The announcement came as the Security Council and General Assembly passed twin resolutions in support of the UN peacebuilding body, providing a plan to make it more impactful.
‘Quantum leap’
Announcing the $1 billion at a news conference in New York, Peacebuilding Support Chief Elizabeth Spehar and Chair of the fund’s Advisory Group Macharia Kamau said the funding milestone reflects the Secretary-General’s call for a “quantum leap” in funding.
Despite this achievement, the Fund faces a shortfall of $500 million against its target of $1.5 billion for the period 2020-2026.limiting its ability to meet the growing demand for its crucial support services from Member States.
The Fund currently supports more than 50 countries, three-quarters of them in Africa.
Joint resolution
Earlier on Wednesday, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution in support of overall UN peacebuilding efforts, and the General Assembly adopted the same text shortly thereafter. The coordinated action approving the organization’s peacebuilding architecture first took place in 2005.
The resolution underscores the UN’s continued focus on preventing conflict and supporting lasting peace, emphasizing that real results are achieved when development, human rights and peace and security work hand in hand.
Spehar said the timing of the vote and the corresponding announcement of the $1 billion funding goal was “very significant.”
For details on the vote and resolution, go to our meeting coverage page, here.