UNSC ARRIA FORMULA: ADVANCING NEW PARADIGMS FOR PEACEBUILDING: FORTIFYING INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE APPROACHES TO PEACEMAKING
Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
12 January 2025
President, colleagues,
For eighty years, the United Nations has made a significant contribution to international peace and security.
It has saved lives, restored trust and created the conditions for development and the enjoyment of human rights.
That record is worth celebrating.
It reminds us of what is possible when we act together.
But we must face the truth.
In too many places, peace efforts are failing.
Missions are asked to do more with less, and support from host communities is waning.
UN peace operations – while often necessary – do not always succeed as designed.
To meet today’s challenges, the UN must reform its approach across the peace continuum.
First, we need new models and bold ideas.
The Pact for the Future recognised that many of the UN’s tools are outpaced by realities on the ground.
We must put conflict prevention at the heart of all UN efforts.
We need to strengthen early warning systems and engage in mediation before violence erupts.
National Prevention Strategies offer a practical way to do this.
Australia is proud to be supporting the development of policy guidance for these Strategies, which will be available as a voluntary tool to help States more effectively assess risk and address drivers of conflict.
Second, the UN must complement – not precede – regional mediation and peace processes.
In our Indo-Pacific region, Australia has a proud history of supporting peacebuilding, including in Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
In Papua New Guinea, we continue to support the Bougainville Peace Process – a Pacific-led, inclusive process, supported by the UN.
In our experience, this model – of regional actors leading and the UN providing technical and political support as needed – leads to more credible and durable outcomes.
President,
Investing in peacebuilding goes to the heart of the UN’s purpose – to prevent conflict by addressing its root causes.
It strengthens social cohesion, stabilises regions, manages migration flows, and creates economic opportunity.
This is fundamental to all our interests.
President,
This is a moment for Member States to step up – to advocate for collective approaches and back them with resources and political support.
Peace processes will never be perfect, but when we act together, consistently and early, our impact can improve the future for people, communities, and entire regions.
Australia is continuing to step up, and we call on all Member States to join us.
Thank you.