given the capacity for conflict to spread across borders. As previous reports of the Secretary-General have rightly observed, regional interests and the I am conscious, Mr. President, that you are from a proximity of neighbours sometimes complicate region of Africa that has witnessed some of the most conflict prevention and efforts aimed at resolving successful cooperation between the United Nations conflicts. Cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. Your own country, Sir, and regional and subregional organization should emerged from conflict after receiving vital support therefore be determined by comparative advantage, from the Economic Community of West African States complementarity and organizations’ willingness to act. (ECOWAS) and the United Nations. Indeed, as President Ouattara said in this Chamber yesterday, the Security That brings me to my third point — the important Council passed over 50 unprecedented and courageous role of the Peacebuilding Commission. In the Secretary- resolutions on Côte d’Ivoire, helping your country to General’s prevention and sustaining peace agendas, overcome and resolve conflict (see S/PV.8413). peacebuilding is increasingly important, and the Peacebuilding Commission has to play a central role. Ireland shares your strong support for The Peacebuilding Commission is a hinge between multilateralism, Sir, and your President’s assessment the United Nations, host Governments and affected that peace and stability in one country are largely dependent on the stability of the region. More recently, countries. It is also a hinge between the United Nations, mediation by ECOWAS in the post-election crisis in the regional organizations, subregional organizations and Gambia is a further example of the success that can be civil society. In building sustainable peace, the role of achieved when regional efforts are provided with wider the Peacebuilding Commission is essential and should international support. be enhanced. The Commission should ensure that experiences on the ground are shared here in New York On the island of Ireland, our own locally led peace both with the United Nations system and with other process has benefited hugely from the sustained, countries. Especially in transitional situations, the generous and sensitive support of the European Union Peacebuilding Commission can provide subregional (EU) — the regional organization of which Ireland is

18-41579 29/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 a member. Indeed, our simple membership in the EU ensure that Irish peacekeepers operate to the highest played a key role in putting us on the road to ending standards in accordance with international humanitarian violent conflict. and human rights law. Ireland’s commitment to the highest possible standards has also led to a whole-of- Ireland wishes to acknowledge the recent successes government approach to the implementation of the of regional actors in conflict prevention and resolution, United Nations voluntary compact on the elimination such as the African Union’s recent advances in of sexual exploitation and abuse. We must ensure that developing continental early-warning systems, the we continue to eradicate such behaviour from every Panel of the Wise, Special Envoys, and ad hoc mediation part of our system. panels. These steps all make a tangible and incremental difference to conflict resolution and peacebuilding. In conclusion, Ireland believes that the most effective pathway to sustainable peace is by We believe that regional analysis, cooperation and supporting inclusive, locally led and nationally owned shared outcomes can facilitate more effective responses peacebuilding initiatives. As we seek membership of to conflict and to building peaceful societies. With the Security Council for the term from 2021 to 2022, this in mind, Ireland has facilitated two workshops we will continue to prioritize support for the increased bringing together gender advisers from the AU, participation of women and young people in all the EU, NATO, the Organization for Security and mediation and peacebuilding activities. We also seek to Cooperation in Europe, the United Nations Department work with local partners to support interventions that of Peacekeeping Operations, and UN Women, to will bring about sustainable peace. enhance practical implementation of women and peace and security agenda priorities. We all know that if The President (spoke in French): I wish to remind women are included in peace processes, the agreements all speakers to limit their statements to no more than they reach are more durable. Ireland’s support for the four minutes in order to enable the Council to carry women and peace and security agenda is wide-ranging, out its work expeditiously. Delegations with lengthy including support for the work of the AU Special Envoy statements are kindly requested to circulate the texts on Women, Peace and Security and the Women’s Peace in writing and to deliver a condensed version when and Humanitarian Fund. speaking in the Chamber. On peacekeeping, Ireland is aware of the importance I now give the floor to the representative of Rwanda. of ensuring that our efforts respond to the needs of the Mrs. Rugwabiza (Rwanda) (spoke in French): situation, that resources match mandates, and that they I would like to thank the Chairperson of the African are reinforced by political will and political support. Union Commission, the Secretary-General and Irrespective of the environment, how we approach, the President of the Commission of the Economic design and decide on a peacekeeping mission has to be Community of West African States for their briefings. cognizant of local needs. (spoke in English) Secretary-General Guterres’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative and its accompanying I once again congratulate Côte d’Ivoire on its Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations presidency of the Security Council for this month, and Peacekeeping Operations provide us with the concrete I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing today’s open steps that we need to take. The effectiveness of our debate, which is of the utmost importance not only to peacekeeping operations depends not just on their Member States but also to the Security Council. design but on the conduct of those whom we charge to At the outset, I would like to say that my delegation implement them. There is a responsibility on Member aligns itself with the statement delivered by the States to ensure that the capabilities and capacities Chairperson of the African Union Commission, which that will aid the delivery of effective peacekeeping fully represents the views of African Member States on are provided. the topic that we are debating today. I am honoured to Ireland is playing its part when it comes to effective make this statement at a time when the African Union is peacekeeping. We have put at the disposal of United making remarkable progress in the effort to strengthen Nations partners a range of courses that will respond to its cooperation with the United Nations. I believe that a number of the training needs identified. We will also this debate comes at the right time, as the African

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Union seeks the Security Council’s endorsement of a Rwanda believes that, while African Union member predictable cost-sharing framework for the funding of States are primarily responsible for financing the Peace peace-support operations led by Africa and authorized Fund, that does not preclude the role of partnership in by the Council. supporting peace and security activities of the African Union. Strengthening cooperation with partners such On a number of occasions in this Chamber, as the United Nations in the context of Chapter VIII members of the Security Council and Member States of the Charter of the United Nations remains highly have called for effective United Nations cooperation relevant and imperative. This comes at a time when the with regional bodies, particularly the African Union. current international peace and security architecture We may recall that in November 2016 the Council is under extreme pressure given the complexity of held a debate on modalities of stronger cooperation on the peace and security challenges that the world peace and security between the United Nations and the is facing today. Building an effective partnership African Union (see S/PV.7816). The Security Council between the two organizations is therefore strategic for welcomed the efforts of the regional organization to collective security. establish a predictable cost-sharing structure for the funding of peace-support operations authorized by the My country appeals for an enhanced form of Council and led by Africa. My remarks focus on the partnership, which must be based on the respective progress made by Africa with a view to strengthening authorities, competencies and capacities of the its capabilities to streamline its partnership with the two organizations. That partnership must observe United Nations in the areas of conflict prevention, the principles of burden-sharing, consultative mediation, conflict resolution and sustaining peace in a decision-making processes, comparative advantage and division of labour, as well as mutual accountability. predictable and sustainable manner. The continent is not seeking handouts or charity Building on previous arrangements, the but a partnership of collective responsibility in Chairperson of the African Union and the Secretary- addressing conflicts on the continent. I believe that General further demonstrated strong commitment the co-financing of African Union-led peace-support towards strengthening the strategic partnership operations authorized by the Security Council on between the two organizations. That was reinforced a case-by-case basis is an opportunity for us all to by the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework enhance our partnership in the spirit of the United for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, Nations-African Union partnership framework, based which was signed in New York on 19 April 2017 and on the principles of mutual respect, shared values and has been mentioned by many speakers. Accordingly, let comparative advantage. me take this opportunity to commend the work done by the United Nations Secretariat and the African Union In that respect, the African Union has called on the Commission to follow up on the relevant provisions of African members of the Security Council to propose resolution 2320 (2016), particularly the consultative and to champion a draft resolution on financing African process undertaken between March and April 2017. Union-led peace-support operations that are authorized I am delighted to note that the consultative process by the Council. That is in the spirit of building on what was conducted in a true spirit of partnership and has been achieved through resolutions 2320 (2016) and cooperation. I look forward to the realization of deeper 2378 (2017). cooperation between the African Union and the United The draft resolution proposed by the African Nations on more substantive matters of mutual interest. members of the Security Council has embedded within Last month, the African Union relaunched its Peace it important elements that are of mutual concern, such Fund. The Fund entails three core aims: first, mediation as accountability, compliance of policies related to and preventive diplomacy activities; secondly, capacity- human rights and cases of sexual exploitation, conduct, building; and thirdly, peace-support operations. The discipline and coordination. Fund will certainly allow the African Union to meet Africa is ready to play its part. Indeed, it is already its commitment to finance 25 per cent of its budget doing so in many ways. Apart from the significant for peace operations, while also enabling it to finance reforms and Peace Fund governance arrangements mediation and preventive diplomacy activities. in place, the continent currently hosts the largest

18-41579 31/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 number of United Nations peacekeeping operations, A 2018 report published by the United Nations and the majority of peacekeeping personnel are from Development Programme emphasized that, after a long Africa. With more sustained and predictable financing period of calm, violent conflicts are now on the rise, for African Union-led peace-support operations, we with real risks of spreading beyond national borders. can significantly improve our capacity to prevent, For example, of the 47 conflicts recorded in 2016, 18 respond to and manage crisis situations in a timely and have become international in nature. Those conflicts efficient manner. lead to major population movements, and at the same time asymmetrical threats such as terrorist attacks The crux is that there is clearly agreement on have become frequent. Therefore, the involvement of the urgency of improving the international peace all actors is necessary — Member States, regional and and security architecture to address today’s security subregional organizations and the United Nations — in challenges and to reach a consensus solution to order to find together, in the spirit of Chapter VIII of predictable and sustainable financing for African the Charter of the United Nations, the most appropriate Union-led peace-support operations authorized by the responses to political and security challenges. Security Council. I believe that the problem lies in our The responsibility for ensuring peace, security different understanding of the sense of urgency and of and sustainable socioeconomic development lies first the best way to exercise our collective responsibility and foremost with States — through sound political to prevent and respond to conflicts. Rwanda believes governance, transparent democratic rules and respect that a well-funded and predictable African Peace and for human rights. Indeed, most conflicts have their Security Architecture is not only an African priority; roots in poverty, exclusion, social inequalities, poor it is our collective priority for the promotion and governance, human rights violations, monopolization maintenance of peace and security. of political power, and impunity — in summary, inappropriate management and sharing of power and The President (spoke in French): I now give the resources. Hence it is clear the role that must fall to floor to the representative of Senegal. leaders to take the necessary measures to ensure Mr. Niang (Senegal) (spoke in French): I shall inclusion and social cohesion. read out am abridged version of my statement. The full As Secretary-General António Guterres mentioned version will be distributed afterward. this morning, no country, particularly in Africa, can I would like to express Senegal’s support to the address the many challenges and threats to stability African members of the Security Council in trying alone — terrorism, violent extremism, maritime piracy to find solutions for the predictable funding of the and so on. Consequently, partnerships are essential for African Union-led operations authorized through the pooling efforts and means of action in crisis prevention Council’s contributions. and resolution, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. In that respect, it would be wise, as a matter of priority, to focus I would also like to take this opportunity to on prevention in order to minimize the possible costs, congratulate Côte d’Ivoire on the topics chosen for which are often more expensive than those associated today and yesterday (see S/PV.8413), which are of great with conflict resolution and reconstruction. That gives importance for the continent and the world. We also full meaning to the statement of the Secretary-General highly appreciate the efforts made by the African Union that prevention is not just a priority, it is the priority. and the Economic Community of West African States With regard to cooperation between the United (ECOWAS) in trying to find solutions to conflicts. This Nations and the Africa, it is important, as recalled by is a crucial issue insofar as, when a State is threatened Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, to contribute to in its foundations by the imminent outbreak of conflict, the implementation of the African Union’s initiative of or is already in the grip of conflict, only assistance Silencing the Guns by 2020, its Agenda 2063 and 2030 from other States and regional and international Agenda for Sustainable Development. The relationship organizations can prove to be life-saving. Moreover, with the United Nations, which has a unique experience the upsurge in conflicts in recent years makes it even in this area, should also work to strengthen African more imperative to reflect on the contribution of those capacities in early warning and response with a more entities to conflict resolution and prevention. dynamic role for the African Union’s Peace and

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Security Council, the Continental Early Warning In conclusion, the success of our efforts requires System and the Panel of the Wise, which will make a renewed joint commitment to multilateralism as prevention the cornerstone of the African Peace and an essential mechanism for preserving international Security Architecture. peace and security and promoting economic and social progress. In keeping with the guidelines and principles Along the same lines, we welcome the key role played of its foreign policy, Senegal reaffirms its constant by subregional organizations. For example, ECOWAS commitment to work for international peace and is one of the subregional structures most proactive in security, particularly in Africa. prevention and conflict resolution, having adopted various strategic instruments that have equipped it with The President (spoke in French): I now give the effective early-warning mechanisms that authorize the floor to the representative of Japan. taking of life-saving preventive action. Recent history Mr. Bessho (Japan): I thank you, Mr. President, gives us successful examples, whether in the Gambia, for convening this important open debate. I would also where the African Union, the United Nations and like to thank the Secretary-General, the Chairperson ECOWAS worked in close collaboration to defuse a of the African Union Commission, and the President of potentially dangerous crisis in the region, or elsewhere the Commission of the Economic Community of West where other subregional organizations have acted in African States for their insightful briefings. The global other countries. security landscape has changed significantly since the My delegation welcomes the relevance of the end of the Cold War. Terrorism, transnational organized Secretary-General’s reform, in particular with regard crime, natural disasters, public health emergencies and to the peace and security pillar, including peacekeeping cybercrime demonstrate how threats to international operations. We think that the Action for Peacekeeping security have become highly complex. To tackle today’s initiative and its Declaration of Shared Commitments challenges, multi-layered cooperation has become ever should lead to a revitalization of efforts aimed at more indispensable. inclusiveness and mission performance by prioritizing Twenty-five years ago, the difficulties that Africa conflict-prevention mechanisms through mediation faced in the new international political climate were and giving priority to early warning at the international profound. Japan saw that Africa wanted to change and regional levels. In launching that initiative, the its own narrative and we wished to be a part of that Secretary-General called on Member States to work endeavour. By looking at how Southeast Asian resolutely to make those operations more effective countries have grown steadily with the Association of and efficient in the service of international peace Southeast Asian Nations, we recognized the value of and security by basing them on a well-articulated regional and sub-regional organizations. We wanted political strategy with targeted, clear, realistic and to work together with multilateral partners with achievable mandates. expertise and relevant knowledge of local dynamics to Whether in subregional or regional contexts, Senegal join together to promote Africa’s peace, stability and will continue its work in concert with other actors, such development in an open and inclusive process. That is as the United Nations, the African Union and ECOWAS, how the Tokyo International Conference on African which have demonstrated their effectiveness, so as to Development began in 1993, trusting in the power of make prevention and mediation priorities in ensuring multi-layered cooperation with States, regional and lasting peace, particularly in Africa. As part of that subregional organizations, and the United Nations. The preventive approach, which requires in-depth reflection seventh such conference will be held in Yokohama in August 2019. for a better understanding of crises in Africa, President Sall has also invested his efforts in establishing the As we approach the end of 2018, both the United Dakar International Forum, which was recently held in Nations and the AU have made progress in their Senegal. My country stands ready to share its unique institutional reform. We especially commend the AU experience in peacekeeping, including through South- for its efforts to revitalize the AU Peace Fund in recent South and triangular cooperation, and in particular by years. In 1993, Salim Ahmed Salim, Secretary-General way of its dedicated training centre, established along of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), said on the lines of United Nations standards. the occasion of the OAU’s thirtieth anniversary, “Africa

18-41579 33/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 must cultivate the virtues of self-reliance, for there is no History reminds us, day after day, that the solidity alternative”. Japan respects that spirit of ownership. It of the global institutions that ensure the effective is no coincidence that the AU Peace Fund and the Tokyo maintenance of international peace and security International Conference on Africa’s Development emanates from the commitment of all States to were born in the same year — 1993. multilateralism. Colombia has always placed its trust in the search for diplomatic and peaceful multilateral As means of both conflict resolution and conflict solutions. That constant is reflected in our foreign prevention, the United Nations peacekeeping policy, which led to our becoming a founding member operations and the AU peace-support operations are of the United Nations and of the Organization of complementary in responding to today’s evolving American States (OAS). peace and security challenges. With that perspective in mind, Japan is encouraged that the Security Council It is undeniable that the characteristics and is considering practical steps to establish a mechanism dynamics of the threats to international peace and through which AU-led peace-support operations could security that we face today have changed. Currently, be partly financed through United Nations assessed most conflicts are of a domestic nature and require contributions, as stated in resolution 2378 (2017). States to respond to attacks on democratic structures In order to maximize the effect of that mechanism, and principles, and they often trigger various kinds Japan believes the Council’s discussions should seek of humanitarian crises. That all has repercussions on operational improvements and accountability for entire regions, extending beyond the country affected, both the United Nations peacekeeping operations and and requiring various forms of global cooperation. the AU peace-support operations, including through Reality has shown us without a doubt that such threats streamlining their mandates so as to allow each to focus cannot be addressed unilaterally — whether they on the tasks that it is best equipped to perform. Given involve mass migration resulting from the breakdown the increased responsibilities and heightened security of the democratic system, the shortage of medicines or threats that many missions face, it is in our best interest food in the community of the affected country; or the to ensure that peace operations are optimized for challenges of facing effectively, and from a perspective operational efficiency. of shared responsibility, phenomena such as the global problem of illicit drugs and transnational crimes, which Of course, the best and most efficient way to know no borders or profit from weakened borders; or resolve conflicts is to prevent conflicts, and Japan when the institutional order of a country breaks down, hopes to see conflict prevention become paramount in which leads to disregard for constitutional and legal the work of the United Nations, as well as in the work of principles to the detriment of the population and the regional and subregional organizations. In that respect, commission of clear and serious violations of the human subregional organizations — in particular the Economic rights that are recognized by international instruments. Community of West African States — have proven to be highly effective at prevention. By utilizing the The conclusion is clear. It is essential to strengthen capacities that various organizations bring to the table, the multilateral system and to implement all established we can maximize the effectiveness of our endeavours or defined mechanisms so that multilateralism can in both peace operations and development. fulfil the purposes of its existence. In that sense, in our region the Organization of American States has legal, The President (spoke in French): I now give the significant tools for building consensus and defining floor to the representative of Colombia. strategies that provide access to States and in-depth Mr. Fernández de Soto Valderrama (Colombia) knowledge of the specific conditions of situations on the ground, making that regional organization a decisive (spoke in Spanish): I would like to congratulate Côte interlocutor in the success of the objectives proposed by d’Ivoire on assuming the presidency of the Security the United Nations to prevent the escalation of conflicts Council. I would also like to highlight the importance and restore democratic order. of the holding of this open debate for my country and region. We welcome all efforts aimed at improving Regional and subregional organizations, owing to communication between the United Nations and their proximity, knowledge and shared historical and regional and subregional organizations, as posited by cultural links, are called on to play a more relevant the Security Council in resolution 1631 (2005). role in prevention and peacebuilding activities, some

34/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 of which we have witnessed in initiatives such as and the African Union (AU), based on mutual respect, the OAS Electoral Observation Mission in Haiti or shared values and comparative advantages. We welcome our regional body’s Electoral Observation Mission, the progress achieved under the leadership of Secretary- among others. In that context, the African Union is General Guterres and Mr. Faki Mahamat, Chairperson another tangible example. On many occasions, as has of the African Union Commission, since the signing of been pointed out here, the African Union, thanks to the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework for its geographical proximity and direct knowledge, has Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security in April responded in times of crisis and has carried out actions 2017, and we encourage the strengthening of relations that have subsequently garnered consensus within between the two organizations. At the same time, we the international community. The added value of the welcome the strengthening of the African Peace and involvement of regional organizations in the prevention Security Architecture. and resolution of conflicts should not be seen as a substitute for national ownership, which is a sine qua We also welcome the progress made with regard to non requirement for the achievement of positive and the implementation of the African Union Peace Fund. effective results in such situations. We believe that it is important to stress that the Fund must finance mediation and preventive diplomacy I would like to conclude by referring to the remarks activities in addition to peace operations. The of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, made continent is currently experiencing historic changes. in the context of the seventy-third anniversary of the Reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea and the United Nations and in the presence of the country team mediation efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on in Colombia, which with 23 agencies and programmes Development (IGAD), which led to the Comprehensive is one of the Organization’s largest in the world. On Peace Agreement in the Sudan and South Sudan, that occasion Foreign Minister Trujillo Garcia stated attest to the possibility of finding African solutions to that Colombia has a multilateralist Government. African problems, while, at the same time, pursuing the Colombia has been a friend of multilateralism, and objectives of the Silencing the Guns by 2020 initiative. it will continue to strengthen multilateralism. We understand multilateralism to be the natural space Italy continues to advocate for the use of United within which to share concerns in order to develop Nations assessed contributions to finance African common solutions — even more so in today’s world peace operations, provided that they meet the highest where global problems require global solutions. The standards in the areas of troop quality, training, United Nations can count on Colombia. equipment, financial transparency, respect for human rights and discipline. It is also necessary to The President (spoke in French): I now give the develop a reference framework concerning respect floor to the representative of Italy. for international humanitarian law and human rights. Mrs. Zappia (Italy) (spoke in French): At the outset, In that context, let me to broach the issue of Africa’s allow me to congratulate the Ivorian presidency of the representation within United Nations bodies. Africa’s Security Council for having convened this meeting. I underrepresentation in the Security Council must be should also like to thank the Secretary-General, the redressed. As a member of the Uniting for Consensus Chairperson of the African Union Commission and group, Italy hopes to strengthen cooperation with the Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African countries by addressing the important issue African States (ECOWAS) for the compelling briefings of the reform of the Security Council with the aim of that we have heard. making it more democratic, representative, transparent and accountable. The United Nations and the European Italy aligns itself with the statement to be delivered Union (EU) have a long history of cooperation in the by the observer of the European Union. areas of conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Italy Italy believes that an effective and efficient peace fully supports the strengthening of that strategic architecture must be based on partnerships between relationship, while valuing the complementarity of the the United Nations and regional and subregional work of those two organizations. Similarly, triangular organizations, as set out in Chapter VIII of the Charter United Nations-EU-AU cooperation, which has already of the United Nations. First and foremost, that means shown itself to be extremely effective on the ground, further strengthening ties between the United Nations must be further developed.

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The partnership with the United Nations came dimension of conflicts. In that regard, I reiterate up for discussion during our chairmanship of the Italy’s full support for the Secretary-General’s reform Organization for Security and Cooperation in and the implementation of his Agenda for Peace in a Europe (OSCE) this year. In keeping with the motto coherent and global vision with a holistic approach of our presidency — “dialogue, ownership and encompassing the peace and security, human rights and responsibility” — we have promoted initiatives aimed development pillars. at strengthening the synergy and complementarity The President (spoke in French): I now give the of the United Nations and the OSCE’s work and at floor to the representative of Pakistan. encouraging dialogue and the regular exchange of information between the two organizations, while, Mr. Munir (Pakistan): Let me also begin by at the same time, contributing to the financing of its thanking you, Sir, for convening this important open Liaison Office with the United Nations in Vienna. We debate. We also thank the Secretary-General, the have focused on priority sectors for the international Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the community, while considering the connections President of Commission of the Economic Community linking the Eurasian and Euro-Mediterranean security of West African States for their insightful briefings. dimensions. In that regard, I will mention only Ukraine In 1945, as the world emerged from the most and the central role played by the OSCE in every destructive war in human history, it became apparent aspect related to the solution of that crisis. The OSCE that, if succeeding generations were indeed to be saved Ministerial Council, which is meeting in Milan today, from the scourge of war, the impulse of warmongering provides us with the opportunity to take stock of and had to be subdued by the ideal of peacemaking. It is identify the next steps to be taken. The United Nations therefore no coincidence that the Charter of the United is playing an active role in that process with a view to Nations places such a high premium on the pursuit of strengthening cooperation. friendly relations among States, based on the principles In the same spirit, as Chairman of the Central of sovereign equality, non-interference and the peaceful European Initiative for 2019, Italy will make the settlement of disputes. development of synergies with the United Nations one The repository of measures outlined in Chapter VI its mandate’s objectives. It is also important to recall of the Charter provides a framework of action to place long-term cooperation between the United Nations and the pacific settlement of disputes at the centre of the the Council of Europe. There is clear complementarity global peace and security architecture. Chapter VIII linking the values and goals of the two organizations, then expands on that by synergizing the efforts of the in particular the fight for democracy, the rule of law, United Nations and regional organizations. The reasons the promotion and the protection of human rights, and for that are obvious: more often than not, countries of basic freedoms. a particular region are better equipped to understand At the subregional level, we believe that it is crucial the challenges faced by that region and respond to to deepen cooperation between the United Nations them. The existing cooperation between the United and other bodies that can complement the work of Nations and the African Union (AU) serves as a point continental organizations, based on the principle of of inflection. We welcome the joint declaration on subsidiarity. In Africa, for example, the United Nations partnership between the United Nations and the African could benefit from the prominence and effectiveness Union today, which is being signed as we speak. of organizations such as ECOWAS and IGAD. In that The active engagement of the international regard, I would like to mention the case of the Gambia, community and the consent of the host Government where the Security Council, working in cooperation are essential throughout the peace continuum — from with ECOWAS, enabled the Gambian crisis to end in a containing conflict to building peaceful, sustainable peaceful transition of power in 2017. At that time, Italy and inclusive societies. What better celebration of that was a non-permanent member of the Council during its is there than the success of Côte d’Ivoire transforming split-term with the Netherlands. itself into a peaceful, vibrant and thriving State. In conclusion, let me point out that effective Pakistan takes pride in contributing to that endeavour cooperation between the United Nations and regional through its peacekeepers serving with professionalism, bodies must increasingly focus on the prevention commitment and dedication in the United Nations

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Operation in Côte d’Ivoire. We also pay tribute to the Mr. Moncada (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela) 12 Pakistani peacekeepers who laid down their lives for (spoke in Spanish): The Bolivarian Republic of that cause. Venezuela is honoured to deliver this statement on behalf of the 120 States members of the Movement of As theatres of conflict through the world increase Non-Aligned Countries. in complexity, peacekeeping remains the best tool at the disposal of the United Nations and a testament to its The Non-Aligned Movement wishes to reiterate its effectiveness. The success of peacekeeping is due to the full commitment to promoting the peaceful settlement fact that, with national ownership, it creates space in of disputes, in line with the provisions of Article 2 conflict zones for locally generated political solutions. and Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations, Let me make six specific points in that regard. as well as relevant United Nations resolutions and international law, based on the conviction that those First, we support the provision of predictable, principles serve to strengthen international peace and sustainable and flexible funding for AU-led peace security, thereby contributing to our collective efforts operations, as agreed in the Declaration of Shared to save future generations from the scourge of war and Commitments under the Action for Peacekeeping armed conflicts. initiative, especially those authorized by the Security Council itself. We emphasize that the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security Secondly, sequenced, prioritized and adequately lies with the United Nations and that agreements resourced Security Council mandates are a prerequisite reached with regional and subregional organizations for success. should be pursued under the provisions of Chapter Thirdly, the Secretariat needs to play its part by VIII of the United Nations Charter. Those agreements highlighting the resource gaps, which the Security must not in any way serve as a substitute for the Council must then resolve. role of this Organization nor should they bypass the full application of the guiding principles of United Fourthly, in the crafting of mandates, the safety and Nations peacekeeping operations. At the same time, we security of peacekeepers should be kept in mind. Troop- underscore that the implementation of all tasks entrusted contributing countries can provide valuable input, as to peacekeeping operations under the auspices of the they have experience in mandate implementation in the United Nations should be supported by a comprehensive field. peace process and the provision of adequate resources Fifthly, with regard to the performance of and should be based on national ownership, the support peacekeepers, reviews must take a holistic view, of the international community, and the consent and starting with mandate formulation, transparency in acceptance of all of the parties concerned. force generation and the integration of the various The role of regional and subregional organizations components of the mission, and not analyse performance has become increasingly more important, and they merely using the unifocal lens of the contributions on should receive support from the United Nations, the part of troop- and police-contributing countries. bearing in mind that those organizations tend to have Lastly, we believe that any reform should steer a better understanding of the realities, dynamics and clear of changing the nature of peacekeeping or diluting background of the conflicts in their respective regions. its basic principles. We must not fudge the distinction That means that they have a comparative advantage to between peacekeeping and peace enforcement. That both tackle and prevent conflicts, as well as to support would run the risk of causing the United Nations political processes aimed at achieving the peaceful to become a party to the conflict and permanently settlement of disputes. On many occasions, such as in damaging not only multilateralism, but also the very the case of the African Union, regional organizations basis on which the success of peacekeeping is built, also have a well-established road map for the region namely, neutrality and impartiality. and enjoy respected political authority. The President (spoke in French): I now give the The countries of the Non-Aligned Movement floor to the representative of the Bolivarian Republic therefore wish to highlight the role of regional and of Venezuela. subregional agreements or bodies — including those

18-41579 37/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 to which Non-Aligned Movement countries and The President (spoke in French): I now give the developing countries are a party — in the promotion floor to the representative of the Republic of Guatemala. of international peace and security, as well as in the Mr. Castañeda Solares (Guatemala) (spoke in economic and social development of their peoples, Spanish): Guatemala is grateful to you, Mr. President, through cooperation among countries in their and the delegation of Côte d’Ivoire for having convened respective regions. this debate and for having prepared the concept note We underscore the need for the Peacebuilding (S/2018/1064). We extend our gratitude to the Secretary- Commission to establish coordination among regional General, Mr. António Guterres, for his briefing and to and subregional organizations, with a view to ensuring the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Côte that regional efforts receive the necessary attention and d’Ivoire, Mr. Marcel Amon-Tanoh, for his statement. support. We also express the need to develop integrated The topic that we have gathered here today to peacebuilding strategies with programmes that are able discuss is of particular importance, given that regional to adapt to the needs of the host countries in order to and subregional organizations have assumed a more ensure national ownership. significant role in conflict prevention, in addressing the root causes of conflicts and, in many cases, in providing Speaking now in our national capacity, Venezuela their good offices for the prevention and resolution of rejects the manipulation pursued by certain regional disputes. That approach is in line with Chapter VIII of organizations, such as the Organization of American the Charter of the United Nations. States, in contrast to our relations with the African Union. The United States of America — the most The role of regional organizations is widely powerful Power in the hemisphere — is in clear recognized as key to the establishment of partnerships violation of all of the norms of international law and the with global institutions. Regional and subregional organizations have evolved considerably since the foundational Charter of the Organization of American end of the Cold War. Despite their variability in size, States itself, by insulting, coercing and punishing membership structure and strategic objectives, many the States members of that Organization in order to of those organizations have experienced an expansion subject them to United States economic and political of their mandates, legal frameworks and organizational interests and designs. The United States has a political capacities to address a wide range of political, security doctrine — the Monroe Doctrine — that still today, and human rights issues. 200 years after its inception, openly considers the entire American region as part of its own backyard and The growing importance of regional and subregional states that the United States has the right to act as the organizations in the prevention of conflicts reflects overriding police authority in the region. the need for more complex and multidimensional cooperation, which, despite varying circumstances, The Charter of the Organization of American has always proven to be useful and complementary. States and the Charter of the United Nations are being That is the case in the relationship between the deliberately violated in that States are being threatened Security Council and the African Union regarding the with the imposition of unilateral and illegal coercive adoption of mandates for peacekeeping operations, measures, if they do not comply with the aggressive which are based on the principle that Governments and campaign of the United States of America. We have now national authorities have the primary responsibility reached the point whereby the Secretary-General of the for determining, bolstering and steering the priorities, Organization of American States has made a public strategies and activities aimed at sustaining peace. call for war and military intervention, endangering the The need for regional and subregional organizations peace of the region, while benefiting from the protection is clear. Some 33 regional economic organizations and support of the United States Government. In that have been founded since 1989, and 29 regional regard, we reject the United States’ manipulation of intergovernmental organizations have established that regional organization in order to advance its own agendas related to peace and security. The international imperial interests, promote its warmongering policy community has developed various tools and has learned and attempt to undermine the peace and security of lessons on preventing the outbreak, escalation and Latin America and the Caribbean. re-emergence of conflicts.

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In the particular case of my delegation, conduct similar meetings to strengthen cooperation and we commend the significant role played by the coherence between subregional organizations and the Organization of American States (OAS) as a forum United Nations. enabling the implementation of conflict prevention and There is long-standing cooperation between the resolution through the strengthening of representative United Nations and SADC on electoral partnership democracy across the inter-American system, which initiatives. In April, the Organization and SADC is based on the Inter-American Democratic Charter successfully held a joint Building Resources in and is an instrument that seeks to strengthen and Democracy, Governance and Elections regional preserve democratic institutions. We also recognize training workshop on gender and elections. The the work of the Inter-American Defense Board, which workshop aimed to provide electoral stakeholders with provides the OAS and its member States with technical, an opportunity to explore the role of women in electoral advisory and educational consultation on issues related and political processes in the SADC region and to to military and defence matters in the hemisphere, in address ways of enhancing women’s participation in order to contribute to compliance with the Charter of those processes. SADC is engaged in the electoral the Organization of American States. process in Madagascar and is looking forward to a To conclude, it is my delegation’s view that the peaceful outcome to the country’s elections, which are cooperation of the United Nations with regional on course for 19 December. We also look forward to the and subregional organizations is fundamental to holding of additional workshops and other important peacekeeping and peacebuilding, given that those discussions within our region, in the interest of peace organizations complement the work of the Security and security. Council and help it to comply with its primary SADC plays an important role in maintaining responsibility for maintaining international peace peace and security in the region. In Lesotho, the and security. SADC Preventive Mission has generated a stable and The President (spoke in French): I now give the secure environment that now paves the way for the floor to the representative of the Republic of Namibia. implementation of constitutional and institutional reforms, as recommended by SADC. Crucial elections Mr. Gertze (Namibia): I congratulate you, will be held in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Mr. President, on Côte d’Ivoire’s assumption of the in less than two-weeks’ time. Those elections will presidency of the Security Council for the month of mark an important step for the country, the region December and express my gratitude to you for the and the continent. The contribution of the Democratic convening of this debate on the important topic of the Republic of the Congo to the region is important for role of States, regional organizations and the United the region’s social and economic development. Both Nations in conflict prevention and resolution. I would the African Union and SADC are actively cooperating also like to thank the Secretary-General, the President and monitoring to ensure the successful holding of of the Commission of the Economic Community of peaceful elections. West African States (ECOWAS) and the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU) for their The open debate held last month in the Chamber insightful briefings. on strengthening peacekeeping operations in Africa (see S/PV.8407)highlighted the increased cooperation My delegation aligns itself with the statement between the United Nations and the AU in the context of delivered by the Permanent Representative of Venezuela peacekeeping operations. Many delegations, including on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. Namibia, singled out the Joint United Nations-African Namibia is currently the Chair of the Southern Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership African Development Community (SADC). Within the in Peace and Security, signed in April 2017. The United Nations framework, we are working towards Framework provides guidance for deepening peace and holding subregional dialogues and briefings with United security cooperation between the two organizations at Nations agencies, which will allow for greater learning all levels. Numerous Security Council resolutions have opportunities for the countries of the region, as well also underscored the important United Nations-AU as frank and open dialogue and greater cooperation. partnership in the context of peacekeeping cooperation. We encourage other subregional organizations to Delegations also mentioned the successful partnership

18-41579 39/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 between the organizations with regard to the African Ms. Mudallali (Lebanon): Allow me to begin by Union Military Observer Mission in Somalia and the congratulating the Permanent Mission of Côte d’Ivoire African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in for assuming the presidency of the Security Council for Darfur. Your country, Mr. President, also serves as the month of December and for holding this important an excellent example of successful cooperation and debate. I would also like to thank President Ouattara for working relationship among the United Nations, the his inspiring speech yesterday (see S/PV.8413), as well AU and ECOWAS, as demonstrated by the successful as Secretary-General Guterres and the Chairperson ending of the peacekeeping United Nations Operation of the African Union Commission, Mr. Moussa Faki in Côte d’Ivoire in June 2017. Mahamat, for their insightful remarks. African-led peace support operations authorized Our world today continues to face unprecedented by the Security Council are an essential and vital serious challenges to peace and security. Those include component in ensuring peace and security on the persistent traditional challenges, such as internal crises, African continent. Given Africa’s decision, taken at wars and regional tensions. We are also seeing the the highest level, to bear financial responsibility for emergence of new threats — terrorist acts, cybersecurity 25 per cent of its peace activities, which further attests threats and the adverse impact of climate change, to to its unflinching commitment to securing peace in name a few. The United Nations must now, more than the continent, and the fact that more than half of the ever, confront security crises of an overwhelming top 20 countries contributing troops to United Nations magnitude — both in number and scope. That gloomy peacekeeping operations are African, Namibia fully reality amplifies the importance of collective action for supports the call by the AU and the African members conflict resolution. It also highlights the need for long- of the Security Council for those operations to have term prevention as a paramount tool for peacebuilding access to United Nations-assessed contributions, on a and sustaining peace. case-by-case basis. That would ensure sustainable and predictable financing for those operations, which is The Secretary-General has put prevention at the critical for their success. heart of his vision for the reform of the United Nations peace and security architecture. He has also attached the In the annual open debate on women and peace and highest priority to forging robust partnerships among security held recently (see S/PV.8382), we recognized all relevant stakeholders in addressing threats to peace that progress had been made in the implementation of and security. That includes strengthening cooperation resolution 1325 (2000) since its adoption 18 years ago. among States, the United Nations and regional and However, Member States underscored that much still subregional groupings. remained to be done. Women need to play a greater role in peacekeeping operations — in mediation and President Ouattara said yesterday that Côte d’Ivoire negotiations and in the post-conflict and peacebuilding should be a source of inspiration for other post-conflict phases. Namibia is playing its part. This past month, reconstruction. That is true. Lebanon too can serve as a we achieved the target set by the Department of source of inspiration for post-conflict rebirth. Lebanon Peacekeeping Operations of 15 per cent of women is a concrete example of how multi-levelled cooperation participating in peacekeeping missions. In January, can play a decisive role in conflict resolution, post- 15 police officers, including three women, will be conflict economic reconstruction and peacebuilding. deployed to the African Union-United Nations Hybrid After a devastating 15 years of civil war, which started Operation in Darfur. in 1975, Lebanon witnessed a full-fledged Israeli invasion and a subsequent Israeli occupation of an Arab Furthermore, in the lead-up to the twentieth capital and a large area of our territory. Thanks to the anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), Arab world and the international community, Lebanon Namibia will host the third capital-level Focal Point was able to stand again on its feet. The international Network Meeting in Windhoek from 10 to 11 April next community worked feverishly to restore peace in year — the first of its kind on the continent. All Member Lebanon and to bring an end to the occupation. The States and civil society are invited to participate. United Nations played a central role in those efforts. The President (spoke in French): I now give the Various Security Council resolutions, particularly floor to the representative of Lebanon. resolution 425 (1978), were critical.

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However, regional initiatives were equally The Rome II, CEDRE, and Brussels Conferences important. The League of Arab States kept the of 2018 are the latest demonstrations of the generous situation in Lebanon under its close attention, initiating international and regional commitment to the stability political talks, dispatching envoys and, at one point, and welfare of my country. They are also good examples even deploying joint forces to stabilize the conflict. of how post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding efforts The adoption of the Taif Accords, in 1989, brought in one country can be a long-term investment in peace our devastating civil war to an end. The Accords and security regionally and internationally. While were the culmination of a national political process international organizations are guardians of the pillars facilitated by a regional initiative and supported by the of international law, it is regional and subregional United Nations and the international community. The organizations that provide a contextual angle, enabling Lebanese people will remain immensely grateful to the a clearer and closer understanding of and responsiveness host, Saudi Arabia, for its efforts, and to the enabling to local and regional security issues. It is evident that umbrella of the League of Arab States for achieving the complementarity of both international and regional peace. Lebanon has enjoyed two decades of internal structures is something we should build on in our peace thanks to that collective Arab effort. That is the collective goal towards achieving global peace and best example of how regional cooperation and solidarity security. As Secretary-General Guterres said yesterday, can bring about peace. a holistic approach to peace is the right way to achieve However, and as the Chairperson of the African long-term peace and security. Union Commission said yesterday in the Chamber (see The President (spoke in French): I now give the S/PV.8413), silencing the guns is only the first step. floor to the representative of Portugal. The real work of making peace starts afterwards. An enormous amount of work needs to be done after the Mr. Vaultier Mathias (Portugal) (spoke in French): end of civil turmoil to preserve peace, achieve national First of all, let me congratulate you, Mr. President, on reconciliation, rebuild the country and society and convening this open debate. solidify the foundations of a revitalized democracy. Portugal fully aligns itself with the statement Such ongoing collaborative efforts on the national, to be delivered by the observer of the European regional and international levels also supported Union and would like to make some comments in its Lebanon’s efforts towards post-conflict recovery. national capacity. Once again, Arab assistance and international support provided an indispensable boost for my country with Conflict prevention, which is a founding principle regard to its post-war reconstruction and institutional of the United Nations and is enshrined in Article 1 of and economic revival. We could not have done it alone. the Charter of the United Nations, is something that my country highly values when it comes to promoting Leadership is also just as important, if not more sustainable peace. We support the United Nations important, to achieving that end. Late Prime Minister system reform process launched by the Secretary- Rafiq Hariri led an enormous reconstruction effort General, and in particular the emphasis it places on that revived the country and its economy. We are still conflict prevention, the primacy of policy and the use enjoying the fruits of that effort. of diplomacy as the preferred means towards achieving The United Nations remains a major contributor sustainable peace. The implementation of those to peace and security in Lebanon today. Thanks to reforms as of 1 January 2019 will constitute a new step its peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Interim in reaffirming our collective commitment to the central Force in Lebanon, the situation in southern Lebanon role of the United Nations in conflict prevention. Those remains generally calm, contributing positively to three components of reform address the importance of the overall stability in the country and beyond. The increased cooperation between the United Nations and Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for regional organizations based on a broad and integrated Lebanon and various United Nations agencies continue partnership towards peace support. We must expand on to support the Lebanese Government’s tireless work the dual concept of peacekeeping and peace enforcement towards sustaining peace and economic well-being in to include early warning, mediation, coordination, the face of colossal challenges, especially the burdens political messages and strategic communication in that arise from the Syrian refugee situation. order to prevent the outbreak and escalation of conflict.

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With regard to cooperation among the United Nations, where Portugal currently has its largest contingent, States and regional and subregional organizations in of roughly 160 soldiers, is a concrete example of conflict prevention, management and resolution, we the increased effectiveness being sought out for the advocate for a comprehensive approach and, at the Council’s mandates. same time, close cooperation with local, regional and In conclusion, and with regard to the performance international partners so as to strengthen regional of peace operations, it is clearly essential to ensure and local ownership. We see regional organizations that human rights and humanitarian law are respected. as first responders in international crises that use Nonetheless, we believe that it is also necessary to their resources and mobilize good offices to reduce promote a greater gender balance in the military, police tensions and sometimes even address the deep roots of and civilian components of peacekeeping operations, conflict, of which include severe underdevelopment. As not only with a view to more accurate representation such, we support the strengthening of the cooperation but also with the aim of improving the capacity of between the United Nations and the African Union in missions by involving all segments of the population. the context of peacekeeping operations. In that regard, In that context, it is also increasingly important to we also support complementary action by the European integrate into our collective action the contributions of Union, including through trilateral cooperation and young people in conflict prevention and resolution. regional strategies. The President (spoke in French): I now give the Since the Mediation Support Unit was established in floor to the representative of Argentina. 2006 within the Department of Political Affairs, several other organizations, such as the European Union, the Mr. González Serafini (Argentina) (spoke in African Union (AU), the Organization for Security Spanish): First of all, I would like to thank the Republic and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Organization of Côte d’Ivoire for convening this debate and welcome of American States and the Organization of Islamic the presence this morning of Mr. Marcel Amon-Tanoh, Cooperation, have launched similar initiatives, thereby Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Côte demonstrating the multifaceted cooperation between d’Ivoire. We also thank the Secretary-General, the the United Nations and regional organizations and Chairperson of the African Union Commission and strengthening the leadership role of the United Nations the President of the Commission of the Economic in that area. The action undertaken by the Group of Community of West African States for their briefings. Friends of Mediation within the United Nations, the EU, Argentina reaffirms its firm commitment and the African Union and the OSCE is another example. It support for the system for maintaining international also bears mentioning that regional organizations are peace and security within the framework of the United useful platforms for dialogue and cooperation towards Nations, based on the purposes and principles of the promotion of global governance. For its part, the the Charter of the United Nations and international Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries brings law, which includes international humanitarian law together very diverse countries from four different and international human rights law. We believe continents. They share two things in common: language that the United Nations is the only international and common values. That is the strength of the organization of which the primary responsibility is Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries — as an the maintenance of international peace and security integral intermediary, it provides added value within through a number of tools that must come together to the context of wider international cooperation. form a comprehensive strategy that includes conflict In order to better reform the mandates of the prevention, conflict resolution through peaceful means, Security Council, particularly those in the most peacekeeping and building sustainable peace. Such a vulnerable environments, it is increasingly essential to strategy should incorporate a sustainable development consider a new operations framework for situations that and human rights perspective and address the root demand significant mobility and rapid responses, in causes of conflict. Prevention efforts, the promotion particular with regard to assisting unprotected civilians of sustainable development, the protection of human and deterring possible attacks. The rapid reaction force rights, the promotion of the rule of law, access to within the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated justice and accountability, peacekeeping operations, Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, special political missions, peacebuilding efforts and

42/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 other initiatives of the Organization constitute political can play. The United Nations Stabilization Mission tools that must be shaped and implemented as part in Haiti and the United Nations Mission for Justice of a comprehensive and multidimensional strategy in Support in Haiti, as well as the United Nations Mission support of viable political processes and the peaceful in Colombia and the United Nations Verification settlement of disputes. Mission in Colombia, are examples of how the strategic partnership between the United Nations and regional That is why we are convinced of the value of organizations — such as the OAS, the Community regional and subregional organizations in maintaining of Latin American and Caribbean States and other international peace and security, while acknowledging specialized regional agencies — and the United Nations the primary responsibility of the Security Council and system can generate invaluable comparative advantages the United Nations in that regard, as well as in terms in efforts to achieve sustainable peace. That is achieved of building and consolidating sustainable peace. The through processes of prevention, peacebuilding and development of multilateralism and cooperation among peacekeeping, the peaceful settlement of disputes, States at the regional level and regional and subregional reconciliation, transitional justice, the promotion of structures and United Nations agencies have proven the rule of law and the strengthening of institutions, to be highly effective in the prevention and peaceful the promotion and protection of human rights and resolution of conflicts through the promotion of political sustainable development. dialogue and mediation. In addition to these, greater in-depth knowledge of the specific characteristics and The President (spoke in French): I now give the unique features of each incidence of conflict or dispute floor to the representative of Liechtenstein. has also helped generate a greater sense of ownership Mr. Sparber (Liechtenstein): Liechtenstein is within each peace process. grateful for this open debate and appreciates the presence Such cooperation must be consolidated through the of the Secretary- General among the briefers for today’s Security Council, in line with the provisions of Chapter discussion, which underlines the importance of the role VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. In that regard, regional organizations can play in the maintenance the Council should focus its efforts in a coordinated of peace and security. It also serves as a reminder manner and in cooperation with other United Nations that effective conflict prevention and resolution can organs and regional and subregional organizations, substantially benefit from the mechanisms enshrined as well as with other entities focused on conflict in Chapters VI and VIII of the Charter of the United prevention, sustainable development, human rights and Nations. A recommitment to those tools and their better rule of law. The effectiveness of both the role played by operationalization is therefore in the interests of us all. the Secretary-General through his good offices and his In our region — Europe — the Organization for Special Envoys and Representatives, as well as that of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has played United Nations regional offices, to promote processes an invaluable role to ensure stability. It is therefore of political dialogue for the resolution of conflicts has with great concern that we have been witnessing the also been demonstrated. constant violation of its fundamental principles. Through the Declaration of Shared Commitments After the Second World War, which originated in issued within the framework of the Secretary-General’s Europe, our region has undergone successful political Action for Peacekeeping initiative, sponsoring States and economic integration. The European Union (EU) reaffirm the primacy of politics in the resolution of in particular has been an important element of stability conflicts. We also committed ourselves to strengthening and an actor for peace to the benefit of all European regional and subregional arrangements through partners, including those that are not EU members, such international cooperation and support measures with as ourselves. Unfortunately, since the 1990s, we have the aim of improving the strategic partnership between also witnessed a proliferation of conflicts, and today those organizations and the United Nations in the areas we face growing tensions and an overall deterioration of capacity-building and financing. of the security situation in Europe. Finally, in context of my region — the Americas — I With the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces must to highlight the role that the Organization of American Treaty, Europe risks losing a vital element of its States (OAS) and other subregional organizations security architecture. Liechtenstein supports the

18-41579 43/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 painstaking efforts in the framework of the OSCE Liechtenstein is a long-standing supporter of the to resolve European conflicts, including those in right to self-determination as a means of preventing and around Ukraine and in Georgia, as well as the and resolving internal conflicts when applied in Transnistrian and the Nagorno Karabakh conflicts. Its conformity with international law, including the important work continues to take place, while we seem principle of territorial integrity. Many of today’s to continue drifting further away from a consensus on intra-State conflicts are rooted in a community’s desire the fundamental principles of our common European for a greater measure of self-governance and resistance security. That is both a reflection of the practical value to their claim by the State. States should be encouraged of the OSCE and an urgent task for Europe to underpin to engage peacefully with communities with a view to the OSCE’s work with a renewed consensus on a set finding an appropriate measure of self-governance in of strong and values-based principles on security and order to prevent and mitigate conflict. We will continue cooperation, as reflected in the Helsinki Final Act our work in partnership with others to develop tools and and the Charter of the United Nations. Liechtenstein strategies for mediators to identify and properly address is strongly convinced that the OSCE continues to have intra-State conflicts that are driven by grievances an important role to play as a platform for dialogue in related to self-governance. We look forward to sharing that regard. the results of this work with all interested delegations. The recent dangerous increase of tensions in the The President (spoke in French): I now give the Azov Sea and the Kerch Strait is of high concern to floor to the representative of South Africa. us. It has once again demonstrated that the conflict Mr. Molefe (South Africa): I would like to in and around Ukraine is driven by continued serious congratulate you, Mr. President, and the delegation violations of international law. Against the backdrop of Côte d’Ivoire for assuming the presidency of the of increasing militarization in the area, Liechtenstein Security Council and thank you for organizing this joins the calls for the utmost restraint and an immediate debate on cooperation between the United Nations and de-escalation, as well as a return to a rules-based regional and subregional organizations and the role of order in accordance with applicable international States, regional arrangements and the United Nations law. Liechtenstein reiterates its full support for the in the prevention of conflicts. independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, Allow me to start with a quote from former including Crimea. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali from An Agenda for Peace, his report to the General Assembly on The concept note for this meeting (see S/2018/1064, preventive diplomacy, peacemaking and peacekeeping, annex) rightfully points to the fact that many published on 17 June 1992. With regard to a new era of contemporary conflicts are internal crises, which are opportunity for regional arrangements, he stated that perpetuated or repeated in the absence of political processes to end them. That is the new reality of “regional action as a matter of decentralization, conflict that the United Nations needs to fully embrace delegation and cooperation with United Nations if it is to play its role as the primary guardian of efforts could not only lighten the burden of the international peace and security, with the help of Council but also contribute to a deeper sense of regional organizations. In addressing such crises, it participation, consensus and democratization in appears that we often fall short of penetrating their root international affairs.” (S/24111, para. 64). causes. Upgrading our toolbox in dealing with internal South Africa has always prioritized an enhanced crises to strengthen the ability of the United Nations strategic partnership between the United Nations and to prevent conflict is a key aspect of the prevention regional and subregional organizations in conflict agenda outlined by the Secretary-General, which we prevention and resolution. In its previous terms on fully support. As a member of the Group of Friends on the Security Council, South Africa championed Mediation, Liechtenstein also welcomes the Secretary- the landmark decision on strengthening strategic General’s commitment to inclusive mediation and to cooperation between the Security Council and the increasing the capacity of the United Nations in terms African Union Peace and Security Council in resolution of prevention and early action. 2033 (2012), adopted during South Africa’s presidency

44/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 of the Council and building on the South African- form the platform for renewed cooperation between the sponsored resolution 1809 (2008). two organizations. Since then, South Africa has been consistent in However, we believe that more work needs to be done its efforts to deepen cooperation between the African to facilitate joint visits, as well as regular consultations Union (AU) and the United Nations. Those resolutions between the AU Peace and Security Council and the and the subsequent efforts to draw on the comparative United Nations Security Council, to guarantee greater advantages of regional organizations in the context coherence and convergence of strategic direction. That of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations will also enhance the conflict-prevention and early build on the principle of subsidiarity, which allows the warning systems of the two organizations. It is also Security Council to be more effective and efficient critical to enhance cooperation between the AU post- in the pursuit of its central mandate. Therefore, as conflict reconstruction and development mechanisms an incoming non-permanent member of the Security and the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission Council, South Africa will continue to work together (PBC). South Africa believes that there is a need for with the three non-permanent Security Council a strong focus and strengthened support for the PBC, members from Africa and other Council members to which can no longer be seen as an afterthought, strengthen that cooperation. but should take centre stage, with a more proactive approach of the Security Council on conflict prevention Furthermore, South Africa firmly supports the and resolution. Secretary-General’s call for a surge in diplomacy and conflict prevention, which gains much from greater Cooperation between the United Nations and the cooperation with regional organizations. South African Union is an excellent example of the potential Africa’s own commitment to mediation and conflict of cooperation with regional organizations. Over the prevention is well known, and we have responded, in years, African Union member States have demonstrated that regard, to assist in resolving conflicts in countries their willingness and intent to lead the way in preventing such as Burundi, the Sudan, South Sudan, Lesotho, and resolving conflicts on the African continent. Those Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of the Congo efforts should be enhanced in order to maximize the by employing a wide variety of diplomatic tools to help gains that have been made so far. stabilize the situation in those countries. Those have The AU has undertaken peace operations in Somalia included mediation, good offices, troop deployment and Darfur, and has been first respondent in cases such and direct technical and financial assistance. as Mali and the Central African Republic, risking much However, due to the lack of support for and focus on and often paying the ultimate price in terms of the lives peacebuilding, as well as the lack of sustained attention of African troops. However, the continent continues to on post-conflict economies, we often see those efforts face the challenge of a lack of predictable funding for undone by the continuation of instability and conflict. its peace operations. While Africans risk their lives in That shows a failure to consolidate peace gains and an efforts to take responsibility for peace and security on inability to learn from past inaction. It also highlights the continent, which is a large part of the mandate of the importance of addressing conflict in the broader the Security Council, Africa is not being afforded the sense by dealing with the root causes of instability, based sustained, predictable and flexible funding for African on the understanding that peace, stability, development Union-led peace operations. and human rights are interdependent. South Africa Therefore, while we welcome resolutions 1809 believes that regional organizations are best placed to (2008), 2320 (2016) and 2378 (2017), which allude to implement actions that prevent instability and conflict. the need of addressing that lack of financial support, For that reason, South Africa welcomes the positive we call for unanimous Council support for the draft developments in the signing of two agreements — the resolution, presented by the African members on the Joint Framework for the Implementation of Agenda 2063 Council, that seeks to address the issue of financing and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and for AU-led peace operations. Africa has demonstrated the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework for its political will and committed human resources an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security — which and lives to silencing the guns on the continent, but

18-41579 45/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 needs assistance to enhance some of its capacities and escalating into all-out confrontation. Singapore capabilities in order to adequately respond to conflicts. also believes that regional security and stability are best served by a robust, open and inclusive security With the African Standby Force having been architecture that encourages all relevant parties to declared fully operational, the AU has demonstrated have a voice at the table and engage constructively in that it is capable and ready to address its own security dialogue with one another. challenges within the continent. The AU Commission in 2016 also developed a five-year work plan for the As a founding member of the Association of Southeast period 2016-2020 for the African Standby Force, and Asian Nations (ASEAN), which was established 51 thus far command-post training and exercises to boost years ago, Singapore has seen the strides that ASEAN the military, police and civilian components of the has taken over the decades in its contributions to peace African Standby Force have been carried out. and stability in the region. ASEAN was formed at a time of great geopolitical instability. South-East Asia It is also vital that the Council realize the importance was divided and conflicts were rife. The fact that the of the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and the founding members of ASEAN — Indonesia, Malaysia, agenda of enhancing the role of women in peace and the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand — could get security, not only as peacekeepers but as mediators in together to establish ASEAN, despite their fundamental conflict. South Africa believes that the involvement of differences, was a major achievement. Since then, the women in the peaceful resolution of conflict and the ASEAN family has grown to 10 members. There has protection of women and children as vulnerable groups been no outright conflict or war between ASEAN will prove crucial in achieving sustainable peace member States. There are and will be disagreements, and development. but what is important is that each ASEAN member Allow me to conclude by recalling the political State remains committed to consensus and resolving declaration adopted at the Nelson Mandela Peace differences through words rather than weapons. In this Summit, which was adopted during the high-level week day and age, that is an achievement worth celebrating in September, in which world leaders acknowledged and must also be preserved at all costs. “the incontrovertible truth that conflict is in all ways ASEAN also recognizes that an effective regional more costly than preventive diplomacy” (resolution security framework for peace and stability has to be 73/1, para. 14) and expressed their full support for based on strong support for a rules-based multilateral the work of the United Nations. They also agreed to system and international law. We also need to have “strive to support peace processes, conflict prevention greater communication, mutual trust and confidence and resolution efforts, peacebuilding and post-conflict among all relevant stakeholders in the region so that reconstruction and development” (ibid.). We trust that miscalculations and mishaps are minimized. The today’s debate will work towards achieving those goals ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM- through enhanced cooperation between the United Plus), which involves eight of ASEAN’s dialogue Nations and the AU. partners — namely, Australia, China, India, Japan, The President (spoke in French): I now give the New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United floor to the representative of Singapore. States — aims to achieve that at the highest level among the respective Defence Ministers. The ASEAN Regional Mr. Chua (Singapore): I thank you, Mr. President, Forum (ARF) comprises 27 members, including the for convening this open debate on the very important European Union, and seeks to do the same. Both the topic of the role of States, regional arrangements and ADMM-Plus and the ARF are ASEAN-led mechanisms the United Nations in the prevention and resolution that provide avenues for greater interaction and of conflicts. dialogue among countries. They play an important role in conflict prevention and in the development of a more As a small country, Singapore’s security and robust, rules-based regional security order. prosperity are highly dependent on a stable regional and international order. We therefore firmly believe in The United Nations cannot prevent conflict or deal conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy. Timely with these transboundary and contemporary threats political action must be taken to prevent disputes alone. States and regional organizations must be that could threaten regional peace and stability from meaningfully engaged to complement the work of the

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United Nations in addressing these issues. The Plan of First, Germany strongly supports cooperation Action (2016-2020) to Implement the Joint Declaration between the United Nations and regional and on Comprehensive Partnership between ASEAN subregional organizations on prevention, conflict and the United Nations is an example. It outlines the resolution and peacebuilding. Such cooperation, if strategic priorities that will be undertaken by both sides complementary and coordinated, enables more effective to further enhance political, security, economic and implementation of mandates and thus better results on sociocultural cooperation. Of note, it promotes closer the ground. The United Nations-European Union Action cooperation for sustaining peace, preventive diplomacy Plan for Crisis Management and Peace Operations, the and confidence-building measures though capacity- United Nations-European Union Steering Committee building activities. The importance of enhancing on Crisis Management and the Joint United Nations- cooperation in preventive diplomacy and conflict African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership prevention was further emphasized in the recent in Peace and Security are excellent examples of meeting between ASEAN members and the United successful cooperation. The international community Nations Secretary-General in September. should invest more in such cooperation by building The recognition of the contributions of regional capacities and networks to sustain peace. Let me give a organizations to peace and security is not new, and few examples. has been outlined in Security Council resolution For instance, Germany co-hosted a conference 1631 (2005) and General Assembly resolution 69/277, on the Lake Chad region in September with Nigeria, entitled “Political declaration on strengthening Norway and the United Nations. The event focused on cooperation between the United Nations and regional the humanitarian-development-peace-nexus and the and subregional organizations”. Just last week, the implementation of resolution 2349 (2017). The Lake General Assembly adopted seven resolutions that Chad Basin Governors’ Forum is another successful highlighted the further collaboration and deepening example of cross-border regional cooperation called for engagement between regional organizations and the under resolution 2349 (2017). Germany welcomes the United Nations. Given their specialized knowledge, fact that the Lake Chad countries have demonstrated functional expertise and holistic understanding of ownership by adopting a stabilization strategy regional contexts, such organizations can contribute to developed by the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the enhancing the work of the United Nations in a manner African Union. that takes into account the specific circumstances and needs of each Member State. This is an important Germany provides assistance to African partners element in gaining the trust and confidence of the for early warning, prevention and mediation activities. parties involved. Trust and confidence are integral to We are an active partner in mediation efforts conducted any dialogue and negotiation process. under the umbrella of the African Union, for example in the Sudan and South Sudan. We are proud to support The President (spoke in French): I now give the the African Union Mediation Support Unit, which will floor to the representative of Germany. increase the efficiency of African-led mediation efforts. Mr. Licharz (Germany) (spoke in French): I The European Union and the African Union have would like to begin by congratulating Côte d’Ivoire on also shown great leadership in putting the women and assuming the presidency of the Security Council this peace and security agenda into action. Germany is month and by thanking you for having convened this proud to support these efforts, especially the African debate on a subject of vital importance. Women Leaders Network. We are convinced that (spoke in English) women’s access to political leadership, in particular their participation in peace processes, leads to a more To begin, Germany would like to commend Côte sustainable peace. d’Ivoire. As recently as last year, it was still the host country of a United Nations peacekeeping mission. Secondly, we need to strive for international and Today, it is a member of the Security Council. We regional responses that are context specific, sequenced can learn a great deal from this success story, and we and well-coordinated. In that regard, the Security appreciate the lessons Côte d’Ivoire has shared with us. Council must take a more comprehensive approach Let me make two brief points. to crisis management in order to prevent relapse into

18-41579 47/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 conflict. Too often, we have seen conflicts re-escalate Let me finish by saying that Germany aligns itself following the conclusion of peacekeeping missions. with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union When devising its strategy for a specific conflict, the Security Council must develop realistic, politically The President (spoke in French): I now give the sound and sufficiently financed mandates, as well floor to the representative of Norway. as transition strategies that include prevention, Mr. Hattrem (Norway): I am delivering this stabilization and peacebuilding measures for all phases statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, of the conflict. Regional organizations and troop- Sweden and my own country, Norway. contributing countries can offer their expertise to help develop such mandates and ensure a coordinated The United Nations ability to create effective international response from the start. That will also partnerships with regional and subregional enable smooth transitions. organizations is important for the prevention of and Regional and subregional organizations have unique effective response to violent conflicts. The ongoing skill sets and play a paramount role in implementing reforms in the United Nations and the African Union Security Council mandates. However, any contribution (AU) can further improve our ability to address the should be subject to clear performance standards and present challenges to international peace and security. adhere to human rights and humanitarian law. The Regional actors are often the first to experience early Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights warning signs of conflict and can play a key role in should play a significant role in developing a human prevention. They can also be essential partners to the rights framework for all peace operations. United Nations in ensuring the implementation of peace agreements, countering terrorism, preventing violent Germany is committed to working with all Council extremism and addressing migration issues. members and the broader United Nations community to make transitions from peacekeeping to peacebuilding Partnerships with regional organizations are, quite work. This also reflects the strong shared commitment rightly, given priority in the Secretary-General’s Action to the Action for Peacekeeping initiative. for Peacekeeping initiative. Mandates for United Nations peace operations must be tailor-made to conditions on On the issue of peacebuilding, it is important to the ground, taking into account the importance of such make better use of the Peacebuilding Commission partnerships. The ever-stronger partnership between (PBC). Germany is currently Vice-Chair of the the United Nations and the African Union, including PBC and one of the largest contributors to conflict subregional organizations, is very positive. prevention and peacebuilding within the United Nations system. We should encourage States that are The Nordic countries welcome and support the seeking assistance with peacebuilding efforts to come efforts of the United Nations and the AU to strengthen to the Peacebuilding Commission. We should also cooperation and coordination in the area of peace encourage others to contribute to the quantum leap in and security and the implementation of Agenda 2063 the Peacebuilding Fund and jointly make better use of and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. the PBC’s convening and advisory role. African leadership and ownership are essential, as are partnerships. By joining forces, the AU and the In conclusion, cooperation between the United United Nations can provide more efficient and coherent Nations and regional and subregional organizations support to member countries’ efforts to sustain peace enables the sharing of responsibilities based on the and build resilient and prosperous nations. comparative strengths of each one. This leads to complementarity and avoids competition. Germany It is encouraging to see how relations between the remains committed to supporting regional and United Nations and the African Union are maturing and subregional organizations, and their cooperation with growing stronger. In less than two years, the institutions the United Nations. We will continue to promote a have signed and embarked upon the implementation of holistic and coordinated approach to sustaining peace. two important framework agreements. We will actively We, as Member States, cannot afford to waste scarce support the establishment of an open-ended group resources or lack coherence. We should be seeking of friends of the United Nations-AU partnership in synergies and working closely together to sustain peace. Addis Ababa. The purpose is to provide the support

48/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 and backing of member States for further joint United the resolution of which required the crucial support Nations-AU efforts for sustainable development, of ECOWAS, the African Union and, notably, the conflict prevention, preventive diplomacy and United Nations. mediation, including enhanced cooperation between I am aware that each crisis situation is unique, but I the AU Peace and Security Council and the United remain convinced that Côte d’Ivoire’s model — I should Nations Security Council. The Nordic countries remain say the country’s success story, to use the expression committed to continuing our substantial support to AU- President Ouattara used yesterday (see S/PV.8413) — is United Nations cooperation. certainly a great source of inspiration for many countries The cooperation between the United Nations and seeking to emerge from crisis and instability. That is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) the essence of the regular high-level contact between remains essential to maintaining peace and security, as Mali and Côte d’Ivoire. well as preventing conflicts and achieving sustainable development in that region. It is inspiring to see how For its part, Mali is resolutely committed to members of the United Nations family and ASEAN resolving the crisis that has affected it since 2012. To that are working closely together in implementing the 2030 end, under the authority of President Ibrahim Boubacar Agenda for Sustainable Development and the ASEAN Keita, the Government is working to strengthen State Community Vision 2025. institutions and enhance the legitimacy of the State in the eyes of the population. We are also working to bring The Nordic countries are consistent partners in the State closer to its citizens by improving governance the efforts of the United Nations to further deepen in all areas, at both the national and local levels, in existing arrangements with regional and subregional order to better address the concerns of our population, organizations and seek new opportunities for our including with the provision of basic social services. common future. In order to realize the full potential Moreover, we have always fostered inclusive dialogue of the AU-United Nations partnership, additional and regular consultation as a means of settling national financial and political support is needed. We therefore problems, with a sustained focus on economic and welcome the ongoing work to enable access to assessed social recovery, which includes creating employment United Nations contributions. opportunities, particularly for young people, and The President (spoke in French): I now give the income-generating activities for the population, placing floor to the representative of Mali. women and children at the heart of those policies. Mr. Konfourou (Mali) (spoke in French): The For that reason, and to achieve a lasting resolution delegation of Mali welcomes the convening of this open to the multidimensional crisis afflicting our country, debate by the presidency of Côte d’Ivoire on the role the Government and other signatories are resolutely of States, regional agreements and the United Nations working towards the prompt implementation of the in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. I hardly Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali need to point out the relevance and acutely topical emanating from the Algiers process. It must be recalled nature of this matter, especially for African countries, that the Agreement contains relevant provisions for the including Mali. political and institutional realms, those of defence and security, as well as for the economy and the areas of I thank the Secretary-General, the Chairperson social development and national reconciliation. I remain of the African Union Commission and the President convinced that the agreement, if fully implemented, of the Economic Community of West African States will guarantee sustainable stability in Mali and beyond. (ECOWAS) Commission for their very informative briefings this morning. As part of the implementation of the agreement, Mali welcomes the active solidarity of several friendly No country better encapsulates the relevance of countries and subregional and regional organizations, this topic than Côte d’Ivoire. Indeed, we deeply admire including the African Union, ECOWAS, the Group of the continued leadership, vision and appropriate Five for the Sahel and the United Nations. measures undertaken by President Alassane Ouattara to bring lasting stability and genuine reconciliation I will conclude by saying that Mali fully supports to our neighbour Côte d’Ivoire after years of crisis, the work undertaken by the three African members of

18-41579 49/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 the Security Council on a draft resolution for financing country, where the key commitment of the international peacekeeping operations in Africa. community in support of its crisis recovery is embodied in the group of five international partners in Bissau, The President (spoke in French): I now give the which brings together the United Nations, the African floor to the representative of Belgium. Union, the European Union, the Community of Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): Portuguese-speaking Countries and ECOWAS. At the outset, I welcome and thank Côte d’Ivoire for The success of an electoral poll sometimes makes its initiative to convene a debate on a subject that is so it possible to prevent or resolve a conflict. Electoral crucial to the work of the Security Council in exercising processes are another example of complementarity. its responsibilities. Although the United Nations is sometimes involved in For Belgium, the importance of regional and the preparations for and the holding of a ballot, electoral subregional organizations in conflict prevention is monitoring is regularly undertaken by the African irrefutable, particularly in Africa, where African Union, the Southern African Development Community ownership of the continent’s security challenges or ECOWAS. Operational commitment, such as the has led to undeniable progress over the past decade. Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Our observation and creed are simple and shared by Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, helps to reduce many — when a crisis looms on the horizon, or when tension by implementing independent observation a crisis breaks out, neighbouring States, the subregion capacity, thereby complementing the political process. and continent are often better placed than the United Finally, with respect to mediation, regional Nations to act quickly and efficiently. organizations can bring their local knowledge and As a matter of principle, Belgium supports regional expertise to the field, while the United Nations offers integration as the best way to resolve cross-border neutrality, as well as universal authority and norms. issues consensually, unite regions and create solidarity. Beyond those principles, we must also recognize I remain convinced that the European experience that each situation is different and ever-changing. is a success story. Indeed, the European Union has Pre-establishing strict rules is not effective. What enabled the longest period of peace in modern Europe. is certain is that different tiers each have their own Moreover, I would like to reiterate our commitment to uses and legitimacy and must be used in concert and supporting the African Union in its efforts to strengthen combined in a coherent and effective way. and implement its policies, procedures and capabilities, as well as to making the financing of African Union-led Regardless of the colour of the helmet, it is essential peace operations more predictable, sustainable and that the basic rules of international humanitarian law flexible. For Belgium, that goal has been achieved, and and human rights not be subject to any exception and be it is now a question of making practical arrangements fully upheld during operations. Personnel are deployed in that regard. with a view to seeking peace and a way out of the crisis; as such, their conduct must be exemplary. Belgium In the division of tasks and responsibilities among welcomes the efforts of the Secretary-General to fight the United Nations and regional and subregional relentlessly against sexual violence in the United organizations, our approach is guided by two core Nations, and the Council should set equally stringent principles: complementarity and subsidiarity. standards for the regional operations that it authorizes. I will first broach subsidiarity. In The Gambia, we Finally, I wish to reiterate our support for the work recently saw a fine example of putting that principle into of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human practice, namely, the decisive action of the Economic Rights and the Commission of the African Union in Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under establishing a compliance framework for the respect of the auspices of the African Union and the United human rights and international and humanitarian law. Nations, that has allowed for a transition towards democracy in a largely peaceful manner. The President (spoke in French): I now give the floor to the representative of Kenya. Turning to complementarity, Guinea-Bissau is a textbook example of the principle. True Mr. Amayo (Kenya): We are indeed honoured complementarity is demonstrated on the ground in the to participate in this important discussion, which

50/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 highlights the role of Member States, regional preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution. Their arrangements and the United Nations as important role is becoming increasingly important and should be stakeholders that need to collaborate in the prevention strengthened. Regional and subregional arrangements and resolution of conflicts within their respective levels have the comparative advantage of proximity in of responsibilities and mandates. understanding the context and layout of conflicts, including the background and dynamics of the cultural, My delegation wishes to congratulate you, economic and political processes involved. It is worth Mr. President, and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire on noting that Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United your assumption of the presidency of the Security Nations recognizes the important role of regional Council for the month of December, and for convening arrangements and agencies in the pacific settlement of this important open debate, including the concept note local disputes. (S/2018/1063, annex) that has been circulated to guide our discussions today. Unless those regional arrangements are reinforced with sustainable and predictable funding, the efforts We also welcome the briefings of Secretary-General of some of those entities will always be threatened by Guterres; Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson fragility and the risk of relapse into conflict, leading of the African Union Commission; and Mr. Jean- to a lack of consolidation of sustainable peace and Claude Kassi Brou, President of the Commission of the development. An example of that is the funding Economic Community of West African States. challenge that the African Union Mission in Somalia At the outset, let me indicate that Kenya aligns (AMISOM) continues to face. Funding for AMISOM itself with the statement delivered by the representative remains unpredictable and unreliable. In order for the of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of Government of Somalia to fully establish its authority the Non-Aligned Movement. over the entire country of Somalia, AMISOM requires assured resources, including funding and personnel. When it comes to the prevention and resolution of conflicts, the roles of the various stakeholders — be It is on that principle of sustainability that my they States, regional and subregional organizations or delegation supports the African Union initiative and the United Nations — are inextricably linked. In the the proposed Security Council draft resolution on pursuit of peaceful diplomacy, a nation State’s quest for the financing of African peacekeeping operations its own sustainable peace and security can be drawn to ensure predictable and sustainable financing for from properly functioning, well-resourced security and peace operations in Africa, as well as the Secretary- judicial and development institutions. Those institutions General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative, which also need to be inclusive. Additionally, given the is aimed at renewing States’ political commitment to changing nature of conflicts in our contemporary peacekeeping operations. world, with many internal crises that often become The next aspect I would like to address is the transnational, the State is forced to look within and role of the United Nations. While recognizing that beyond its borders and be equipped in the areas of the primary responsibility for the maintenance of mediation and conflict resolution. All of those tools, international peace and security lies with the Security if properly utilized, are important in strengthening Council, the entire United Nations system needs to internal and bilateral relations, as well as regional work collaboratively through its various organs and cooperation and enhanced multilateral engagements. subsidiary bodies to ensure that the roles of States and However, for conflict-affected countries in Africa regional arrangements are enhanced. That support to and beyond, those instruments of peace are not always States and regional arrangements can be in the form readily available. Therefore, during the reconstruction of facilitating action-oriented discussion platforms, phase, a State’s efforts to internally build and such as our meeting here today, or through facilitating restructure both its institutions and its society should comprehensive peace processes, peace operations, be encouraged and supported within the framework of mobilization, the provision of resources and through national ownership. forging strategic partnerships. Regional and subregional organizations have Kenya continues to pursue peace diplomacy proved to be important vehicles for effective and by drawing on its own experiences in mediation,

18-41579 51/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 conflict resolution and peacekeeping through bilateral the United Nations is to do everything in our power to and multilateral engagement with the East African prevent crises through peaceful means. Community (EAC), the Intergovernmental Authority (spoke in English) on Development, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and the African Union, including The United Nations is the foundation of today’s the African Peace and Security Council and the multilateral architecture. Estonia is an advocate of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa maintaining a strong multilateral system, which we (COMESA), among other arrangements. must continue to strengthen. Peace will be sustainable only if we address the root causes of conflict and help The EAC is an important regional arrangement for create conditions for development. We see clear benefits fostering and maintaining a conducive peaceful and in a more integrated, flexible and coordinated United stable atmosphere, which is a prerequisite to social and Nations. Estonia supports the Secretary-General’s economic development. On COMESA, it is particularly reform agenda. It is important to underline that reform important to note that regional arrangements have agendas on peace and security, management and the potential to reconfigure themselves, based on development should reinforce coherence and the One the contextual circumstances, to be more effective. United Nations and fit-for-purpose vision. For example, COMESA is a regional economic arrangement within Africa, with a programme on peace Political will is an essential component of creating and security that contributes to preventive diplomacy and sustaining peace. We, the international community, and peacebuilding in the subregion. The United need to redouble our efforts to find ways to support Nations should therefore explore the ways in which it and incentivize the willingness to move forward can better strategically partner with those subregional in conflict prevention and resolution. Cooperation arrangements to enhance preventive diplomacy in the and coordination with international, regional and region, including the Horn of Africa. subregional stakeholders is crucial to achieving that. African Union-led peace operations, the cooperation In conclusion, Kenya wishes to reiterate its full in Mali among the United Nations Multidimensional commitment to the promotion of preventive diplomacy Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, the Group through a strengthened multilateral framework that is of Five for the Sahel and Operation Barkhane, and the aligned with the norms of international law and the United Nations-EU partnership on peacekeeping are but principle of national ownership for a peaceful and a few examples of how such cooperation is necessary stable world. Indeed, that will be achieved only through and how it makes a difference on the ground. closer cooperation and good will among States, regional arrangements and the United Nations. In order to advance beyond merely reacting to ongoing conflicts, we need to step up and use all The President (spoke in French): I now give the available means to prevent them. Studies, including the floor to the representative of Estonia. World Bank and United Nations joint study Pathways Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia) (spoke in French): for Peace: Inclusive Approaches to Preventing Violent Allow me to congratulate Côte d’Ivoire on assuming Conflict, have demonstrated that inequality and the presidency of the Security Council this month. We political, social and economic exclusion are among thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s debate the most common reasons that lead to internal violent on this crucial topic. conflict. Therefore, democratic governance, the rule of law, protection of human rights and transparent, Estonia aligns itself with the statement to be accountable State institutions are essential to achieving delivered by the observer of the European Union (EU). stability and peace. It is also crucial that we fully recognize and support the role of women and youth in Today’s discussion is very timely. We are sustaining peace. witnessing only an increase in conflicts, and yet many peace processes are encountering major difficulties, I would also like to emphasize the role of the ceasefire agreements are not respected and an Peacebuilding Commission as a central actor in conflict unprecedented number of people are displaced from prevention and peacebuilding in the United Nations their homes. It is therefore very important to emphasize system. Estonia had the privilege of being a member that our collective responsibility under the Charter of of the Peacebuilding Commission last year, and we

52/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 very much support its broader focus. Additionally, by the President of the Commission of the Economic Estonia has supported the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) Community of West African States, one of the most since 2013. We believe that the PBF is an effective integrated and committed subregional organizations in peacebuilding instrument, as it provides catalytic, fast the prevention, maintenance and consolidation of peace. and flexible assistance. I take this opportunity to honour the memory of In conclusion, it is our collective responsibility former United States President George H. W. Bush, and to ensure that the United Nations, as a whole, and reiterate the sincere condolences of the Kingdom of the Security Council live up to their responsibilities Morocco to his family and the American people. for securing peace in the world, especially through Morocco, a country that has been strongly the prevention and resolution of conflicts. Estonia committed to United Nations peacekeeping since is determined to make its contribution to that end. the 1960s, is well placed to know that the nature That is also the reason why Estonia is running for a of conflicts, which are ever-more complex, is non-permanent seat in the Security Council for the significantly evolving, with important consequences term 2020-2021. for peacekeeping in terms of efficiency, risks and costs, The President (spoke in French): I now give the among others. Recent developments in United Nations floor to the representative of Morocco. peacekeeping, particularly the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative, respond to that need Mr. Kadiri (Morocco) (spoke in French): At for adaptation. In that spirit, Morocco has supported the outset, allow me to warmly congratulate you, the Secretary-General’s initiative from the beginning. Mr. President, on the accession of your brotherly and We welcome the way in which the monitoring of friendly country to the presidency of the Security commitments has been initiated, and we will pursue Council for the month of December. We thank you for our efforts to fulfil our commitments in that regard. convening and choosing the topic of this debate, which is presided over by Mr. Amon-Tano, the Minister for To ensure its development, peacekeeping with Foreign Affairs of your brotherly country. regional and subregional organizations must be strengthened, as mentioned in the Declaration of Indeed, Côte d’Ivoire managed to emerge from a Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping crisis that required the deployment of a peacekeeping Operations. To that end, we can draw inspiration operation, the United Nations Operation in Côte from several experiences in the past when the two d’Ivoire. It is no coincidence that the Operation, whose organizations have worked closely, where possible. mandate has ended, is considered a success, given Peacekeeping also provides leverage for prevention, IN the national ownership that was made possible by the the understanding that a given crisis will not reoccur. strong and democratic institutions of your country. In several instances, we have seen that this issue could I would like to warmly thank Mr. Alassane not be resolved. We hope that the concept of sustainable Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, peace will enable us to remedy the relapses into for presiding over the Security Council yesterday (see conflict, of which there are still too many, in particular S/PV.8413) and for his statement, which highlighted on our continent. Côte d’Ivoire’s experience in building and sustaining As I am aware of time allotted to me, I will limit peace, as well as the notable economic and social my statement to the following three points. progress of the country. That experience and expertise First, the performance of peacekeeping operations should serve as models for other countries. is key to their success. Morocco welcomes the I would also like to commend the Secretary- fact that we were able to agree on the issue of General for his briefing, which reaffirmed his resolute performance during the most recent meeting of the commitment to peacekeeping. We welcome and Special Committee on Peace Operations, given that fully support that new direction. Moreover, Morocco we all shoulder the responsibility and that all actors, commends the presence and briefing of the Chairperson whether on the ground, at Headquarters or in regional of the African Union (AU) Commission, which offices, have a part to play. Many factors — such as demonstrates the strategic character of the United mandates, training, equipment, rules of engagement, Nations-AU partnership. We also welcome the briefing planning, caveats and others — come into play when

18-41579 53/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 we address the issue of performance. They must all In conclusion, I should like to pay tribute to the be fully integrated into the development, renewal and African countries that are members of the Council, implementation of peacekeeping mandates. including your own, Mr. President, for their tireless efforts to achieve peace in Africa and in the area of Secondly, with regard to the strengthening of the funding African Union peace operations. We remain United Nations-African Union partnership, many committed to working with them until a realistic lessons can be learned from recent experiences, such solution that takes into account African aspirations is as re-hatting within the African Union-United Nations found. Lastly, I would like to pay tribute all the men Hybrid Operation in Darfur. Africa’s sincere desire is to and women who conduct their peace operations duties, take its future into its own hands, and the commitment often in difficult conditions, and in particular to those of the African regional and subregional organizations who paid the ultimate price to achieve peace. prove it. That commitment was underscored by the signature in April 2017 of the Joint United Nations- The President (spoke in French): I now give the African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership floor to the representative of Cuba. in Peace and Security. As the Secretary-General Mrs. Rodríguez Camejo (Cuba) (spoke in mentioned, the Framework seeks to ensure that the two Spanish): We congratulate Côte d’Ivoire on assuming organizations work closely on the basis of the principle the presidency of the Security Council and thank its of mutual respect and comparative advantage during delegation for convening today’s open debate. a conflict cycle in a predictable and strategic manner. Morocco welcomes that commitment and will use its Cuba fully supports the statement made by the membership of the African Union Peace and Security representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. Council and of the United Nations to support the implementation of the agreement. Our country is firmly committed to conflict prevention and the peaceful settlement of disputes, in Thirdly and lastly, with respect to funding peace line with the purposes and principles of the Charter support operations of the African Union, the African of the United Nations. We firmly believe that conflict Union has clearly expressed its commitment to peace prevention is the primary responsibility of Member on our continent by financing approximately 25 per States. We welcome the strengthening of cooperation cent of the cost of the African Union Peace Fund. between the United Nations and the African Union Moreover, the Fund is currently funded by African with a view to supporting peacekeeping operations States in the amount of $80 million. That reflects the on a continent that provides nearly 50 per cent of firm and tangible commitment of the African Union, peacekeeping personnel and the majority of United which should be duly appreciated and supported by Nations police officers to peacekeeping missions. the international community. In addition, in his 2017 report on options for authorization and support for We take note of the Secretary-General’s initiatives African Union peace support operations (S/2017/454), to improve the work of the Organization. We support the Secretary-General made several proposals in the call for solutions to ensure that United Nations that regard. Regrettably, to date, none has received peacebuilding efforts and Security Council-mandated unanimous support. African Union operations can count on predictable and sustainable funding from the Organization. At the same Committing to funding African peace operations time, we believe that the United Nations, regional and is an investment in the future and signifies trust. subregional organizations and other external actors The African Union has made considerable efforts to involved should support and complement the efforts raise standards in the areas of financial transparency, made by national Governments in the area of conflict conduct, discipline and others, in line with several prevention and conflict resolution, when requested. Such requests made in Security Council resolutions, the support must be impartial and unconditional and should Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and not interfere in their domestic affairs. It should also the African Union itself. We are all unanimous in fully respect the sovereignty, political independence, underscoring the importance of partnerships. It is now authority, leadership and consent of the host State, in time to provide those partnerships with the means and accordance with its needs and priorities. The main duty efficiency expected of them. of such actors is to help the host country to settle its

54/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 conflict and provide the capacity to do so. It is essential environment of international peace and security that to address and eliminate the root causes of conflict, allows for the implementation of sustainable economic in particular issues pertaining to social and economic and social development strategies. The coordination and development, while supporting the implementation of consistency of efforts between the United Nations and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. regional and subregional organizations, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter, will be essential. Cuba believes that success in the area of conflict prevention and conflict resolution also depends on The President (spoke in French): I give the floor to peacekeeping operations being endowed with clearly the representative of Slovakia. defined, realistic and viable mandates, the resources Mr. Galbavy (Slovakia): Mr. President, I wish to and capabilities required for discharging them and congratulate your country on assuming the presidency concrete exit strategies. We reiterate that the basic principles of peacekeeping operations — the consent of the Security Council and to thank you for convening of the parties, impartiality and the non-use of force, today’s open debate to underscore the need to enhance except in cases of legitimate defence — must be the cooperation between the Council and regional respected and implemented with full respect for the entities and highlight that sustaining peace requires purposes and principles of the Charter of the United collective responsibility. Nations, in particular respect for the sovereignty, My delegation fully aligns itself with the statement territorial integrity, political independence of States to be delivered shortly by the observer of the European and non-interference in their domestic affairs. Union. Allow me to make a few additional remarks. We are not convinced that operations involving We should like to encourage the Security Council the use of force, above and beyond the basic principles to continue identifying ways of enhancing partnerships involved, can help improve the effectiveness of with various stakeholders and multilateral institutions peacekeeping operations and the security of their as well as regional and subregional organizations, with personnel and civilians. On the contrary, the flexible greater emphasis on conflict prevention and the concept application or reinterpretation of those principles can of sustaining peace. We should also like to stress that increase the risk of threats and attacks against United successful implementation of the current reform of the Nations staff, which, regrettably, have occurred United Nations, together with such further initiatives in recent years. Cuba reiterates that protection-of- as the Declaration of Shared Commitments on United civilians activities should also support the efforts of Nations Peacekeeping Operations, are critical to national authorities and can in no way be used as a strengthening the capacity of the United Nations to react pretext for disregarding the principles of the Charter. to future challenges, including in terms of mediation, We underscore that peacekeeping operations are neither prevention and sustaining peace. Besides having geared towards nor equipped to combat terrorism or close proximity to conflicts, regional and subregional protect human rights. organizations have the local networks, knowledge and With respect to the performance demands on expertise that allow them to play a leading role in the peacekeeping operations, we believe that operations area of peace and security, including in mediation and should be deployed with the resources and conditions settlement of disputes. required to discharge their mandates. Improving and Slovakia will chair the Organization for Security increasing the number of consultations between the and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) next year. As the Security Council, the Secretariat and the troop- and/ Chairperson-in-Office for 2019, my country will work or police-contributing countries would also allow for to build bridges in support of multilateralism, promote a better understanding of the situation and help in the conflict prevention and focus on addressing the needs design of mandates. Peacekeeping operations must of people on the ground. Over the years, the scope of have the logistical support and resources required. cooperation between the OSCE and the United Nations Personnel training should be improved and the capacity has broadened and deepened on a range of matters. of contributing countries enhanced. We are ready to build on this enhanced collaboration Lastly, we believe that conflict prevention and between the two organizations, based on the principles resolution also require the United Nations to ensure an of complementarity, subsidiarity and synergy.

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Security sector reform plays a critical role in the Secretary-General and to the Chairperson of the preventing conflict and sustaining peace. We are African Union Commission for their meaningful input. encouraged to see that the place of security sector reform Furthermore, I associate myself with the statement in the sustaining peace agenda has been strengthened, delivered by the representative of Venezuela on behalf based on the constructive discussions Member States of the Non-Aligned Movement. have had on peacebuilding and sustaining peace this year. We are of the view that a strong focus on security The most effective contribution that States can make sector reform and sustaining peace must continue in to the prevention and resolution of conflicts is to adhere the work of the United Nations, including that of the to the purposes and principles of the United Nations in Security Council. their relations with other States in word and deed and in good faith. This, first and foremost, requires respecting Broad frameworks that outline the principles and the political independence and territorial integrity of approaches to support for security sector reform have other States, refraining from the threat or use of force, been put in place by the African Union, the European settling international disputes by peaceful means, and Union and the OSCE. Accordingly, I would like to avoiding intervening in the internal matters of States. draw the Council’s attention to the mapping study The emergence of conflicts in certain cases is due to on enhancing multilateral support for security sector lack of compliance with these important principles on reform undertaken by the Geneva Centre for the the part of one party or all parties concerned. Democratic Control of Armed Forces at the request of Our region has paid and continues to pay a heavy the United Nations. The study presents the findings price as certain countries have chosen to resort to on normative frameworks, institutional capacities force to secure their national interests. If they remain and operational practices of these three organizations unchecked, such policies will cause new conflicts in support of security sector reform processes led to emerge or lead to the extension or deterioration of by individual States themselves. The report will be ongoing ones. Moreover, we should stress the important presented at next week’s meeting of the Group of Friends roles that States can play using their good offices to of Security Sector Reform. Existing partnerships de-escalate tensions, restore confidence, encourage would benefit from improvement and, where needed, consultations and facilitate negotiations aimed at new partnerships should be developed with a view to preventing and resolving conflicts. strengthening the impact of support for international With respect to regional arrangements and agencies, security sector reform on the ground. I would also like Chapter VIII of the Charter has clearly identified to take this opportunity to welcome the outcome of the the role that can be played by such arrangements or second Africa Forum on Security Sector Reform, held on agencies in conflict prevention and resolution. With the 22 to 24 October at the African Union Headquarters in consent of concerned parties, Chapter VIII can be borne Addis Ababa, on the topic of promoting the continent’s in mind when dealing with the peaceful settlement of security, justice and development agenda. local disputes. It is clear that the effectiveness of the In conclusion, multilateralism has been broadly efforts of such agencies and arrangements is dependent recognized as the only way to address the problems to a large extent on their impartiality. Therefore, such facing humankind. The work of regional organizations arrangements cannot and should not be abused by in the area of peace and security is anchored in some that seek to impose their will on the countries multilateralism and is in the interest of all stakeholders of a region. This would be counterproductive, and, of and Member States. course, it violates the Charter of the United Nations. The President (spoke in French): I now give the In our view, neither can the United Nations disregard floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic the potentials of regional arrangements in conflict of Iran. prevention and resolution, nor can such arrangements substitute for the United Nations in the discharge of Mr. Al Habib (Islamic Republic of Iran): the duties entrusted to it by the Charter. The respective Mr. President, I would like to begin by thanking you for roles of the United Nations and regional arrangements organizing today’s open debate and for your valuable should be considered to be complementary. Similarly, remarks. I would also like to extend my gratitude to all such activities must be carried out in full conformity

56/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 with the Charter, either by the United Nations or by the always promoted the role of regional and subregional regional arrangements. organizations in fostering peace. Indonesia also strongly supports interregional engagement between In our view, the effectiveness of the role of the South-East Asia and all other regions. With its three United Nations in conflict prevention and resolution pillars of political-security community, economic hinges on its fully conforming with the Charter, on community, and sociocultural community, ASEAN consistency in the application of provisions thereof and has truly become an ecosystem of collective peace by avoiding politicization, selective approaches and so and prosperity. Relying exclusively on the peaceful on. Ultimately, nothing can better contribute to helping settlement of disputes, ASEAN’s many mechanisms the United Nations effectively fulfil its role in conflict prevention and resolution than the trust and confidence of cooperation and cross-fertilization under the three of the concerned parties to the Charter. pillars have led to virtually no conflict in the region and provided robust peace dividends for development. Last but not least, there is no alternative for the In that connection, we believe that greater recourse principles of national ownership and the explicit consent to Chapter VI and Chapter VIII of the Charter of the of parties concerned in the prevention and resolution United Nations holds tremendous potential for making of conflicts. the world more peaceful and stable. The President (spoke in French): I now give the Let me highlight several issues that need to floor to the representative of Indonesia. be taken into consideration in order to improve Ms. Krisnamurthi (Indonesia): We congratulate cooperation between the United Nations and regional Côte d’Ivoire on assuming the presidency of the and subregional arrangements for the prevention and Security Council for the month of December and for peaceful resolution of conflicts. convening today’s important debate. First, the restructuring of the United Nations We consider the proposed topic for today’s debate peace and security pillar should place a stronger to be pertinent to the overall workings of the United emphasis on cooperation with regional and subregional Nations in terms of addressing various challenges faced organizations. Regular and meaningful consultation by its members. It is well established that regional among the United Nations and regional organizations is organizations, because of their particular sense of critical. In that regard, we welcome the focus to enhance history and culture and the strong bonds that often substantive interaction and practical frameworks exist among countries, not only know the root causes of between the United Nations and ASEAN, as well as conflicts best but they are also well positioned to resolve with the AU and other regional organizations. such conflicts peacefully. Indeed, on 20 November, in Secondly, countries in the regions, particularly this Chamber, we heard how the African Union (AU), those that have an important bearing on conflicts, must guided by its Agenda 2063 and its Silencing the Guns by act responsibly and become part of the solution. One 2020 initiative, was making an increasingly significant of the observations in the Secretary-General’s report impact, but we also heard repeated emphasis on strong on United Nations activities in support of mediation cooperation and support among the countries of the (A/72/115) is that there has been a substantial rise region, as well as from the United Nations and other in the regionalization and internationalization of international partners (see S/PV.8407). conflicts, complicating their resolution. The zero-sum For its part, Indonesia remains determined to stand approach must be renounced. Helping to ensure that shoulder to shoulder with Africa. Our partnership with peace prevails will ultimately benefit everyone. It is Africa has only become stronger since the historic also imperative that the Security Council maintain the Bandung Conference of 1955, thanks to ongoing practice of dialogue involving all countries concerned mutual trust and our respect for African countries as with a view to finding a lasting solution to the problem they chart their priorities. The partnership is currently that is acceptable to all the countries involved. made manifest through numerous multifaceted Thirdly, even when regional organizations are fully support programmes. determined to play their role, they can do only so much As a founding member of the Association of if the Security Council does not stand by the principles Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Indonesia has of the Charter of the United Nations, international law

18-41579 57/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 and international humanitarian law, based on the spirit and resolution of conflicts. It is especially pertinent in of multilateralism. Just as regional arrangements must today’s world, where it is extremely difficult to achieve not hold back in advancing credible and regionally a climate of trust and confidence. Instead, bellicose and owned solutions to sustaining peace, the Council must confrontational policies and actions set the overall tone. not hold back in enlisting their support, as well as in There is no doubt that, as a universal body enjoying upholding the Charter and international law. a unique level of legitimacy, the United Nations must be Fourthly, adequate resources to ensure that as active as possible in preventing potential conflicts, as regional mechanisms can meet their commitments well as in addressing the ongoing ones. As the previous are critical. Responding to the proposals of the High Secretary-General stated in his report on the United Representative for the AU Peace Fund, the Secretary- Nations and conflict prevention of 2015 (S/2015/730), General has pointed to financial options to support while Member States bear the primary responsibility AU-initiated peace-support operations. It is essential for conflict prevention, the United Nations, with its that the Council also play its part in addressing that universal membership, impartiality and the legitimacy issue. In that regard, we support the draft resolution on derived from the principles of the Charter, has an financing African Union-led peace-support operations important and unique role to play. The United Nations currently being discussed by Council members. has played its role in various regions at different times. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that However, in a number of cases, it was and still is notably Indonesia will continue to play an active role in absent. In our opinion, that means that the potential of helping to facilitate a better harnessing of the regional the United Nations is far from being fully realized. It expertise and networks of influence. Through our also means that the Organization must, as a priority, upcoming membership of the Security Council, we are step up its efforts in the areas of both the prevention also determined to work intensively to place a higher and the resolution of conflicts. emphasis on dialogue, prevention and principles based In that regard, from the perspective of a European on the peaceful settlement of disputes. country, we would like to see more robust practical The President (spoke in French): I now give the cooperation between the United Nations and the floor to the representative of Ukraine. Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). It is highly commendable that the practice of Mr. Vitrenko (Ukraine) (spoke in French): At yearly briefings to the Security Council by the OSCE the outset, I would like to warmly congratulate you, Chairperson-in-Office has been established. Annual Mr. President, on Côte d’Ivoire’s assumption of the staff-level meetings also contribute to building closer presidency of the Security Council and to assure you of ties between the two organizations. However, the our full support in your work. practical cooperation is rather limited, while the two (spoke in English) sides could benefit greatly from a closer partnership. I would also like to join other speakers in expressing It is well known that the OSCE remains at the our appreciation for your initiative to convene today’s forefront of international efforts towards the resolution discussion on the role on international actors in the of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The OSCE Special prevention and resolution of conflicts. The subject is Monitoring Mission to Ukraine has indeed become of particular importance to my delegation. I hope that an indispensable part of the political efforts to find a from my statement, members will understand why solution to the conflict. The Mission’s reports serve as that is so. First, let me say that Ukraine aligns itself a valuable source of information about the real situation with the statement to be made by the observer of the in the temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine, marked European Union. by a significant Russian presence and regular inflows of modern Russian weaponry through the uncontrolled Having faced military aggression for almost five segment of the Ukraine-Russia State border. years, Ukraine firmly believes in the need to strengthen the existing instruments and to further improve and The idea of establishing a full-fledged peacekeeping fine-tune the applicable practices at the disposal of operation in the occupied areas of the Donbas region the international community in order to increase the of Ukraine mandated by the Security Council is still efficiency of our collective efforts in the prevention on the table. If it comes to fruition — and we hope

58/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 that it does — the eventual multinational presence, the initiative of Côte d’Ivoire to hold this open debate on in implementing its tasks, will also have to closely the role of States, regional arrangements and the United coordinate with and support the work of the OSCE, Nations in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. including by creating the proper security conditions for At the same time, we thank the Secretary-General, the unhindered implementation of its mandate by the the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Special Monitoring Mission. and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States for their briefings We are convinced that confidence-building this morning. measures constitute an important step in the process towards a political and diplomatic resolution of any Today’s debate comes at a particularly opportune conflict. From that perspective, the release by the time, as threats to international peace and security Russian Federation of all Ukrainian political prisoners have become increasingly complex, with cross-border and illegally detained persons, including the crews elements and regional dimensions. The Dominican of the three Ukrainian naval vessels captured on Republic believes that the strategic partnership between 26 November in international waters in the Black Sea, the United Nations and regional organizations is vital will be a crucial benchmark for assessing Moscow’s to address the current global security challenges. In readiness to embark on the path of de-escalation. addition, the multifaceted partnership between the Security Council and regional organizations could In order to make progress towards the resolution of serve as a solid foundation for the future global security the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, it is also necessary to agenda. create a solid security foundation, which should involve not only concrete measures and steps in the conflict- Latin America and the Caribbean is a zone of affected areas of Donbas but also the de-escalation of peace, which has allowed us to cooperate in the pursuit the situation in the Black Sea and Azov Sea region. The of sustainable development as one of the pillars of latter includes the immediate release by Russia of the stability. For us, meeting the needs of the people 24 Ukrainian prisoners of war whom I mentioned and constitutes, essentially, support for peace. That vision the return of the vessels seized in the Black Sea, as well guides the Organization of American States, the Union as restoration of the freedom of navigation through the of South American Nations, the Southern Common Kerch Strait and in the Sea of Azov. Market, the Central American Integration System and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean We believe that the OSCE and its Special States. Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, with the support of the Normandy format countries and other partners, can The Charter of the United Nations underlines play an indispensable role to that end. For our part, we the critical importance of conflict prevention as a are ready for constructive negotiations to find a solution responsibility of the entire United Nations system. That to the conflict. We will also welcome productive and is the Dominican Republic’s interpretation of Chapter results-oriented contributions to the process from VIII of the Charter, which prompts us to promote the United Nations, the OSCE, the Normandy format multilateralism as an effective means for including countries and other partners. regional and subregional organizations in addressing crises or conflicts that may affect security and peace. In conclusion, my delegation strongly believes We therefore believe that collective action can be that boosting United Nations conflict prevention and strengthened by involving regional and subregional resolution capacities, expanding its respective toolbox, bodies, particularly in prevention, development and and encouraging and supporting its cooperation with post-conflict work. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable relevant regional organizations on such issues is a Development, with its objective of peaceful, inclusive worthy goal for States Members of the United Nations and sustainable societies, together with the sustaining to pursue. peace agenda, is the blueprint for prevention. The President (spoke in French): I now give the In order to overcome the great challenges of our floor to the representative of the Dominican Republic. times, it is becoming increasingly imperative to address Mr. Singer Weisinger (Dominican Republic) the immediate and deep-seated causes of conflicts, (spoke in Spanish): The Dominican Republic commends allowing communities, civil society, Governments,

18-41579 59/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 organizations and other international institutions to the activation of peacekeeping mechanisms, followed participate in a more meaningful way. It is crucial to by peacebuilding and strengthening reconstruction address the root causes of conflict and instability long and development, and culminates in the achievement before they reach the agenda of the Council. The United of peace and its sustainability. President Alassane Nations must continue its excellent effort to cooperate Ouattara described that positive example in detail when closely with regional partners, whether in a leadership he presided over yesterday’s productive meeting (see or support role, to prevent conflict and to maintain S/ PV.8413). international peace and security. We have seen many successful examples of regional organizations We all feel that we need more support for the efforts responding to emerging crises in order to prevent being made in Africa to ensure a more integrated and an escalation into conflict. However, for successful comprehensive approach in dealing with the challenges cooperation over the long term, a more systematic and the root causes of the problems. In that regard, I arrangement is needed based on recognizing threats would like to mention that Cairo stands ready to host and working together to deal with them. the headquarters of the African Union Centre for Post- Conflict Reconstruction and Development. Finally, we must identify and tackle the social roots of violence. As the international community continues Egypt is also preparing to preside over the African to struggle to address destabilizing conflicts and their Union at the beginning of next year. We express our repercussions, it is necessary to establish guidelines commitment to leading the efforts of the African Union for increased United Nations participation in efforts to in order to establish a real partnership with the United address conflicts. Prevention work requires a political Nations and Africa’s main partners, with a view to commitment on the part of the relevant actors to deal supporting a more coherent and practical approach with situations that, due to their nature, pose the risk of in dealing with the countless challenges facing the a resurgence of or a return to conflict. In that regard, continent. the Dominican Republic reiterates its commitment to international peace and security, which is the objective Egypt is especially committed to the African Union towards which we must work together so that the United concerning participation in revitalizing and adopting Nations can consistently fulfil its fundamental tasks. a framework of action for the African Union and its policies with regard to post-conflict reconstruction The President (spoke in French): I now give the and development. We seek to encourage an approach floor to the representative of Egypt. that focuses on sustaining peace in order to ensure that Mr. Gad (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, we can adopt a long-term vision for dealing with the I would like to thank your country, Mr. President, for challenges facing the relevant African States. organizing this important open debate, which deals We believe that a partnership between the African with one of the highest priorities on the agenda of the Union and the United Nations based on a stronger international community, namely, the issue of conflict sense of ownership by the African Union would help prevention and resolution. That topic is being discussed to advance the implementation of the relevant United in the context of reforming the international peace and security system of the United Nations and promoting Nations plans and strategies. We must consider those the concept of preventive diplomacy. plans and strategies as a whole and as a comprehensive framework that aligns the various initiatives and We thank the Secretary-General, the Chairperson strategies focusing on Africa’s real needs and priorities. of the African Union Commission and the President of In an attempt to achieve that, Egypt held a workshop the Commission of the Economic Community of West on the Sahel region in Cairo on 15 and 16 October in African States for their valuable briefings this morning. order to entrench that approach at the regional and We also associate ourselves with the statement delivered international levels. Various relevant stakeholders from on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. the Group of Five for the Sahel met with representatives There is no doubt that Côte d’Ivoire embodies one of of the African Union Commission, the United Nations the success stories in the maintenance of peace and the and other major partners. Egypt continues to play a peaceful settlement of disputes through the utilization constructive role and to be active as a member of the of available United Nations tools. That begins with Peacebuilding Commission.

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We would like to highlight the following points for Secretary-General’s Action for Peace initiative, as well the Council’s consideration. as the Kigali Principles on the Protection of Civilians. That is an affirmation of Egypt’s continued commitment First, the complex, multidimensional and regional to achieving more effective peacekeeping operations in nature of the challenges facing peace and security in the future. the world today, in particular in Africa, makes it all the more difficult to move from short-term stability to In November, the Foreign Ministry of Egypt and long-term peace and development. the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution hosted a high-level regional conference on improving Second, the real challenge facing us is how to the performance of peacekeeping operations with the translate political and strategic commitments into participation of senior United Nations officials. Its goal concrete programmes and practical projects that deal was to build on the Declaration of Shared Commitments with the root causes of instability, while focusing and to provide troop-contributing countries with the particularly on marginalized border areas in conflict opportunity to participate in the relevant discussions on zones. developing peace operations. Under its chairmanship Third, international assistance must prioritize pilot of the African Union next year, Egypt will continue programmes aimed at strengthening institutions and to focus on deepening the strategic partnership with national and local capacities in the areas of security the United Nations in the areas of peacebuilding, and socioeconomic development. Such an approach peacekeeping and post-conflict development and would ensure sustainability and feasibility of collective reconstruction in Africa. We look forward to further investment in international peace. international cooperation in order to pool efforts for achieving peace, stability and security in our continent Fourth, we should adopt an approach that focuses on and throughout the world. people, including all local communities and population centres, and gives priority to the empowerment of The President (spoke in French): I now give the women and young people, while ensuring the inclusion floor to the representative of Brazil. of all sectors of society in the peacemaking operations Mr. Duque Estrada Meyer (Brazil): I thank the and their engagement in the future of their country. Permanent Mission of Côte d’Ivoire for organizing Fifth, despite is extreme importance with regard to this open debate. It provides an opportunity for us to saving lives and meeting urgent demands, humanitarian reflect on the roles of the United Nations, regional aid must not be to the detriment of technical cooperation organizations and Member States in the prevention and aimed at the capacity-building of the relevant countries. resolution of conflicts. Once again, long-term sustainability requires Let me start with the role of the United Nations, investments in the areas of capacity-building and whose peacekeepers are broadly seen as one of the most governance. effective tools available to help prevent and resolve Sixth, partnerships and resources must be based conflicts and promote international peace and security, on long-term strategies for reconstruction and as reiterated in the Declaration of Shared Commitments development. It is therefore important to mobilize on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in the and allocate predictable and sustainable resources in context of the alliance for peacekeeping. The Action for order to ensure the implementation of peacebuilding Peacekeeping initiative has already received extensive programmes. support from the United Nations membership and partners. The Declaration also reiterates the principle Seventh and lastly, as Cairo prepares to inaugurate of the primacy of politics and emphasizes the need for the African Union Post-Conflict Reconstruction and innovative partnerships with regional organizations. Development Centre, we stress that the new Centre In our view, those two recommendations reinforce should be a foundation for planning and for supporting one another. Regional organizations often provide a partners. unique perspective of conflict dynamics, and taking In conclusion, in September my country endorsed their views into account can help us to strengthen our the Declaration of Shared Commitments on United prevention and mediation capacities. To mention but a Nations Peacekeeping Operations, as part of the few examples in our own region, Brazil highlights the

18-41579 61/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 important role that the Organization of American States several cooperation projects with troop-contributing and the Caribbean Community can play and has played countries, with a view to exchanging best practices in ensuring peaceful relations in the region, including in peacekeeping operations and to improving the in cooperation with the United Nations Stabilization predeployment training of peacekeepers. Mission in Haiti. We also commend the engagement Another task attributed to Member States is of regional and subregional actors in peace processes ensuring that all peacekeeping operations pursuing in other regions, such as in South Sudan, Burundi and mandates that were established by the Security the Central African Republic, among others, in Africa. Council are adequately funded. That is particularly Those are sound examples of how regional arrangements critical in the context of the expanding mandates and can contribute to the peaceful resolution of disputes, responsibilities of peacekeeping missions, combined in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the with increasing security concerns with regard to the United Nations. troops on the ground. Permanent members of the The notion that the United Nations should ensure Council should therefore be expected to assume a larger peace and prevent conflict is deeply rooted in the share of the responsibility in that regard, as reflected identity of our Organization. It translates, for instance, in the current peacekeeping scale of assessment. It is into the three basic principles of peacekeeping — the not reasonable to expect developing countries to have consent of the parties, impartiality and the non-use of additional financial responsibilities for the Security force — which are deemed one of the reasons for the Council’s decisions without the corresponding reform success of United Nations peacekeeping operations. In of its composition. his most recent briefings, the Secretary-General clearly Allow me to reiterate Brazil’s long-standing made his point in arguing that regional organizations support for non-military means to address security might be a more suitable tool for addressing situations challenges. As stated by the Secretary-General in one that require peace enforcement and counter-terrorism of his previous reports: “It costs far more to pick up activities. Under exceptional circumstances, the the pieces after crisis than it does to prevent crisis.” Security Council can and has authorized Member (S/2018/525, p. 1) States and regional organizations to use force in order to achieve peace. Brazil has consistently argued that The challenge ahead of us is to shift from a any such actions must be judicious and proportionate crisis-oriented approach to long-term engagement and adhere to international law. We emphasize the need aimed at promoting self-sustaining cycles of peace to remain vigilant so as to avoid causing unnecessary and development. It is essential in that regard that we harm to civilian populations, to monitor the situation remain committed to the continuous strengthening and to require periodic reporting. We therefore welcome of the peacebuilding architecture, in particular to the initiatives such as resolution 2391 (2017), which calls need of achieving a quantum leap in the Peacebuilding for the Group of Five for the Sahel States (G-5 Sahel) to Fund. In our experience of chairing the Guinea-Bissau uphold international law, including international human configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, we rights law and international humanitarian law, as well can testify that creating lasting peace is necessarily as to take into account a gender perspective in all G-5 a collaborative endeavour. As such, it often Sahel Joint Force operations. We are following the requires external partners, regional and subregional Secretary-General’s reports on the operationalization organizations, Government authorities and local actors of that initiative and encourage the Council to continue to work together. to pay attention to those aspects whenever it considers United Nations resolutions often state that Member authorizing third parties to use force. States bear the primary responsibility for preventing In their role as troop/police-contributors, Member conflict, protecting civilians and sustaining peace. But States have a responsibility to provide peacekeeping when we evoke the principle of national ownership, we operations with disciplined, well-trained and motivated should not be oblivious to the important roles of the personnel. On that front, Brazil has been engaged in the international community, international and regional predeployment training of African military engineers organizations and the United Nations in collaborating through triangular partnership projects. The Brazilian with Member States in their efforts to realize lasting Peace Operations Joint Training Centre maintains peace and sustainable development.

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The President (spoke in French): I now give the The strategic vision of the European Union is to floor to Mr. Serge Christiane, Acting Deputy Head support the multilateral system and join forces with of Delegation of the European Union to the United our partners through international cooperation. The Nations. European Union and the United Nations have a long history of cooperation in the area of conflict prevention, Mr. Christiane (spoke in French): I have the honour including through support for mediation. We have to deliver this statement on behalf of the European initiated a dialogue on conflict prevention, focusing Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate on both thematic and geographical issues. We have countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, also engaged in similar dialogues with other partners, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; the country of the including the African Union and the Organization Stabilization and Association Process and potential for Security and Cooperation in Europe. In October, candidate country Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as the United Nations Mediation Support Unit and the Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia align European Union Mediation Support Team jointly themselves with this statement. organized an informal seminar on mediation support Due to the trauma and suffering caused by structures in international organizations. That allowed us to take stock, exchange experiences and discuss the conflicts around the world, since the first day of possibilities for joint missions. his mandate, the Secretary-General has called for greater diplomatic efforts to put an end to crises. This We continue to assess the complementarity of year, he also reminded us that prevention, conflict our actions with a view to improving their impact on resolution and peacebuilding are and will remain the ground. Those priorities are within the broader top priorities for the entire United Nations system. context of the partnership between the European Union In response to that call, we have focused our efforts and the United Nations, within which we continue to on the critical importance of conflict prevention promote the rules-based international order as the most during several high-level meetings, such as the high- effective means of strengthening conflict prevention level debate on peacebuilding and sustaining peace, and resolution. As part of our strategic cooperation, the as well as the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit. In the twenty-fourth meeting of the United Nations-European political declaration that we unanimously adopted on Union Steering Committee on Crisis Management that occasion (General Assembly resolution 73/1), we concluded last week, having identified eight priority expressed our full support for the work of the United areas for action over the coming three years. Those priorities are aligned with United Nations reform Nations and said that we would make every possible efforts, in particular the Action for Peacekeeping effort to support peace processes, conflict prevention initiative. The pre-eminence of politics is the common and resolution, peacebuilding and post-conflict theme of our partnership, with conflict prevention as a reconstruction and development. We also commended guiding principle. In that regard, strengthening the use the establishment of the High-level Advisory Board on of preventive instruments in peace operations, such as Mediation and intend to support its future contributions mediation, early-warning systems, consistent political to the maintenance of international peace and security messages and strategic communication are high on and the prevention of armed conflict, in particular by the agenda. In all those priority areas, respect for exercising its good offices. human rights and fundamental freedoms, international Achieving peace and conflict prevention and the humanitarian law and the implementation of the women promotion and protection of human rights are priorities and peace and security agenda remain essential. for the European Union. Those principles are at the Despite all those efforts, there is room to improve heart of multilateralism. In that context, I would like efficiency. We have all nurtured strong relationships to focus on the first guiding question in the concept with international and regional organizations, such note prepared by the Council presidency (S/2018/1064, as the African Union. Partnerships are a catalyst for annex), which looks at how the United Nations, achieving our common goals. Therefore, at the trilateral States and subregional and regional organizations meeting between the African Union, the European can strengthen their cooperation on the prevention, Union and the United Nations, our leaders decided management and resolution of conflicts in practice. to increase and broaden trilateral cooperation at the

18-41579 63/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 political, economic and operational levels in the area joint communiqué issued in September emphasizes of peace and security, including conflict prevention strengthening the link between humanitarian assistance and mediation; on implementing the 2030 Agenda and development and its relationship with sustaining for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s peace. Joint efforts by the European Union and the Agenda 2063; as well as with a view to ensuring United Nations must address the root causes of conflict inclusive and sustainable growth, the promotion of and promote economic and social stability. human rights and the fight against climate change. The new momentum for United Nations reform Together, we will seek to translate our common seeks to ensure better coordination between the priorities into concrete actions by strengthening pillars of peace and security, development and human our cooperation and making it more operational, as rights. In that context, we attach great importance recommended at the joint meeting between the Peace to the implementation of the Secretary-General’s and Security Council of the African Union and the recommendations on peacebuilding and sustaining Political and Security Committee of the Council of peace. We also stress the need to make maximum use the European Union in October. Over the past year, of the unifying role of the Peacebuilding Commission, the Security Council has adopted mandates calling for as well as its advisory role to the Security Council. joint assessments of climate security risks, particularly in Africa. Similarly, both the African Union and the The Charter of the United Nations encourages European Union have confirmed the link between us to take effective collective action and to pursue climate and security. By working together across international cooperation to strengthen universal peace. regional and international organizations to analyse and To that end and for the benefit of present and future assess risks, we can ensure that we are using the same generations, we would like to once again stress the need benchmarks. to work towards establishing new partnerships in an effective and coherent way and in close collaboration Instability is no longer the result of open conflict with key international and regional partners. alone, but increasingly of the unmet political and economic expectations of a young and growing The President (spoke in French): I now give the population, compounded by challenges such as violent floor to the representative of Ghana. extremism and organized crime. We must continue Mrs. Pobee (Ghana): Ghana joins previous speakers to focus on empowering women and young people in thanking the Côte d’Ivoire presidency of the Security and bolstering social cohesion, while responding to Council for convening this high-level meeting on the precarious situations. We must also focus more on role of States, regional arrangements and the United strengthening the link between peacebuilding and the Nations in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, participation of local populations, particularly through a theme that is at the very heart of the Charter of the civil society organizations on the ground. Our action United Nations. must adapt to that new reality and take into account the complex dynamics of conflict by adopting an integrated We all have a primary responsibility as Member approach that applies to all phases of the conflict cycle. States to individually and collectively pursue the overriding moral, political and humanitarian Beyond our peacebuilding aspirations, we must imperative of preventing the outbreak, continuation also aim to make peace sustainable, particularly in the and escalation of or relapse into conflict. The complex, pursuit of our 2030 Agenda commitments. Inclusive multidimensional and transboundary nature of conflicts economic development and building resilience are today, as well as new and emerging threats to peace and at the heart of prevention. Our cooperation with the security, call for enhancing strategic and operational United Nations and the World Bank on joint recovery partnerships between the United Nations and regional and peacebuilding assessments in a number of post- organizations. As implied under Chapter VIII of the conflict countries is a promising development in that Charter, the responsibility for peace and security must regard. be shared, and the success of our joint efforts will The European Consensus on Development, in line depend to a large extent on our political commitment with the 2030 Agenda, considers peace as one of the to more effectively utilize the tools provided in the main priorities. The European Union-United Nations Charter under regional and subregional arrangements.

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Joint collaborative efforts between the United Union-led peace support operations authorized by the Nations and regional and subregional arrangements Security Council. have proved successful in conflict prevention and My delegation also wishes to take this opportunity resolution. Your own country, Mr. President, is a to call for greater harmonization of standards between glowing example of such successful outcomes. Such the United Nations and regional and subregional efforts have been particularly instrumental in dealing organizations as a way of improving transitions from with difficult political transitions, defusing tensions regional operations to United Nations-supervised and encouraging political dialogues ahead of highly missions. Increased systematic coordination and contentious elections, resolving electoral crises and consultation on policies, guidance and training ending political deadlocks. standards would ensure coherence in all phases, from The conclusion in April 2017 of the Joint United the planning to the drawdown of operations. Nations-African Union Framework for an Enhanced In conclusion, we wish to stress the importance Partnership in Peace and Security is therefore a welcome of fostering political dialogue, national reconciliation, development. The Joint Framework provides a platform democratic governance, justice and accountability, for regular consultations, joint horizon scanning, respect for human rights and the rule of law in the joint assessment and good offices missions, joint or maintenance of international peace and security. A similar messaging and mutual capacity enhancement comprehensive approach to sustaining peace must towards conflict prevention and resolution in Africa. include sustainable development, with inclusiveness at The memorandum of understanding between the the heart of our efforts. African Union Commission and the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office, together with the African The President (spoke in French): I now give the Union’s post-conflict reconstruction and development floor to the representative of Romania. policy, will foster collaborative actions that are critical Mr. Jinga (Romania): Before I begin my for sustaining peace. It is my delegation’s hope that statement, allow me, on behalf of Romania, to convey those initiatives will benefit from greater support from our heartfelt condolences to the American people and Member States in order to ensure maximum benefits the Government of the United States on the passing of for peacebuilding. former President George H. W. Bush. In a similar vein, the Organization’s multifaceted (spoke in French) engagement and partnership with the Economic Community of West African States has effectively I wish to commend Côte d’Ivoire for having taken made the subregional body a vital partner in the areas the initiative to organize this open debate on the role of of conflict prevention, mediation and resolution, States, regional organizations and the United Nations as well as in peacebuilding and the strengthening of in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. regional capacities. We call for the strengthening Romania aligns itself with the statement delivered of that partnership through regular thematic by the observer of the European Union. I would now intergovernmental dialogues on critical areas for the like to make a few remarks in my national capacity. West Africa subregion. Prevention is a pivotal instrument for the Cooperation between the United Nations, regional maintenance of international peace and security, a arrangements and Member States in the maintenance concept that lies at the heart of the Charter of the United of peace and security has been more pronounced in Nations. Prevention is also a quiet and often overlooked the area of peacekeeping. All Member States, and strategy, as media attention most often focuses on particularly troop- and police-contributing countries, the conflicts that have erupted and not on those that are important stakeholders in peacekeeping. In that have been averted. In this connection, I wish to thank regard, we welcome the Secretary-General’s Action for the Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, for his Peacekeeping initiative, which is aimed at enhancing commitment to making conflict prevention one of his partnerships and efficiencies in that important pillar. priorities and thereby giving it the visibility it deserves. Burden-sharing is paramount for success, and we wish to add our voice to calls for enhancing the predictability, Romania has 100 years of experience in multilateral sustainability and flexibility of financing for African diplomacy. My country was a founding member of the

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League of Nations in 1919 and, since joining the United We are also pleased that Côte d’Ivoire is drawing Nations in 1955, has invested heavily in preventive attention to the subject of cooperation with regional diplomacy, conflict prevention, peacebuilding and organizations, as Romania submitted the first draft mediation. Over the past 27 years, Romania has resolution on cooperation with regional organizations, contributed more than 12,500 police officers, military namely, resolution 1631 (2005), which was adopted and close protection officers to 25 United Nations under the Romanian presidency of the Security Council. peacekeeping missions. Today, Romania is among This resolution was based on our firm belief that the the European Union’s highest contributors of police creation of complementarity and subsidiarity between officers under the flag of the United Nations and is the the United Nations and regional undertakings would sole State Member of the United Nations to provide lead to their mutual strengthening. close protection units for senior dignitaries in high-risk As Romania prepares to assume the presidency of areas. the Council of the European Union from 1 January 2019, we remain convinced of the need for the promotion of The particular importance that my country attaches cooperation with regional organizations. to the subject we are discussing today is also reflected in the fact that Romania chairs the Peacebuilding Finally, I would like to reiterate the commitment of Commission, as well as in our priorities as Chair. These Romania, as a candidate country for a non-permanent include promoting a regional approach in the work of seat on the Security Council for the period 2020-2021, the Commission and strengthening partnerships with to preventive diplomacy in all its aspects. regional and subregional organizations — particularly The President (spoke in French): I now give the the African Union — and with international financial floor to the representative of Turkey. institutions such as the World Bank and the African Mr. Denktaş (Turkey): The number of conflicts in Development Bank, as well as with civil-society the world is on the rise, and they are increasingly of organizations. Equally important is the implementation an intra-State nature. Asymmetrical threats are more of peacebuilding and peacekeeping by lending support serious than ever and transcend national borders. to conflict-affected countries throughout the entire conflict cycle — from prevention to reconstruction and The various root causes of conflict can be adequately development. Here I would add that prevention not only addressed only through a combination of tools. In the saves lives but also constitutes a cost-effective strategy. prevention and resolution of conflicts, a strengthened partnership between the United Nations and regional As Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, organizations, in accordance with Chapter VIII of Romania has consistently supported the efforts of the the Charter of the United Nations, is indispensable. Secretary-General and all actions aimed at reforming We must do better to strengthen the bonds the United and improving the peacebuilding and peacekeeping Nations shares with regional bodies, which requires architecture to ensure better coordination among strategic, long-term and mutually beneficial efforts. the pillars, from the conflict-prevention stage to the Turkey fully supports the leading role of the peacebuilding stage. Romania has also promoted a United Nations, and we are committed to expanding more visible role for the Peacebuilding Commission the partnership of the United Nations with regional as a liaison between the Security Council, the General organizations in conflict-prevention, mediation, Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. It peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. has also striven to improve cooperation among these three United Nations organs to ensure more coherent A large portion of the Council’s agenda deals with peacebuilding efforts. peace and security challenges in Africa. We are pleased to note that the partnership between the African Above all, we believe that preventive diplomacy Union and the United Nations has been strengthened, requires inclusion. In this context and in terms of cross- enhanced and deepened, especially in the last decade. cutting issues, we wish to highlight the importance We also welcome the increasing coordination and of the participation of women and young people in coherence between the African Union and subregional mediation processes. No progress can be made without organizations on the continent, whose efforts will their involvement. further consolidate African leadership and ownership

66/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 in overcoming the challenges that Africa faces. Together, we have achieved considerable success in The United Nations-AU partnership can be further preventing and resolving conflicts. This is especially intensified by strengthening the institutionalization of clear in the case of West Africa. Fifteen years ago, the this relationship. Council was seized of crises such as the civil wars in Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone. Today, the last Besides the African Union, organizations such peacekeepers have withdrawn, and those three countries as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the are no longer on the Council’s agenda. This is a story Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, of determination and perseverance, as demonstrated the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building by the Economic Community of West African States Measures in Asia, the Association of Southeast Asian and the African Union and its member States. It is a Nations, NATO, the Community of Latin American and story of partnership. As the response to the crisis in Caribbean States and the Organization of American the Gambia demonstrated, when action among regional States all have important roles to play in ensuring peace and international partners is closely coordinated, such and stability, together with the United Nations. partnerships deliver results. There are a number of principles that we deem Canada recognizes the important contributions and important when it comes to the engagement of the key leadership of African States, the African Union United Nations with regional organizations. First, (AU) and subregional organizations in improving effective partnerships between the United Nations the effectiveness of United Nations peace operations and regional organizations must be rooted in respect and peacebuilding more generally. We welcome the for regional processes and contexts. Secondly, every development of regional and subregional early-warning conflict situation has its own circumstances, and no mechanisms across the continent. We welcome also organization can impose a one-size-fits-all approach to the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework the prevention and resolution of conflicts. for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security and Thirdly, we can benefit from the experiences of encourage its full implementation. different regional settings to improve our problem- We are committed to contributing to capacity- solving practices, and lastly, we need more innovative building in African countries and to working together and flexible partnerships that draw on the strengths of to develop African-led solutions to increase the impact the respective organizations and also take account of of efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts. Furthermore, their comparative advantages. we believe that, beyond the annual joint consultative We see this open debate as a good opportunity meeting of the African Union Peace and Security to take stock of what we have achieved so far and Council and the United Nations Security Council, reflect on the way forward. We hope that the ideas further opportunities exist to strengthen cooperation expressed today will be helpful in paving the way between the Councils, including through joint field for a strengthened, enhanced and mutually beneficial visits. cooperation between the United Nations and regional Together, we can accomplish more. This is why organizations. We thank the Côte d’Ivoire presidency we encourage efforts to find more predictable, flexible for having organized it. and sustainable financing mechanisms for African-led The President (spoke in French): I now give the peace operations, and we hope to see concrete progress floor to the representative of Canada. on developing such mechanisms. Ms. Boucher (Canada) (spoke in French): At the (spoke in English) outset, I would like to join other speakers in thanking Fundamentally, preventing conflict and sustaining Côte d’Ivoire for having organized this open debate, as peace is about building trust between Governments well as yesterday’s debate, which was presided over by and their peoples. Such trust cannot be established President Ouattara (see S/PV.8413). I can think of no haphazardly. Only by fostering inclusive institutions more critical subject to discuss in this Chamber. that bring in and amplify diverse voices — including The prevention of violent conflict is at the heart of those of women, young people and indigenous, ethnic both the Charter of the United Nations and of the rules- and religious minorities — can meaningful and based international order that we have built together. sustainable peace take hold.

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Peace cannot be imposed from the outside, and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, for having convened this it cannot be built overnight. But the United Nations, important open debate on the role of States, regional its Member States and regional organizations have a arrangements and the United Nations in the prevention critical role to play in helping Governments respond and resolution of conflicts. to the needs of their populations and protect their Azerbaijan aligns itself with the statement made human rights, and in helping populations to hold their earlier today by the representative of the Bolivarian Governments to account. Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of On the ground, in Mali, Canada is assisting Non-Aligned Countries. I would like to make some the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated additional remarks in my national capacity. Stabilization Mission in Mali, working with the Institut The prevention of conflict is critical to ensuring malien de recherche-action pour la paix and Interpeace, a peaceful international environment. In a number of to better understand the conflict dynamics and sources situations, efforts to that end have successfully reduced of resilience in Ansongo, Bourem and Gao. This tensions and helped prevent bloodshed. Furthermore, process has involved consultation with local authorities, important progress has been achieved in enhancing women’s groups, youth groups and security and defence cooperation between the United Nations and regional forces with a view to finding consensus-based solutions arrangements across a full range of areas — from to the priorities for peace as they define them. Better the maintenance of international peace and security understanding between communities builds trust; trust and humanitarian assistance to development and the builds confidence; and trusting, confident communities protection of human rights. build peace together. However, serious challenges remain, and my Finally, in order for the international community country’s practical experience of facing armed itself to remain a trusted partner in conflict prevention, aggression, foreign military occupation and ethnic our own systems need to reform to ensure greater cleansing is illustrative in that regard. Despite Security accountability, transparency, predictability and Council resolutions, demands and condemnation by coherence. the international community and ongoing conflict- Canada strongly supports the Secretary-General’s settlement efforts within the framework of the vision on conflict prevention and sustaining peace. We Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the welcome his plans to restructure the United Nations Nagorno Karabakh region and seven other surrounding peace and security architecture, his 2018 report on districts of Azerbaijan remain under unlawful military peacebuilding and sustaining peace (S/2018/43) and the occupation, even as deliberate actions are being carried Action for Peacekeeping initiative. The United Nations- out in the occupied territories with a view to securing World Bank Pathways for Peace report sets forward a their colonization and annexation, in clear violation of compelling, evidence-based case for these reforms, and international law. we endorse without reservation its recommendations to As the concept note (S/2018/1064, annex) rightly reduce fragmentation. emphasizes, many contemporary conflicts are internal As a stalwart defender of multilateral approaches crises, which in a growing number of cases are taking to addressing conflict, Canada is committed to place in environments where the situation is severely working together, with the Council, to ensure that our exacerbated by new threats and challenges. At the same time, the nature of conflict has changed significantly institutions and approaches embody the very best that over the years. It is abundantly clear that the boundary the international community has to offer. Should we be between intra-State and inter-State conflicts has elected to serve on the Security Council for the 2021- become increasingly blurred in recent decades. 2022 term, Council members can be sure that Canada will continue to work tirelessly towards this goal. The most frequent and complicated instances include attempts by States to camouflage aggression and The President (spoke in French): I now give the disguise their role in fuelling conflicts on the territories floor to the representative of Azerbaijan. of other States. This obviously imposes an additional Mr. Aliyev (Azerbaijan): At the outset, I would like burden on the international system and mechanisms and to thank the presidency of the Security Council, held by on the various regional and subregional organizations

68/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 dealing with conflict prevention and resolution. Georgia aligns itself with the statement delivered Against this background, in some instances regional earlier today by the observer of the European Union. arrangements are clearly misused by those who violate I would like to make a few remarks in my national international law as a shield for consolidating military capacity. gains and undermining efforts to achieve solutions to Today’s topic allows us to brainstorm on how regional conflicts and other security problems. to make the best use of Chapter VIII of the Charter The concept note raises a fundamental question of the United Nations, which addresses regional as to how cooperation between the United Nations, arrangements. Indeed, regional organizations naturally States and regional and subregional organizations in have a deeper expertise and understanding of regional the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts security matters. can be strengthened in practice. Most importantly, With respect to our region, the Organization for consistency should be maintained in identifying ways Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has at and means for the international community to respond its disposal a useful toolbox for preventive and early- to crises and conflicts, as well as to any apparent warning purposes, including its mechanisms, such as distortion of international legal norms and principles. the High Commissioner on National Minorities and the Needless to say, the implementation of the resolutions Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. adopted by the principal organs of the United Nations The Council of Europe also has an important instrument as well as accountability must be part and parcel of the at its disposal — the Commissioner for Human Rights. collective efforts towards that end. I can speak from country’s own experience. For almost two decades, Georgia has enjoyed very fruitful The purposes and principles of the Charter of the engagement and cooperation with the United Nations United Nations constitute a foundational normative and the OSCE. They both have done invaluable work in framework in international relations. There is no terms of conflict prevention and resolution in the now alternative to commonly agreed rules and their universal occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia. application, including in particular with regard to the resolution of conflicts, whatever their distinct root Both the United Nations and the OSCE deployed causes and characteristics. their missions in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region — the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia and the The fulfilment in good faith of the obligations OSCE Mission to Georgia, respectively — and their assumed by States based on full respect for the work was vital on the ground. Ironically, both were sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and discontinued by a permanent member of the Security the inviolability of their international borders are Council, which cast a veto in a similar manner, thereby prerequisites for the maintenance of international creating a vacuum of international presence. and regional peace and security and are at the core of Luckily, the European Union stepped in and the economic cooperation and sustainable development. European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) was It is our common duty to promote and support a dispatched to monitor the situation on the ground. reinvigorated and strengthened multilateral system. While the importance of the presence of the EUMM The involvement of States and regional, subregional and cannot be underestimated, unfortunately it is yet unable other intergovernmental organizations and their close to fulfil its mandate, since the Russian Federation, as cooperation with the United Nations must be reinforced the occupying Power, is blocking access to the occupied and integrated into a reformed peace architecture. regions. My country, Azerbaijan, will continue to be an active The United Nations, the European Union partner in that process. and the OSCE are complementing each other as The President (spoke in French): I now give the the three co-Chairs of the Geneva International floor to the representative of Georgia. Discussions — the format launched as a result and to implement the 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement Mr. Imnadze (Georgia): Allow me to express my between Russia and Georgia. The Geneva International sincere gratitude to Côte d’Ivoire for its presidency and Discussions is a valuable instrument to address security for convening today’s debate. and humanitarian needs on the ground but, like the

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EUMM, the full potential of the Geneva International Today’s open debate comes at a critical time for Discussions is yet to be unlocked. Progress on key my country. The Sudan has made great efforts to settle issues remains elusive due to the lack of political will conflicts in neighbouring countries — the Republic on the part of Russian Federation, while the work of the of South Sudan, the Central African Republic and Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms, under Libya — because we believe in the importance of the umbrella of the Geneva International Discussions, peace and the relationship between peace and security is becoming unduly politicized and hampered. It in the Sudan and peace and security in neighbouring is crucial to safeguard the Incident Prevention and countries. Today’s meeting is also being held as IGAD Response Mechanisms and return without further delay members, including the Sudan, have stepped up their to the usual work setting, in full respect of the founding efforts to achieve peace in the Republic of South Sudan. principles and ground rules. The phase of implementing the revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of Lastly, given the close interlinkages and mutually South Sudan has begun. That Agreement was signed on reinforcing nature of security, development and human 12 September in Addis Ababa, after considerable efforts rights, strengthening engagement on prevention by IGAD, led by the Sudan, and intensive negotiations between the Human Rights Council and the wider that took place in Khartoum. We hope that the Security United Nations system is of vital importance. In that Council will support our efforts and those of IGAD and context, we regard cooperation under agenda item 10 the African Union to achieve peace in those sisterly of the Human Rights Council, on technical assistance States — the Republic of South Sudan, Libya and the and capacity-building, as an extremely practical and Central African Republic. efficient tool for preventive purposes. We stress the importance of strengthening The President (spoke in French): I now give the coordinating regional and national efforts, on one floor to the representative of the Sudan. hand, and international efforts, on the other, to achieve Mr. Elnour (Sudan) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, peace, stability and development, and we stress the allow me to express my condolences to the delegation importance of avoiding any negative repercussions and the people of the United States on the passing away in neighbouring countries. There was a divergence of of former President George Herbert Walker Bush. views in 2011 between the African Union and certain permanent members of the Security Council with I would also like to congratulate you, Mr. President, regard to the situation in one of the African countries. and your sisterly country on presiding over the Security That divergence of views had dangerous repercussions Council during December. I congratulate China as well in that country, which continue to this day. Over the on its able leadership of the Council in November. I past few months, and as the peace process in South would like to thank you, Sir, for convening today’s open Sudan reached an advanced stage, there was another debate on the role of States, regional arrangements and divergence of views between IGAD members, on one the United Nations in the prevention and resolution hand, and certain Security Council members, on the of conflicts, and for the concept note that you have other, with respect to the usefulness of sanctions and prepared in that regard (see S/2018/1064, annex). I their impact on the peace process in South Sudan. also thank the Secretary-General and Mr. Moussa Sanctions were imposed by the Council. My country Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union hopes that, in the coming weeks, the Security Council Commission, as well as Mr. Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, will support the requests made by IGAD to review and for their valuable briefings this morning. expand the mandate of the Regional Protection Force in My delegation aligns itself with the statement made South Sudan, in order for it to play its role in supporting by the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of the implementation of the revitalized Agreement in Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned South Sudan. Countries. There is an urgent need to strengthen coordination We would like to add the following comments in and cooperation among the Security Council, the our national capacity and highlight the role of the Sudan African Union Peace and Security Council and IGAD and members of the Intergovernmental Authority on to support the peace process in South Sudan. The two Development (IGAD) in peace processes in our region. Councils and IGAD must organize joint field visits

70/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 to South Sudan and the countries of the region and require concerted regional and international efforts in strengthen trilateral cooperation among the United order to achieve our desired objective. Let us therefore Nations, the African Union and IGAD during the work together to create a new success story in East upcoming period. We also stress the need to promote the Africa to be added to the other success stories in Côte presence of Security Council members in South Sudan d’Ivoire and its neighbours Liberia and Sierra Leone. and in the region so as to closely follow developments The President (spoke in French): I now give the on the ground and cooperate with national and regional floor to the representative of the Republic of Moldova. partners in support of the implementation of the revitalized Agreement. Mr. Moraru (Republic of Moldova): Allow me to first to thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s The signing of the revitalized Agreement is just the first step towards achieving peace and stability open debate on the role of States, regional arrangements in the sisterly Republic of South Sudan. Many steps and the United Nations in the prevention and resolution and challenges remain ahead, which will require of conflicts. strengthened coordination and cooperation among all The Republic of Moldova aligns itself with the national and regional partners on a number of issues. statement made by the observer of the European Union They include national reconciliation, social cohesion and would like to add some remarks from a national and transitional justice; the return of refugees and perspective. internally displaced persons; reconstruction and development; building the capacity of State institutions; It is widely recognized that the nature of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, as well contemporary conflicts is changing rapidly and has as building the capacity of security institutions; and become more complex. The prevention and resolution providing job opportunities for young people. of conflicts, particularly protracted ones, is not the sole responsibility or prerogative of one multilateral With regard to the special relations between the organization or one country. It is a responsibility shared Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan, in addition to by the entire international community. The Republic the many ties between the peoples of the two countries, of Moldova fully supports the further development of as well as the link between their peace processes, there cooperation between the United Nations and regional is a need for the international community, especially arrangements in that field. the United Nations and the Security Council, to support the efforts of the two countries in order to The United Nations and regional arrangements strengthen their cross-border cooperation and to build can work together more effectively by gathering, and rehabilitate the basic infrastructure linking the consolidating and sharing good practices and lessons two countries. That includes roads, railways, riverine learned. Effective conflict prevention and resolution transport and electricity, in addition to supporting the requires building coherent and proactive partnerships efforts made by the two countries to complete the peace between the United Nations and regional arrangements. process in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur The focus on conflict prevention and resolution is states by putting pressure on the rebel movements that already a notable feature of the existing partnerships continue to obstruct the peace process, and by actively between the United Nations and some regional participating in the high-level event on transition from arrangements, including the European Union and the peacekeeping to peacebuilding and development in African Union. In line with their respective mandates Darfur. and comparative advantages, the United Nations and regional arrangements should strive to share the burden In conclusion, we have a historic opportunity to of their efforts by pooling resources and creating make significant progress in the Republic of South new synergies. We encourage the establishment of Sudan, strengthen regional cooperation and build coordination mechanisms at the Secretariat level to a better future for IGAD countries, especially in the operationalize cooperation among organizations in the wake of the ongoing positive developments in the field of conflict prevention and resolution. Horn of Africa region. My country’s delegation hopes that the Security Council will send a message to the The current restructuring of the peace and security international community in support of the countries of pillar of the United Nations, with conflict prevention the region in that regard. The existing grave challenges and sustaining peace at the core, offers an excellent

18-41579 71/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 opportunity to enhance the Secretariat’s capacities to The lack of progress in the settlement of protracted work on regional issues and strengthen the interaction conflicts and the continued illegal foreign military between the United Nations and the regional presence on the national territories of some Member arrangements. We commend the Secretary-General’s States require not only more direct involvement from efforts in that direction and thank him for his insightful the appropriate United Nations bodies and regional briefing today and related reports. organizations but also common action that takes into account both the prevention and resolution aspects of In pursuing their agendas and applying their the problems. We clearly need productive partnerships distinctive approaches to conflict prevention and that can prevent conflicts, address the root causes of resolution, regional arrangements and their member conflicts and end them. States must act in good faith and in strict compliance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, In conclusion, I would like to stress that in particular when it comes to ensuring respect for the strengthening the cooperation between the United sovereignty and the territorial integrity of States. Nations and regional entities is not merely an alternative approach to multilateralism. It is a necessity of today’s States have the primary responsibility for conflict world, requiring all those involved to apply United prevention, a prerogative that has been stressed several Nations principles and call for accountability when times in Security Council resolutions. Nonetheless, the they are violated. constructive potential of regional organizations in that area is often undermined by the limited interests of The President (spoke in French): I now give the individual members that use their authority to obstruct floor to the representative of Viet Nam. important initiatives or to limit the scope of cooperation Mr. Dang (Viet Nam): I would like to express our between regional arrangements and the United Nations appreciation to Cote d’Ivoire’s presidency of the Security that could be valuable to settlement processes. It is Council for organizing today’s very important debate. our firm belief that there is much more that can be We would also like to thank the Secretary-General, the drawn from regional partnerships, so long as all actors Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the involved abide by Charter principles. President of the Economic Community of West African The deteriorating security situation and lack of States for their valuable insights. progress in the settlement of protracted conflicts in the My delegation aligns itself with the statement post-Soviet space cannot go unnoticed. In that regard, a delivered by the representative of the Bolivarian question arises as to the actual role and effectiveness of Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of relevant regional arrangements and their coordination Non-Aligned Countries. efforts with the United Nations. We believe that no conflict in the world should be disregarded by the Vietnam shares the view of other Member States United Nations, irrespective of whether or not they on the primary importance of conflict prevention are on the Security Council’s agenda. The protracted in all peace processes and the need to strengthen the conflict situation in the eastern part of the Republic cooperation between and among the United Nations, of Moldova — a problem that is also complicated by regional and subregional organizations and States. We an illegal foreign military presence on our national are pleased to see that the United Nations, including territory — is one such conflict. the Security Council, has attached greater importance to its ties with regional actors at all stages of conflict By adopting a resolution in June on the complete prevention and resolution. With a view to making that and unconditional withdrawal of Russian military collaboration more effective, we would like to highlight forces from the territory of the Republic of Moldova the following points. (resolution 72/282), the General Assembly renewed the linkage between regional efforts at the level of First, the State has a crucial role in the maintenance Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe of law and order, in addressing the root causes of on the matter and on the United Nations platform. The conflict and in fully adhering to international law withdrawal of foreign troops is essential for creating while conducting its relations with other countries. the prerequisites for conflict prevention and conflict At the same time, the United Nations and regional resolution in the Republic of Moldova. organizations play a vital role in upholding and

72/74 18-41579 06/12/2018 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations S/PV.8414 promoting the principles of international law that dialogues on global issues of common concern, capacity- govern friendly relations among States. building, information-sharing, training and technical assistance in humanitarian affairs, peacekeeping, Secondly, the United Nations, with its vast efforts to counter terrorism, cybersecurity and so forth. experience and expertise in peacebuilding and peacekeeping should provide support and assistance to In conclusion, we reaffirm our strong commitment Member States and regional organizations. Meanwhile, to working closely with other Member States at the regional organizations have comparative advantages bilateral, regional and international levels towards our with their in-depth understanding of all aspects of common goal of global peace, security and development. conflict dynamics. Therefore, synergy among the The President (spoke in French): I now give the United Nations and regional organizations should be floor to the representative of Nigeria. strengthened, including through information-sharing, the exchange of experiences and dialogue facilitation Mr. Muhammad Bande (Nigeria): Permit me, and mediation, where appropriate. through you, Mr. President, to condole with our host, the Government of the United States of America, for the Thirdly, a comprehensive approach should be loss of their forty-first President, Mr. George Herbert developed in the prevention and settlement of conflicts, Walker Bush. given the interlinkage of all of the issues that we are dealing with in today’s world. Economic development I thank the presidency of Côte d’Ivoire for and social progress cannot be achieved without a convening this open debate. My sincere appreciation peaceful, stable and secure environment, and vice goes to Mr. Amon-Tanoh, Minister for Foreign Affairs versa. We therefore strongly believe that it is necessary of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Mr. António Guterres, to enhance the cooperation between the United Nations Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Moussa and regional organizations in all political, security, Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union economic and sociocultural areas so as to strengthen Commission, and Mr. Jean-Claude Brou, Chairperson their collaboration, including by jointly addressing of the Commission of the Economic Community of emerging regional and global challenges. West African States (ECOWAS), for their statements. Finally, as a member State of the Association of Violent conflicts fuelled by bad governance, Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Viet Nam would terrorism and the proliferation of small arms and light like to share our experience deriving from what we weapons, among other factors, hamper socioeconomic have done in ASEAN and within the cooperation development, thereby keeping the populace, framework of ASEAN and the United Nations. Since its particularly women and children, in perpetual misery. creation, ASEAN has made continuous efforts to turn Sadly, resolving large-scale conflict is often beyond Southeast Asia from a region of mistrust, turbulence the capacity of any single country. While the primary and instability into a region of mutual confidence responsibility for the maintenance of international and cooperation. That achievement may be attributed peace and security resides with the Security Council, to ASEAN’s efforts at norm-building and sharing. conflict prevention and conflict resolution involve Dialogue and consultation have long been the so-called a range of actors who provide distinct, but mutually ASEAN Way, which seeks to narrow differences, reinforcing, ways of addressing both the immediate and promote mutual trust and understanding and build deeper causes of violent conflict. consensus. ASEAN has been taking a leading role Regional and subregional organizations have been in the creation of various ASEAN-led frameworks to engaged in conflict prevention and resolution and post- engage external partners. conflict rehabilitation in many parts of the world. They are able to reduce the burden on the Security Council The cooperation between ASEAN and the United and to provide a key layer of legitimacy to actions taken Nations is of great importance to ASEAN. We are by the Security Council. They are also better placed to pleased with the progress in the implementation of the work with stakeholders so as to facilitate dialogue and Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ensure broader inclusivity. Comprehensive Partnership between ASEAN and the United Nations (2016-2020) through various practical Consequently, now more than ever, there is a need activities, including the holding of regular meetings, to strengthen collaboration between the United Nations

18-41579 73/74 S/PV.8414 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations 06/12/2018 and the various regional and subregional organizations impact of climate change. However, the Lake Chad basin around the world. Central to that collaboration is the countries have worked together to obtain international need to ensure that effective and mutually reinforcing support and attention, which is paying off. An array of mechanisms — both regional and global — that are countries — Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, flexible and responsive enough to ensure peaceful the United States of America, China, Canada and coexistence among communities are prioritized. In others — have joined the United Nations in providing addition, it is imperative to ensure that a means of financial and technical support to the ongoing efforts financing regional-body-led peace-support operations aimed not only at conquering Boko Haram but also that are authorized by the Security Council and at working at the same time across all the pillars, as consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the that is the only way forward. Indeed, so successful United Nations can be predictably and sustainably has that been, since the visit by the Security Council worked out. We owe that to the millions who suffer under the United Kingdom presidency in March 2017 and are waiting for our help. In that regard, I wish to and the various pledging conferences in Abuja, Oslo commend the Secretary-General on the current Joint and Berlin, that we are even talking of recharging the United Nations-African Union Framework for an basin, so as to restore and/or stabilize the livelihoods Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, which is a of the approximately 45 million people affected by step in the right direction. that unfortunate situation. Through it all, ECOWAS, the African Union and United Nations, as was stated In our efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts, yesterday by the President of Côte d’Ivoire (see we need also to take due cognizance of the structural S/PV.8413), have been working together to galvanize challenges to peace and security. Those challenges, support to that end. such as climate change, the mismanagement of natural resources, and cross-border and international crime, are In conclusion, let me reiterate my appreciation to at the root of some of the worst conflicts of our time, the organizers of this meeting and pledge Nigeria’s and they are best tackled through a broad collaboration resolve to continue to support efforts to maintain peace among States, subregional and regional organizations and security in all regions of the world, as we have done and the United Nations. since 1960 in the context of peacekeeping and other joint efforts. As we all know, the Lake Chad region has been facing its worst crisis ever, primarily because of the The meeting rose at 5 p.m.

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