7 November 2025
The event
Key issues discussed
Current policy discussions point to a more prominent role for the tools of the peacebuilding architecture in addressing root causes of conflict and bridging different instruments. This includes strengthening the interface between peace operations and peacebuilding – all the more important in light of financial constraints and calls for efficiency and effectiveness. In particular, synergies can be unlocked when it comes to the Peacebuilding Commission’s (PBC) advice to the UN Security Council (UNSC), and the Peacebuilding Fund’s (PBF) support to peace operations, especially during transitions and to strengthen preventive and localised approaches to peacebuilding.
What is being done/to do about them
Today, the notion that peacebuilding can supply the organising principle in a broader ecosystem of tools is well-established. As the PBC agenda unites issues of security, development and finance, it is well-placed to serve as a platform for dialogue, learning and system-wide coherence. Similarly, its advisory role to the UNSC is an opportunity to share perspectives from the whole UN system. Still, the PBC may be equally plagued by divisions that in turn make delivering strong and coherent advice difficult. The upcoming Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR) will reinforce peacebuilding’s bridging role and provide guidance on how to leverage prevention strategies.
The PBF has had a strategic focus on supporting transitions and a track record of engaging with peace operations. These activities appear to be most effective when they are timebound and aligned with national priorities. To further strengthen synergies, more could be done to avoid overlap and clarify eligibility process for access to funds.
People-centred peace operations still struggle with how and with whom to engage. Often, engagement with local leaders is simply used to validate pre-designed programmes rather than co-creating them with local representatives in true partnership. In fact, local-level analysis and partners are a precondition for successfully designing support that features suitable approaches, entry points, and timelines, and the PBF and other peacebuilding instruments can help peace operations achieve meaningful local partnerships.
What implications emerged for the UNSC and UN HQ
In its advice to the UNSC, the PBC should seek to be more operational and evidenced-based to increase the relevance of its analysis. The PBF plays a valuable role as a support mechanism, catalyst and strategic enabler of national ownership, including for peace operations. The focus of peacebuilding and peace operations needs to shift to supporting national and local capacities to sustain peace. However, financial pressures that constrain the scope and reach of peace operations and related capacities, such as Peace and Development Advisers, will reduce the role the UN can play in support of national conflict prevention strategies.
To cope with reduced funding and to make the most of future peace operations that are likely to have a narrower focus, the PBC, PBF and related peacebuilding efforts can contribute to bringing about a whole-of-UN effort that maximise the combined effort that UN and other partners can offer in support of national efforts to prevent conflict and sustain peace.