Message by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator at Africa Peace Conference

• Excellency President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,
• The Honourable Minister of Peace,
• Excellencies Ministers here present, 
• Excellency Ambassador Bankole, Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission,
•  Excellencies distinguished delegates from AU Member States, 
• Members of the Diplomatic Corps, colleagues of the UN, Ladies and Gentlemen.   

"Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice." These words remind us of the profound responsibility we share in shaping a future where peace is the foundation of our societies. It is my pleasure to deliver this goodwill message at the Africa Peace Conference, initiated by the Ethiopian Ministry of Peace. I warmly welcome all delegates who have travelled from near and far to this beautiful city of Addis Ababa.

The idea of a peace conference is timely and reminds us of the principles laid down by the Founding Members of the United Nations. The UN Secretary-General’s "Our Common Agenda" (2021) and the New Agenda for Peace have all been efforts to amplify the need to refocus global peace and security, with a strong emphasis on dialogue, violent conflict prevention, and the promotion of multilateralism. The ‘Pact for the Future,’ the main outcome of the Summit of the Future, underscores the importance of peace as an enabler for all development strides, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals, which are lagging far behind due to multiple global conflicts.

Excellencies,

The world is at a crossroads. Peace, stability, and security are critical ingredients for achieving the SDGs in Africa, a continent whose vast potential is yet to be fully tapped. The AU Agenda 2063 embodies the hopes and aspirations of every African, charting a path toward a stronger, united, and empowered continent. To transform this vision into reality, we must commit to actionable strategies in collaboration with governments, the private sector, and civil society. Today’s discussions are a testament to our resolve to align with Africa’s blueprint for transformation, leaving no one, or country behind, especially African youth, women, and the marginalized.

Peace is crucial for Ethiopia, the Horn of Africa, the entire continent, and the world at large. Without peace, we cannot make significant progress in implementing the SDGs and harnessing Africa’s enormous development potential. This reminds me of the words of one of our former Secretaries-General, Kofi Annan, who stated, “There can be no development without peace; no peace without development; and none of these without respect for human rights.” We must address the root or structural causes of conflicts that undermine development, beyond the symptoms and manifestations, resolving differences amicably and peacefully.

Excellencies,

I am pleased to note that the program will discuss a number of thematic areas that are at the core of peace and development on the continent. Africa’s rich traditions and indigenous knowledge offer valuable insights for ‘African solutions to African problems.’ This knowledge, rooted in community customs and traditions, must be integrated into existing and new frameworks and mechanisms for conflict prevention, peacebuilding, post-conflict reconstruction, and reconciliation. We should invest in empowering traditional systems alongside existing institutional mechanisms to further unlock the potential of Africa’s heritage and contribution to peace, stability and harmony on the continent.

The UN is happy to partner with the Government of Ethiopia to support this conference and to reaffirm our commitment to peace and development in Africa. I firmly believe that national leadership, inclusivity, and national ownership of all processes are fundamental for the sustainability of peace not only in Africa but globally.

In conclusion, while striving for inclusivity and equity in creating an enabling environment for the implementation of the SDGs and cultivating a culture of peace, we must also approach this endeavor in a holistic, coordinated, and integrated manner to ensure that our catalytic interventions have a transformative impact on the lives of all—women, men, and youth. Let us re-commit today to take bold steps towards a peaceful and prosperous Africa.

I thank you.