Remarks by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the Security Council Open Debate on Peacebuilding and sustaining Peace: The New Agenda for Peace- Addressing Global, Regional and National Aspects of Conflict Prevention - August 21st, 2024

Mr. President,

Brazil commends Sierra Leone for organizing this open debate.

Brazil has traditionally supported the idea that prevention is a key element of a comprehensive approach to sustaining peace. This idea is present in the New Agenda for Peace and, we hope, will be incorporated in the Pact for the Future. By addressing conflict prevention, the international community can recommit to the founding principles and purposes of the UN Charter as well as its chapter 6. Conflict is not inevitable or a self-fulfilling prophecy. It can and should be avoided. 

We must encourage and promote the shift to the prevention paradigm. Prevention not only saves lives, but at the end, it is much more cost-effective than deploying peace operations and engaging in postconflict recovery. 

In order to escape the logic of reaction and mitigation, we should be able to invest in early-warning mechanisms, preventive diplomacy, mediation, and other tools we already have at our disposal.

As regions and countries have their own challenges and resources, it is crucial to find ways to support conflict prevention based on their respective priorities and specificities. The culture of prevention should be fostered locally, nationally and regionally, as we manage to support concrete challenges and give voice to those affected by specific risks.

We should strengthen international cooperation and leverage diplomatic tools to address the many different causes of conflict, including extreme poverty and inequality, food insecurity, systematic violations of human rights, weak State institutions and instability.

International Financial Institutions and regional organizations and development banks also play a crucial role in conflict prevention and resolution. Collaborative regional efforts are essential for sustainable peace. The UN as a whole and the IFIs and regional development banks must help countries that seriously engage in peacebuilding and conflict prevention strategies under the umbrella of the Peacebuilding Commission.

At the national level, the involvement of civil society, grassroots organizations, indigenous groups, and local leaders and communities in conflict prevention is paramount to develop tailored strategies that address specific national challenges. Peace cannot be achieved without addressing the concerns of the people directly affected, especially women and youth. This inclusive approach strengthens the fabric of society and fosters a sense of ownership and resilience. A plurality of perspectives provides a broader perception of risks and helps indicate where investments are necessary.

Mr. President,

The implementation of prevention strategies and approaches must be adequately resourced. Access to adequate to financial means is key to their successful implementation. Investing in education, infrastructure, and governance, for example, under a robust conflict prevention strategy, has the potential to yield long-term benefits for global peace and security. The recommendations of the New Agenda for Peace, the Summit of the Future, and next year's peacebuilding architecture review can compose a vision to redefine our approach to conflict prevention.

Brazil stands ready to collaborate with all member states to create a more resilient, inclusive, and proactive framework for peace.

Finally, I would like to take note of the written advice provided by the Peacebuilding Commission to this session, which reflects on this body's role on prevention, as part of sustaining peace efforts. And finally, I would like to remind all members that Brazil, as chair of the PBC, will be holding a PBC ministerial meeting, on 26th of September, on the peacebuilding architecture review.

Thank you.