UN

QUNO Peacebuilding-2011

QUNO Representative Camilla Campisi with members of the Kibimba Peace Committee in Burundi (credit: QUNO)

Peacebuilding policy and practice continues to evolve at the UN, and while support for national ownership and building local capacity are frequently highlighted, UN peacebuilding often takes a top down, rather than a bottom up, approach. QUNO continued to engage with the UN work in Burundi, contributing to discussions on peacebuilding and transitional justice. We worked with Chinese academics to explore the UN’s approach to peacebuilding and peacekeeping, including jointly hosting delegation visits to the African Great Lakes region and to New York.

Prevention Meeting at Quaker House 2011

QUNO Representative Sarah Clarke with visiting Chinese scholars to the UN in New York (credit: Jason Tower)

The prevention of violent conflict is one of the principal charter objectives of the UN, yet the prevention discussion remains fragmented and lacking in focus. QUNO continues to raise awareness about local peacemaking initiatives in Myanmar and encourages a balanced approach to the region. The work with China and with other ‘rising power’ Member States continues to make significant progress. QUNO has been an active participant in policy discussions about the future direction of work on the prevention of violent conflict at the UN.