5 - 11 September 2020
This Week in DPPAis a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.
COVID-19
Interview with the Resident Coordinator in Gabon
In the latest installment of the video series, “Building Peace during the Pandemic”, Stephen Jackson, the UN Resident Coordinator in Gabon, spoke with Marc-André Franche, Chief, Financing for Peacebuilding, PBSO, DPPA, about how lockdown measures in response to COVID-19 have exerted strains on a close-knit society like Gabon. The pandemic has also led to an increase in stigmatization faced by refugees and migrant workers. He highlighted how the UN Country Team in Gabon reoriented its programming to focus on frontline health response. Mr. Jackson emphasized that the real challenge ahead is working on the nexus of social cohesion in terms of sustaining peace in Gabon, the most urbanized country in Africa. Watch the video here
For up-to-date information on COVID-19 and its impact, please visit:
WHO website
UN coronavirus website
Security Council
Meeting on cooperation between Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie and the United Nations
The Security Council on 8 September was briefed on the cooperation between the “Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie” (OIF) and the United Nations. Bintou Keita, Under-Secretary-General for Africa, said that, as the OIF marks its fiftieth anniversary, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for strengthened and renewed multilateralism to face challenges of our times. She reminded members that cooperation within and between international organizations is one of the pillars of multilateralism, adding that the close partnership between the UN and the OIF is fully in line with that logic. Read her full remarks here (French)
DiCarlo warns against the erosion of trust in public institutions due to COVID-19
Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo on 9 September briefed the Council on Resolution 2532 regarding COVID-19. The resolution demands cessation of hostilities in conflicts on the Council´s agenda. She highlighted the erosion of trust in public institutions: “Such erosion increases fragility and has the potential to drive instability in settings where people perceive authorities have not addressed the pandemic effectively or have not been transparent about its impact.” She stressed that mitigating COVID-related risks in conflict situations requires collective and individual engagement of Council members. Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Mark Lowcock also briefed during the meeting. Read her full remarks here | Read more in UN News
Peacebuilding
Peacebuilding Commission meeting on Lake Chad Basin
In a meeting on 9 September convened by Mr. Bob Rae, Peacebuilding Commission Chair, Member States discussed the impact of COVID-19 in the Lake Chad Basin, which already faced serious security, humanitarian and development challenges. The Commission recognized the importance of the regional strategy for stabilization, recovery and resilience of Boko Haram-affected areas and encouraged strong multi-partner support for its implementation. It welcomed linkages with other strategies, including the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and Peacebuilding Fund projects. The Commission committed to promoting such efforts, including amplifying the voices of women peacebuilders. The Chair plans to submit a written statement to the 17 September Security Council open debate on humanitarian effects of environmental degradation and peace and security. Watch the meeting here
Secretary-General presents report on peacebuilding and sustaining peace
The Secretary-General on 11 September presented his 2020 Report on peacebuilding and sustaining peace in a virtual informal meeting of the General Assembly and Security Council. The report underscores that multidimensional, coordinated responses and whole-of-society approaches are required to address complex challenges. Member States reaffirmed the central role of prevention, peacebuilding and sustaining peace in the UN’s work and recognized the importance of financing. The next phase of the 2020 peacebuilding architecture review, led by New Zealand and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is expected to conclude by the end of the main session of the General Assembly. The Report
Colombia
Risaralda department establishes a reintegration board for former FARC combatants
The UN Verification Mission in Colombia on 8 September participated in the establishment of the Risaralda Departmental Reintegration Board, which aims to coordinate efforts for reconciliation, coexistence, and non-stigmatization of FARC-EP former combatants. The Board will follow up on social plans and programs to help reintegration, families, and communities. The Governor's Office committed to supporting productive projects of former combatants in Santa Cecilia. The UN Mission, former combatants, and local authorities will be active members of the Board. Read more
ASEAN
DiCarlo: "It is vital that we all use our political will and leverage to press for the full, equal and meaningful participation of women"
Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo on 9 September addressed the ASEAN Ministerial Dialogue on Strengthening Women's Role for Sustainable Peace and Security. She noted that COVID-19 has exacerbated gender inequalities in conflict-affected countries and warned of further marginalization of women. She called for full, equal and meaningful participation of women in political decision-making, peacemaking, pandemic response and peacebuilding. Read her full remarks here
Afghanistan
Radio series highlights link between communal solidarity and peace
Participants of UN-backed radio programs in Afghanistan’s central and southeast provinces highlighted strong connections between solidarity in communities and peace. Influential community and religious leaders underscored the power of social bonds to help Afghanistan out of conflict. Read more here
Meeting to discuss intra-Afghan negotiations
Special Representative Deborah Lyons on 7 September met with Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chair of the High Council for National Reconciliation, to discuss upcoming intra-Afghan negotiations. “An inclusive peace process is crucial to Afghanistan's stability and prosperity. UN stands with Afghans on the road to peace,” UNAMA tweeted. Read more
Central Asia
UNRCCA announce winners of essay contest
This week, UNRCCA announced the winners of its “Youth Voices from Central Asia – UN75 and Regional Peace and Security” essay contest. The winners will represent their countries at the upcoming second Government-Youth Dialogue for Central Asia and Afghanistan. Read more about the winners here
Lebanon
Special Coordinator stands with the young people of Lebanon
“I am with you, students and generally young generation of Lebanon in your despair and frustration with the authorities, including the banking sector, that so blatantly ignore your rights and needs. Together with my UN colleagues I will continue urging the responsible to quickly find fair and just solutions that will make possible for you to study at home and abroad. You are the future of Lebanon,” Ján Kubi_, Special Coordinator for Lebanon, tweeted on 7 September. Read more
West Africa
Special Representative visits Niger
Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative and Head of UNOWAS, visited Niger this week. He participated in the 57th ECOWAS Summit in Niamey on 6 September and met with authorities, political actors, civil society, and UN representatives. He called for concerted efforts to address governance, climate change, security, hate speech, security sector reform, maritime piracy, drug trafficking and other transnational crimes. Read more
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