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EU Statement – UN Peacebuilding Commission Ministerial Meeting: National Ownership in Practice

24.09.2026
New York

24 September 2026, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union by H.E. Ambassador Martin Bille Hermann, EEAS Deputy Political Director & Managing Director, Multilateral Relations, Human Rights & Democracy, at the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission Ministerial Meeting, 81st Session of the UN General Assembly, on National Ownership in Practice: Strengthening Inclusive State Institutions through International Peacebuilding Support 

 

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  • Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

  • I am honoured to address this Ministerial session of the Peacebuilding Commission on behalf of the European Union.

  • Inclusive national ownership is a cornerstone of peacebuilding. This was reaffirmed as one of the key outcomes of last year’s Peacebuilding Architecture Review. 

  • Building on the Pact for the Future, one of the most significant achievements was the recognition of prevention as a universal path to sustainable peace. It is key to translate these commitments into implementation and today’s debate contribute to this. 

  • In today’s world, the UN has never been more needed, its values never more relevant, and the needs never greater. The EU is and will remain a steadfast promoter of the multilateral system, with the UN at its core. We remain committed to continue our strong support for peacebuilding. 

  • In this context, let me emphasise that the EU remains fully committed to and supportive of national peacebuilding efforts firmly grounded in the three pillars of the UN: peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. All three pillars play crucial roles for inclusive and lasting peacebuilding and conflict prevention outcomes.

  • Experience supported by strong data clearly demonstrate that peacebuilding is most successful and durable when implemented primarily by those who live with the consequences of conflicts and reflecting the gender dimension. National leadership therefore needs to go hand in hand with the meaningful participation of citizens and civil society, including women, youth and marginalized groups, while remaining grounded in human rights and international law.

  • Chair, 

  • Key concepts include mutual accountability and partnerships. This means that external actors and donors – such as the EU – remain accountable for tailoring support to meet national priorities and needs, while national governments are accountable for the effective, transparent and inclusive implementation in line with international norms and standards. 

  • Peacebuilding should be matched by adequate, predictable and sustained financing, with the Peacebuilding Commission using its convening role to mobilize partners and resources around nationally identified priorities.

  • Finally, let me recall that when it comes to peacebuilding and conflict prevention, no single actor can succeed alone. Partnerships are key for achieving results. Therefore, you can count on the EU to work together with the UN membership in a cross-regional manner in advancing sustainable and inclusive solutions. 

  • In closing, let me again stress the need to anchor peacebuilding in the UN’s three pillars. Only together can we deliver on peacebuilding and conflict prevention, which lie at the heart of both the UN and the EU.

  • Thank you.