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Statement on strengthening the role of the African state in addressing global security and development challenges

Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at an open debate on maintenance of international peace and security, Strengthening the role of the African state in addressing global security and development challenges

Thank you, Mr. President.

At the outset allow me to join others in thanking Secretary-General Guterres, AU Commissioner Adeoye and Ambassador Danese as the current chair of the Peacebuilding Commission for their insightful contributions to today’s discussion.

We also want to thank Mozambique for organizing this debate to explore opportunities to unlock the full potential of global agency of African states. We welcome today’s adoption of the presidential statement in this regard and we look forward to the adoption of the UNOWAS PRST.  

Mr. President,

With its strategic position, wealth and natural and human resources and growing young population African states are essential partners in our collective efforts to shape a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous world for all.

Allow me to offer some of Slovenia’s observations on three points:

First, strengthening national resilience.

Strong and effective national institutions are key to maintaining stable, secure and resilient societies and contribute to regional stability. Promoting transparency, accountability, inclusion, rule of law, and respect for human rights strengthens good governance and builds trust in state institutions. Liberia’s recent establishment of the war crimes tribunal to provide justice for victims of civil wars, Kenya’s local peace committee program preventing inter-tribal violence and Mozambique’s Maputo Accord promoting reconciliation and reintegration, are just some of the good examples in this regard.

Empowering women and youth to participate fully, equally, meaningfully, and safely in political and other decision-making processes, is crucial to unlocking the full potential for sustainable development and peacebuilding at national, regional and global levels and thus resilient societies.

Second, strengthening regional frameworks in building partnerships.

The African Union and regional economic communities play a critical role in conflict prevention, conflict mitigation, political and economic integration and sustainable development in Africa and beyond. Regional integration initiatives such as Agenda 2063 and Silencing the Guns provide a blueprint for strengthening Africa’s role in the global arena.

African leadership in addressing the challenges of climate, peace and security through innovative policies, regional cooperation, and international partnerships, such as IGAD Regional Climate Security Coordination mechanism and the Great Green Wall Initiative set a good example for our collective response.

Cross-regional and global partnerships such as the renewed EU-AU partnership for peace, security, and governance; and the Joint UN-AU Framework for enhanced partnership in Peace and Security provide opportunities to pool resources, expertise, and political will for a more effective joint response to the complex and multifaceted challenges both in the regions and globally. We look forward to participating in the Annual Joint Consultative Meeting between the AU PSC and the members of the Security Council in October.

This brings me to my third and final point: Strengthening Africa’s agency in global security and development.

The A3 configuration has been an integral voice in the Security Council’s responses to threats to and breaches of global peace and security. Under A3 leadership, the Security Council adopted resolution 2719, expanding the UN peacekeeping toolbox for more effective response to the changing nature of conflicts in Africa.

African initiative and leadership in addressing threats to peace and security that requires Security Council’s attention, especially in African region, strengthens the credibility of our collective response. Stepping up to lead security support efforts in Haiti is another good example of African leadership in global peace and security efforts.

Finally, the significant contribution as well as sacrifices made by peacekeepers from African countries, who have been serving in many UN, AU and other regional peacekeeping operations, shall not be forgotten.

Mr. President,

African states have become indispensable partners in the collective pursuit of global peace, security and sustainable development. And there is so much more that can be achieved. We look forward to concrete ideas and solutions from the region for the region. And beyond it.

Only by fully harnessing every region’s unique potential and knowledge we will succeed in shaping a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for all.

I thank you.

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