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EU Statement – UN Peacebuilding Commission: 2nd Annual Interactive Dialogue on the Peacebuilding Fund

18.03.2026
New York

18 March 2026, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union by H.E. Ambassador Hedda Samson, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, at the Peacebuilding Commission Ambassadorial-Level Meeting on the 2nd Annual Interactive Dialogue on the PBF

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Chair,

I would like to thank you for organizing today’s meeting as an opportunity to share policy and strategic advice on the Peacebuilding Fund’s work. 

Chair,

The EU’s approach to peacebuilding and conflict prevention continues to be underpinned by universal values and respect for international law, including the UN Charter, with the UN system at the core. And we back this up financially: The EU is providing predictable and sustained financing for peacebuilding actions with an ongoing portfolio of more than 460 million Euro to the UN Family through some 120 ongoing actions. 

 

This includes the EU’s continued strong support to the PBF, to which the EU has contributed over 14 million USD during the current PBF Strategy period.  This year, we are maintaining our annual 3 million Euro contribution to the Peacebuilding Fund. 

With the 2025 peacebuilding architecture review successfully concluded, we must now prioritize implementation of the review outcome. One of the driving forces behind the review was to ensure genuine impact. Most significantly, impact where it counts most, namely on the ground, with – at its core – efficient, coherent and inclusive UN systemwide efforts building on the three interconnected and mutually supportive pillars of the UN. Through its catalytic effect, the PBF continues to play a key role in this regard. 

The implementation of the Pact for the Future and the ongoing UN80 reform initiative offers an opportunity to reinvigorate multilateral peacebuilding efforts in a way that is more streamlined, effective, and impactful. 

We believe that conflict prevention must be at the core of peacebuilding efforts. Together, the EU and the UN agreed to explore coordination on support to national capacities for conflict prevention, including support to nationally owned and led prevention strategies. 

Chair,

In the spirit of this interactive dialogue, allow me to raise a few questions before concluding: 

•        First: We see PBF support to national peacebuilding and prevention strategies as extremely important and would like to ask how the Fund intends to best and most efficiently support members who seek engagement in this regard?

•        Second: According to the data UN agencies continue to represent the overwhelming majority of PBF implementing partners compared to others, including civil society organisations. What are the prospects to expand CSO engagement in this area? And are setting targets part of the considerations looking forward? What other tools could be considered to ensure inclusive approaches that engage local peacebuilders and civil society? 

Chair,

At a time when conflict is on the rise, we need the PBF more than ever. In closing, let me reiterate the EU’s commitment to the PBF as an agile, flexible and results-oriented instrument to promote peacebuilding and sustaining peace.

Thank you.