During his speech, Guterres insisted on the importance of achieving broad participation and inclusion in peacebuilding around the world.

Opening the door to inclusion and participation means moving by leaps and bounds in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, he stressed.

In this regard, Guterres referred to three pivotal issues: First, that countries must envisage giving more possibility to different regions in which they are integrated.

Second, that national institutions and laws serve all the people of the country.

Third, Guterres spoke out for deep involvement in peacebuilding of women, young people, and the most disadvantaged and marginalized.

In Guterres’ viewpoint, even if the parties to the conflict agree to put an end to hostilities and to begin reconstruction, peace will be short-lived if it does not include ‘a wide range of diverse voices in each step of this peacebuilding.’

The UNSG also recalled that the Covid-19 pandemic has worsened inequalities and reversed progress in development and peacebuilding.

Inequities and weaknesses in government structures, he warned, create a void easily filled by voices of intolerance and extremism, which can lead to violent conflict.

mh / pll / msm / ifb