On Wednesday, a high-level virtual debate of the UN Security Council examined the challenges of maintaining peace and security in fragile or conflict-affected countries.
"Fragility and conflict are among the greatest obstacles to implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Even before the covif-19 pandemic, the conflict landscape was deteriorating," he said during the open debate.
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Conflicts have become more complex, fueled by greater regionalization, the proliferation of non-State armed groups, and their linkages with criminal and even terrorist interests. They last longer and become more difficult to resolve," he added.
The UN chief stressed that breaking the cycle of poverty and conflict calls for recognizing peace and sustainable development are interdependent, while also promoting inclusion.
"The 2030 Agenda recognizes that there can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development. A holistic approach to building and sustaining peace, with targeted and tailored investments across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, is essential," he explained.
"Guaranteeing equal opportunities, protection, access to resources and services and participation in decision-making are not simply moral and legal obligations. They are a necessary condition if countries are to truly break out of the conflict trap," he said.
The linkages between conflict and fragility have been particularly visible in Africa, including in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel.
Climate change, terrorism, transnational organized crime and the proliferation of armed groups have only worsened the situation.
"In the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, fragility has been exacerbated by transboundary threats such as climate change, terrorism, transnational organized crime, and the proliferation of armed groups. In the Great Lakes and Central African region, limited state authority, the continued presence and activities of armed groups, human rights violations, illicit exploitation of natural resources and unemployment continue to drive instability," he stated.
"To address these trends, the United Nations has worked closely with the African Union and regional economic communities," he added.
(WAH)
