Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the Ambassadorial-level meeting on Liberia’s peacebuilding and sustaining peace priorities (Liberia Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission) - August 19th, 2024

Madam Chair, colleagues,

I am delivering this statement exclusively in my national capacity.

I thank the Chair of the Liberia Configuration for convening this meeting to discuss Liberia’s peacebuilding and sustaining peace priorities. I also thank the briefers for their remarks. I salute the important Liberian delegation led by the Liberian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Anchored in the principle of national ownership, the Peacebuilding Commission has proven itself to be an invaluable platform where diverse experiences and resources can be mobilized to support national and regional peacebuilding efforts.

Brazil commends and encourages countries that wish to share their good practices and challenges in terms of peacebuilding and conflict prevention with the whole membership of the UN through the PBC.

And Brazil encourages the international community, through the Peacebuilding Commission, to galvanize its support for Liberia’s initiatives, and for other countries on the PBC’s agenda.

We are glad to recognize the significant progress made by Liberia in its peacebuilding journey, with the full support of the PBC and the PBF and with the competent and committed engagement of the Liberia Configuration’s Chair, Sweden.

The establishment of the Office of War and Economic Crimes Court is an important step towards addressing the root causes of Liberia’s past conflicts and ensuring justice and accountability.

As a country committed to the principles of justice and the rule of law, Brazil fully supports Liberia's efforts to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We believe that advancing transitional justice is essential for fostering social cohesion, durable peace, and sustainable development, which must be the ultimate objective of peacebuilding.

But Liberia’s future rests in the hands of its youth, which comprises over 60 percent of its population. Brazil commends Liberia's commitment to developing a National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security.

We emphasize the need for inclusive policies that provide youth with the necessary socio-economic opportunities and platforms to actively participate in peacebuilding and decision-making processes.

Colleagues,

Brazil remains strongly committed to an action-oriented approach within the Peacebuilding Commission. We advocate for the sharing of success stories and best practices in peacebuilding and sustaining peace. We advocate for IFIs strongly valuing serious national peacebuilding or conflict prevention strategies within the framework of the PBC when countries seek their support for concessional financing or technical assistance. We encourage all countries to look at the PBC as a wonderful new political tool that can really make a difference in implementing the UN Charter’s purposes and principles.

As we approach the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review, Brazil believes it is crucial to continue promoting inclusivity, unity, and collective action within the Commission, driven by national ownership, pragmatism and a results-oriented approach.

This approach not only respects the sovereignty of the nations involved but also ensures that our efforts are sustainable and impactful.

We thus reiterate our commitment to supporting Liberia in its quest for lasting peace and stability and we commend its Government and people for their commitment to a lasting peace and to sustainable development in all its dimensions.

Thank you.