A/67/PV.57 General Assembly

I give the floor to the Chairperson of the Credentials Committee to introduce the report of the Committee and the draft resolution contained therein. Mr. Charles (Trinidad and Tobago), Chairperson of the Credentials Committee: On behalf of the Credentials Committee, I wish to introduce the Committee’s report on the credentials of representatives to the sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly (A/67/611). The Committee wishes to recommend to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft resolution in paragraph 16 of the report. I wish to thank the Secretariat, in particular the Office of Legal Affairs, and members of the Committee for their support.

The General Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Credentials Committee in paragraph 16 of its report. The Credentials Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran has asked to speak in explanation of position on the resolution just adopted. I remind him that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

My delegation joined the consensus adoption of resolution 67/103, entitled “Credentials of representatives to the sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly”. In that context, I reiterate my Government’s position that our support for the resolution shall in no way be construed as recognition of the Israeli regime. I wish my statement in that regard to be recorded and registered in the official record of the meeting.

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 3.

I am glad to refer to the report of the Secretary-General entitled “Civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict” (A/67/312). The initiative aims at a cross-cutting effort to improve the United Nations support to capacity-building in countries emerging from conflicts. As such, the initiative, pursuant to resolution 66/255, is scheduled to be considered by the General Assembly and its subsidiary bodies, including in particular the Fifth Committee and the Special Committee on Peacekeeping. Today, I would like to open the discussion process that will allow Member States to draw up coordinated approaches to that important initiative.

I have the honour to deliver a statement on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. The Movement welcomed the adoption of resolution 66/255 on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict in support of national capacities for post- conflict peacebuilding, giving particular attention to mobilizing the capacities of developing countries, in particular among women, that are vital to successful United Nations peacebuilding activities. The Movement supports the Secretary-General’s civilian capacity initiative and takes note of his report (A/67/312). We reiterate, in the same regard, the importance of national civilian capacity development and institution-building in post-conflict situations, as well as enhanced regional, South-South and triangular cooperation. The report contains valuable insights and highlights the importance that the Secretary-General attaches to civilian capacity. The Movement looks forward to being constructively engaged in carrying the review process forward. In the same context, the Movement reiterates its stress on the following points. On building partnerships, the Movement reiterates the potential benefits that the process can realize in its development and implementation from inclusive partnership among relevant stakeholders, including regional and subregional organizations. Progress still needs to be made also in avoiding duplication of work at Headquarters as well as in the field. With respect to a demand-driven approach, the Movement commends the demand-driven approach of the report. The Movement stresses, however, that the assessment of demand should be done jointly with national stakeholders, aligned with national priorities, and strike a good balance between development needs and the contingencies of peace and security. As to capacity from the South, we underline the necessity for the United Nations to make full use of South- South cooperation arrangements in the development of civilian capacities in post-conflict countries. We stress as well the need for the United Nations to draw from the expertise of leaders and practitioners from countries of the global South who have grappled with civilian capacity challenges, with the aim of deploying effective civilian expertise. Further efforts also should be deployed to locate specialized civilian capacities in the global South. The Movement encourages the Secretary- General to make his civilian capacity review process representative by drawing upon talent from the global South, including at Headquarters. We emphasize in that context the framework of South-South and triangular cooperation, based on predictable and adequate funding and resources. The potential role of the Peacebuilding Fund in filling gaps in the funding of civilian capacities also should be explored much further. With regard to resource mobilization, the Movement firmly believes that post-conflict peacebuilding is a long-term and resource-intensive process. Thematic, personnel and support mechanisms at Headquarters must match the abilities to undertake those tasks in the field. As for the peacekeeping-peacebuilding nexus, the success of peacebuilding activities hinges upon the effective completion of peacekeeping operations and the efficacy of the overall peace process of which peacekeeping and peacebuilding are parts. We therefore stress that both peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities should be supported by adequate financial and human resources in order to ensure sustainable peace. We stress also that peacebuilding activities should not have a negative impact on the resources allocated to the peacekeeping operations. Moreover, consultations with the Security Council on mandate adjustments, in line with the evolving needs of civilian capacities in the field, should be conceived ahead of deployment in order to allow for the proper allocation of budget resources. With respect to national capacity-building, building the national capacities of post-conflict countries should remain at the centre of all our efforts. We are cognizant of the fact that national capacities in many post- conflict situations are often fragmented. Therefore, our initiatives should focus on integrating the fragmented capacities that exist in post-conflict countries so that they can strive towards sustainable peace and avoid possible relapse into conflict. Regarding the inclusiveness of the peacebuilding process, we reiterate that national ownership is at the core of all the principles guiding the review of civilian capacities. The peacebuilding process should be inclusive so that all citizens, including vulnerable groups such as women and children, are in a position to engage meaningfully in the process. It should empower people at the grass-roots level to utilize their social bond as a strong collateral for development work and as an effective deterrent against relapse into conflict. Moreover, the Movement is convinced of the crucial role of the Peacebuilding Commission in supporting agenda countries in identifying national existing capacities and capacity gaps. It could also evaluate the progress and challenges facing the implementation of the initiative. Finally, the Movement underlines in the same regard the need to take forward the ongoing process of civilian capacities review in intergovernmental settings, and to involve the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and the Fifth Committee, given the many administrative and budgetary implications. We reiterate our commitment to constructively engage in substantive and specific proposals on the matter.

Egypt aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Tunisia in its capacity as the coordinator of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) caucus on peacebuilding. Egypt also thanks the Secretariat for its efforts in developing civilian capacities in post-conflict countries and in launching the CAPMATCH mechanism under resolution 66/251. Civilian capacities in the countries of the South are considered to be among the most important sources of civilian expertise in post-conflict countries, given the similarities of the relevant conditions, capabilities and challenges. In that context, Egypt reaffirms the importance of launching bilateral partnerships between countries of the South and trilateral cooperation mechanisms in order to develop work plans that respond to countries’ real need for civilian expertise in the aftermath of conflict. Moreover, civilian capacities from the South are cost-effective in comparison with the familiar programmes of North-South cooperation. Egypt stresses the importance of devising new, sustainable financial formulas for providing civilian capacities to countries in the aftermath of conflict, and of building on experiences drawn and lessons learned from financing regional and international peacebuilding processes, especially now that it has become clear that the financial restraints represent an obstacle to achieving effective material progress in peacebuilding programmes. Egypt has diligently followed the progress of the initiative, given its confidence in the initiative’s relvance and potential to bring a high return to countries in the aftermath of conflict. That was reflected in Egypt’s active participation in the negotiations on resolution 66/255, which shows that the civilian expertise of countries in democratic transition can be an important source of civilian expertise for countries in the aftermath of conflict. Egypt has endowed active funds for technical cooperation with Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Through those funds, Egypt provides its civilian expertise to friendly countries, either bilaterally or through trilateral cooperation mechanisms. That has enabled Egypt to play a similar role in providing civilian expertise to countries in the aftermath of conflict. Accordingly, interested Egyptian entities were among the first subscribers to the CAPMATCH site launched in September. On the basis of its firm belief in the importance of intensifying cooperation with regional organizations in the field and of providing civilian expertise to countries in the aftermath of conflict, Egypt has launched an initiative within the African Union to establish an African Union centre for post-conflict reconstruction and development in order to encourage ownership by African countries of qualified national expertise as they aspire to achieve long-term sustainable development. Egypt welcomes the results of the visit to Cairo of the Special Adviser and Assistant Secretary-General for Civilian Capacities in October, during which she met with a wide range of high-level officials in the relevant Egyptian ministries to discuss what could be provided in the first phase of CAPMATCH. To conclude, Egypt reaffirms its participation in all the implementation phases of the United Nations initiative to enhance civilian capacities in post-conflict countries, given its firm belief that the peoples of those countries deserve a chance to live a better life, to own their national programmes to achieve that goal, and to achieve sustainable development in all its various aspects in order not to relapse into conflict.

I now give the floor to the observer of the European Union.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The acceding country Croatia; the candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Iceland and Serbia; and the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina align themselves with this statement. The European Union and its member States welcome the report of the Secretary-General on civilian capacity in the aftermath of the conflict (A/67/312). The report clearly shows both the progress achieved in that important undertaking as well as the challenges for the next phase of the work. It goes without saying that there is continuous need for a practical, results-oriented focus in a process that is aimed at delivering stronger, efficient support to national processes and priorities. We value the consultative approach taken to develop and promote the initiative, as successfully demonstrated through various regional conferences. The European Union and its member States strongly support the basic principles of the initiative. National ownership is underlined as the only way to build a lasting peace. Partnerships are a vital element and their use should be maximized. As the report underlines, the endeavour is a collective enterprise undertaken by various actors, both internationally and within the United Nations system. The international community must do better at providing rapid, effective civilian capacity to conflict- affected countries. One of the main efforts is to broaden and deepen the pool of civilian expertise. We are in the process of defining how we can contribute to that endeavour, both within the EU and in cooperation with the United Nations. We are seeking to enhance the identification, recruitment and training of specialist civilian experts, as well as opportunities for synergies where appropriate. We are also looking at priority gaps in the provision of support to national institution-building in countries in conflict, crisis-affected countries and those in transition. We emphasize the awareness and understanding of specific contexts and conditions as criteria for the expertise, thus strongly supporting South-South cooperation. Creating networks to that effect is important. We note with satisfaction that the new online platform CAPMATCH has now been launched, providing a mechanism to connect those seeking experience and capacity with potential providers. We encourage active use of the system and its continuous refinement, based on early experiences and lessons learned. New innovative models need to be found to enable triangular cooperation. We welcome the focus put on enhancing accountability and support the establishment of the joint global focal point for the rule-of-law sector. The synergies to be gained through such an approach are important, and similar arrangements could be beneficial in other sectors as well. The European Union is fully committed to strengthening its partnership with the United Nations. The European Union is working closely with the United Nations on how to provide support to the civilian capacity review. The United Nations has drawn attention to a number of areas where European Union experience in civilian capability development for crisis management could be of direct support to United Nations field operations. As the report states, the initiative will apply across the various responses of the United Nations system. We therefore encourage the United Nations system to continue to work together to find the optimal ways to be more nimble, responsive and innovative in post-conflict situations.

At the outset, my delegation aligns itself with the positions of the Non-Aligned Movement, as set forth earlier by the representative of Tunisia. We thank the Secretary-General for his report on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (A/67/312). The report reiterates the important principles and understandings that underpin the work of the international community in rebuilding societies in the aftermath of conflict. It also provides thoughtful and thought-provoking reflections on how to further strengthen the means to rebuild those societies through enhancing civilian capacity in meaningful and innovative ways. Our appreciation extends also to Ms. Sarah Cliffe, Special Adviser and Assistant Secretary-General for Civilian Capacities, for her earnest efforts in that regard. Over the years, the international community has come to learn that there is an undeniable premise that must guide our work in the context of supporting transitions from conflict to durable peace and sustainable development. That premise is that the road to recovery must be rooted in institutions and capacities that are organic and sustainable. As stated in the Secretary-General’s report, “civilian capacities and institution-building pathways cannot be imposed from outside but work best when programmes are designed to support a strong process of national decision-making” (A/67/312, summary). Equally important are the role of South-South and triangular cooperation and the work of the Peacebuilding Commission in developing national capacity and mobilizing resources for institution-building. Thailand agrees with the understanding — reflected in the Secretary-General’s civilian capacity initiative and reiterated through the consultations of Member States in various forums on the issues — that sharing comparable experiences among countries that have faced similar challenges at different stages of their transitions is extremely useful because it broadens and deepens the pool of civilian capacity in a manner that is very promising and has great potential. While South- South and triangular cooperation should not take the place of traditional North-South cooperation, the role of the global South in that context should be further explored and supported. Thailand has, in various forums, stressed the importance of any and all efforts aimed at strengthening and improving the United Nations system and its ability to respond to various issues in a transparent, effective and accountable manner. We believe that efforts that continually review and reassess how to do things better within the Organization and in cooperation with relevant stakeholders and partners are the only way to meet evolving demands and challenging landscapes. We highly appreciate the fact that the Secretary- General’s civilian capacity initiative has at its core a genuine desire to improve and strengthen the ability of the United Nations to provide support to conflict and post-conflict countries. Therefore, we will lend our full support to it and to the overarching goals of effective implementation, transparency and accountability. Thailand’s decision to join the first group of participants in the CAPMATCH online platform was based firmly on the principles I have just outlined. We have always attached the highest importance to South- South cooperation in the bilateral context. We are therefore delighted to have registered on the recently launched online platform the available capacities and experiences of Thai Government agencies in the area of economic revitalization, in particular in the context of post-conflict, post-crisis and political transitions. Since representatives of our civil society have been very active in those areas, we hope to draw on their experiences in the future as the CAPMATCH platform continues to evolve. As these and other initiatives develop further, Thailand will continue to engage in the broader conversation on enhancing civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict. In that context, my delegation hopes that the many other interesting ideas presented in the Secretary-General’s report will be further developed and elaborated in consultation with Member States. Although they raise many administrative and practical questions, their potential for positive and lasting impact is evident. If we are to strive for what more Member States, the international community and the United Nations system can do to further support countries emerging from conflict on the road to recovery and sustainable peace and development, it is our hope that we can then continue this important discussion on civilian capacities in increasingly concrete ways.

Denmark welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (A/67/312) and wishes to thank him for his commitment to strengthening the United Nations support of national capacity-building in post-conflict and post-crisis transitions. Denmark aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. Allow me to reaffirm Denmark’s commitment to assisting countries emerging from conflict in order to consolidate transition from war and instability to sustainable peace and development. We share the view of the Secretary-General that developing civilian capacities is crucial for the journey from conflict to sustainable development. In doing so, we must reinforce national ownership and leadership, avoid one-size-fits-all solutions, and do better at delivering effective and efficient civilian expertise when it is needed. Furthermore, we must remain committed for as long as it takes to set a country on the path towards peace and prosperity. Denmark supports the focus of the United Nations on civilian capacity. We appreciate the openness and consultative approach that the civilian capacities team has taken, and we encourage it to continue its outreach in order to build further support and momentum. It is therefore my great pleasure to announce that Denmark, pending final approval in Copenhagen, will shortly be donating additional funds in the amount of 1 million Danish kroner to the civilian capacity initiative for 2013. At the current exchange rate, that amounts to some $170,000. As the report outlines, the civilian capacity initiative has made some important progress in a broad range of areas. Allow me to highlight three areas that are of significant interest to Denmark and where we would like to see the civilian capacity work evolve. First, we welcome the development and launch of the online platform CAPMATCH. In our view, CAPMATCH helps to promote national ownership, partnership and expertise. CAPMATCH strengthens global partnership by promoting South-South cooperation without replacing North-South technical and financial support and triangular exchanges. We must broaden and deepen the visibility of and awareness about CAPMATCH so that we can match even better the demand for and supply of specialized civilian capacities for countries emerging from conflict. We must also keep exploring innovative models for voluntary funding in the quest for more systematic support to South-South and triangular cooperation. Secondly, as a staunch supporter of an international system based on international law, we welcome the establishment of the joint global focal point for the rule of law. Indeed, there is a need for enhanced political will and stronger efforts to build national ownership when it comes to the rule of law and transitional justice in conflict and post-conflict States. We encourage the civilian capacity team to continue to support the efforts in developing such global focal points. Thirdly and finally, it is essential that the United Nations bring greater focus to support for national ownership of institution-building processes and results on the ground. As underscored in the New Deal for International Engagement in Fragile States and recognized by the Group of Seven Plus countries, inclusive country-owned and country-led transitions are vital to helping countries emerge from fragility and conflict. To conclude, Denmark remains fully committed to actively participating in making the United Nations do better at facilitating rapid and well-suited civilian capacities by enabling greater access to expertise and experience and by enhancing nimbleness within and beyond the United Nations. Denmark will continue to give full support to the work of the Secretary-General in that respect.

We thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important debate on the report of the Secretary-General on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (A/67/312). The building of effective national institutions and capacities in post-conflict countries has to be a comprehensive and collaborative undertaking, and Indonesia welcomes this discussion in the General Assembly and its subsidiary bodies, including in particular the Fifth Committee, the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). We align ourselves with the statement made by the representative of Tunisia, the coordinator of the Non-Aligned Movement caucus on peacebuilding. The Secretary-General’s report before us is a welcome follow-up to resolution 66/255. We hope that many of the Secretary-General’s observations and measures will serve to strengthen the role of the United Nations system in supporting the capacities of conflict- affected countries. My delegation would like to present some of its views on the various issues in the report. First, we fully agree that without nationally owned transformations of institutions that provide political representation, security, justice and economic opportunities, there can be no sustained recovery from conflict. In that regard, constant effort is required to make domestic institutions and governance strong and accountable to their citizens. At the same time, it is essential that countries be given the necessary policy space and an enabling environment. The fostering of national dialogue with all national stakeholders, including civil society and women, should be encouraged. Indonesia’s hard work of nation-building and democratic transition has consistently involved efforts to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner and to promote reconciliation. We bear witness to the critical importance of building our national capacity and core Government functions. Since 1999, our country has been rebuilding its system in a gradual manner. We have made sure that every election has been carried out correctly and that every vote has been counted. We have persistently pushed for policy reforms. Our country has managed to overcome every trial and tribulation that has stood in its path and to sort out each of its conflicts one by one, peacefully. Indeed, today Indonesia is blessed with a strong democracy, vibrant civil society and reasonably sound economic growth. In that context, any international blueprint for support for national capacity development in post- conflict countries must be fully aligned with nationally identified priorities. Thus, we look forward to receiving the outcome of the review of the integrated mission-planning process guidelines, which is currently under way, to reflect the changing national priorities related to capacity development. Secondly, while the newly launched online tool of CAPMATCH and other ways to better match needed civilian capacities are important, and Indonesia supports work in that regard, the United Nations civilian capacity agenda must also apply greater focus on the aspect of adequate and sustained financing that helps to broaden, deepen and draw civilian capacities from the global South. In that regard, Indonesia has provided information on the availability of its civilian capacities to CAPMATCH in the fields of core Government functionality, economic revitalization and basic security, offering the expertise of the Indonesian National Police. Our support for the initial phase of the online platform, among others, arises from our confidence in the importance of enhanced transparency and equal opportunity for countries of the global South and those having gone through transitional democracy to contribute to the national capacity development of post-conflict countries, in accordance with the national ownership principle. We also recognize that the various United Nations departments working in the area of post-conflict peacebuilding and conflict resolutions, including mediation and human rights, are currently making use of their rosters of civilian experts. It would be useful to have condensed information about those different rosters and their composition in the CAPMATCH web portal as well. We are optimistic that the platform, when transparently managed and properly overseen by Member States, has the potential for achieving success. Such oversight, among others, pertains to the need to avoid duplication and overlap with any existing mechanisms, as well as to ensure that a more robust vetting procedure with regard to the participation of non-governmental agencies or any other non-government entities. Thirdly, we also would have liked the report to elaborate on ways for the United Nations system to support and to draw capacities from the global South through enhanced regional, South-South and triangular cooperation. There also should be an active and transparent dialogue among Member States and the relevant United Nations and non-United Nations actors on how to better facilitate the needed financing for civilian capacities and institutions, as well as for other peacebuilding purposes. In that context, Indonesia has been underscoring the role played by the Peacebuilding Fund to also support the developing countries in their efforts to assist post-conflict countries in their national capacity development. We hope that future reports of the Secretary-General on civilian capacities will also identify some concrete ways for the United Nations to assist developing countries and regional organizations in better identifying and preparing their capacities for civilian capacity development. Fourthly, Indonesia strongly supports the advisory role of the PBC and its country configurations in the national capacity development of countries emerging from conflict, in particular those on the Commission’s agenda. We look forward to having a regular and in-depth discussion on how the PBC can best identify the needed capacities of those countries, in strict compliance with the national ownership principle. Fifthly, we would appreciate more information on the work by the inter-agency working group led by the United Nations Development Programme to develop principles and guidelines for better using and developing national capacity and how it would link to drawing on the capacity that will potentially be increasingly available through CAPMATCH. We also call on the working group to begin interaction with the PBC and the wider United Nations membership in the context of the civilian capacity review. Finally, we emphasize that the review must at all times be conducted in full consultation with the States Members of the United Nations, soliciting views and ideas from all the relevant United Nations and non-United Nations actors. The perspectives of regional organizations are also very pertinent. In that regard, in March in Bali, Indonesia and Norway, supported by the United Nations civilian capacity team, held the first regional consultation on strengthening the partnership of civilian capacities in the aftermath of conflict. The consultation raised awareness of civilian capacity issues among the regional stakeholders and served to strengthen partnerships between the United Nations, countries in the region and other actors on deploying effective and demand-led civilian capacities. Member States may be aware that more regional consultations have been held in Africa and in Arab regions, co-convened with the respective regional organizations. Such dialogue and the sharing of diverse experiences are extremely important to ensure that the United Nations system of enabling civilian capacities is engendered in response to countries’ needs on the ground and with the widest international support. On its part, Indonesia is determined to continue to support steps that tangibly assist countries in their journey towards recovery and sustainable peace.

The United States welcomes the most recent report of the Secretary-General on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (A/67/312) and appreciates the opportunity to discuss those issues in the General Assembly today. As we know all too well, societies emerging from conflict or managing post-conflict political transitions face innumerable challenges on the road to sustainable peace. From planning the formation of Government ministries to the provision of local utilities, from the structuring of legal systems to revitalizing the economy or nurturing a robust civil society, successful and sustainable transitions require mobilizing wide-ranging civilian capacities, skills and expertise. The Secretary-General’s initiative on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict recognizes those challenges and seeks to improve the ability of the international community, in particular the United Nations system, to provide critical expertise and support in assisting national actors in tackling those challenges. The United States applauds the Secretary- General for the initiative, and we also would like to thank his civilian capacity team. We welcome the efforts already undertaken by the United Nations system over the past 18 months to draw more systematically on existing mechanisms for providing civilian capacity in a way that is timely and responsive to the evolving needs of national authorities. In Libya, for example, the flexible approach of the United Nations to planning allowed the new national authorities to set their own priorities and enabled the United Nations to tailor its transitional support to the genuine needs of the Libyan people. The good-faith efforts of any Government struggling to rebuild after conflict should not in any way be impeded by the Organization’s inability to muster the necessary civilian expertise, which is what makes the initiative so crucial. We must ensure that the United Nations response is timely, tailored to context and nimble. As my delegation has noted previously, supply rather than demand has too often driven international assistance in post-conflict settings. Accordingly, the United States welcomes the extensive consultations undertaken by the United Nations to nurture a global pool of civilian expertise, with particular focus on experts from the global South, as well as the launch of the online platform CAPMATCH to facilitate greater access to that global expertise. As the report of the Secretary-General explains, improving the United Nations system’s ability to deliver effective support in the field also requires the right institutional arrangements at Headquarters. The United States therefore welcomes the enhanced cooperation between the United Nations Development Programme and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations on rule-of-law support in the field. While that new arrangement is at an early stage, we are encouraged by the steps taken to date and the dedication of the United Nations to improving coordination in this critical area. We look forward to further progress, including greater coordination in other critical gap areas. I thank the President again for convening today’s timely debate. The Secretary-General’s initiative on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict represents a serious effort to learn from many years of practical experience with post-conflict transitions. The United States looks forward to further progress in closing critical civilian capacity gaps and continuing to strengthen our collective ability to support countries and communities making the transition from war to durable peace.

It gives me great pleasure to address the General Assembly today on the report of the Secretary-General on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (A/67/312). Japan supports the civilian capacity initiative, which aims to widen the pool of civilian expertise and facilitate the rapid and efficient deployment of expertise to post-conflict countries. We appreciate the hard work put into the initiative by the civilian capacities team, as well as the two chairs of the consultative group, Canada and Indonesia. Japan welcomes the launch of CAPMATCH, which took place at the margins of the high-level meetings of the General Assembly in September. By providing a self-service online platform for better matching demand for and supply of specialized civilian capacities for countries emerging from conflict, CAPMATCH builds partnerships to support post-conflict recovery, democratic transitions and conflict prevention, either bilaterally or through the United Nations presence on the ground. Japan supports such civilian exchange and has started to consider participation in CAPMATCH. In that regard, we will continue to actively engage in the discussions, including those on creating a guideline for the recruitment and deployment of Government- provided personnel in order to ensure rapid deployment and a transparent process. Japan believes that the key to the success of the civilian capacity initiative lies in national ownership. In addition, South-South cooperation and triangular partnerships, which allow countries to share similar peacebuilding experiences, should be further encouraged. We would also like to request the civilian capacities team to widely disseminate the lessons learned, including achievements and challenges, from the trial phase of CAPMATCH. The report also sets out some of the challenges for the next phase of the initiative, including refining CAPMATCH based on initial feedback, learning from the new global focal point arrangements, and re-examining administrative arrangements and operating procedures of the United Nations. It is our hope that the work of the Secretariat will be conducted effectively and efficiently, in line with the original objective of the civilian capacity initiative. We welcome and appreciate the efforts of the Secretariat to be transparent with Member States over the past year, and encourage it to continue to provide us with needed clarification on the initiative. The civilian capacity initiative, along with the New Deal for International Engagement in Fragile States and the United Nations peacebuilding architecture, plays an integral part in the global peacebuilding discussions currently being undertaken by the international community. We must ensure that those different initiatives are pursued not separately but in a mutually complementary way, leading to effective and efficient implementation. In order to attain the goal of building a conflict-resilient society in a post-conflict State where citizens are able to enjoy the peace dividend, we Member States must pursue the civilian capacity initiative with the larger peacebuilding framework in mind. In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm Japan’s strong and continuing interest in strengthening the international response to the needs of civilian expertise in conflict- affected countries. Peacebuilding is one of the central pillars of our foreign policy. The importance of deploying highly skilled experts in the early phases of peacebuilding is undisputed, and Japan supports initiatives that allow for the rapid deployment of that civilian expertise. We look forward to seeing substantive progress that will generate concrete peace dividends on the ground in the coming years.

Mexico recognizes the progress achieved in developing the civilian capacity initiative, as reflected in the report of the Secretary-General entitled “Civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict” (A/67/312). We also pay tribute to Ms. Susana Malcorra, Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary-General, and her team for their efforts to implement the initiative. It is undeniable that, in order to achieve peace and sustainable development in countries emerging from conflict, we must strengthen their national and institutional capacities. The civilian capacity initiative is aimed primarily at supporting those efforts, recognizing that the development of national capacity is a political and technical process that must be rooted in national ownership and, if need be, accompanied by good practices or lessons learned from the international community. We have successful and valuable experience in the political transitional process in areas such as electoral assistance, transitional justice, political inclusion and poverty eradication and economic revitalization programmes. Mexico has shared its experience in electoral processes with a number of friendly countries and assisted programmes or deployments of the United Nations system on the ground. Such exercises are proof of Mexico’s support and commitment to promoting the national capacities of countries emerging from conflict and enhancing South-South cooperation with innovative models of financing. We believe it important to pursue efforts to identify triangular cooperation models that ensure the long- term sustainability of projects and that exploit the funds and resources of the United Nations and international financial institutions to finance South-South exchanges. The use of the resources of the Peacebuilding Fund for specific projects in that area, in coordination with international financial institutions, is a step in the right direction. Our tools for promoting international peace and security, and in particular for preventing relapse into conflict — peacekeeping operations, special political missions and the Peacebuilding Commission, inter alia — are facing increasingly diverse challenges. That is why Mexico believes in the importance and value of the initiative to ensure that United Nations missions on the ground have sufficient, timely and specialized civilian capacities that truly contribute to sustainable peace and development.

It is evident that the international community can and must do better in supporting States recovering from conflict or managing political transitions. It is also evident that those States often face significant shortages in the technical expertise necessary to deliver tangible peace dividends and to protect the fundamental freedoms of their populations. In that regard, the United Nations has a crucial role to play in supporting the quick and efficient deployment of specialized civilian experts in order to assist in enhancing the prosperity, security and dignity of the world’s populations. Canada is very pleased to co-chair the consultative group on civilian capacities with Indonesia, which has provided a valuable opportunity to focus on improving international support for peacebuilding. The latest report of the Secretary-General on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (A/67/312) outlines several concrete steps that have been taken over the past year. In a time of global fiscal restraint, efforts must be focused on achieving measurable results on the ground in post-conflict and transition settings and on avoiding duplicative processes. (spoke in French) Other signs of progress are worth mentioning. While the international community has long and openly recognized that national ownership is central to peacebuilding, it has been less successful in turning that commitment into practice. When the new authorities of Libya identified their needs, the United Nations, through its flexible approach to planning the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, was able to tailor its efforts to better reflect national priorities and respond more effectively to realities on the ground. Canada also supports the strong emphasis throughout the report of the Secretary-General on national capacity-building. Early work in Liberia to better support national institution-building in the justice and security sectors is just one among many examples of how the process can help contribute to filling enduring gaps in post-conflict support. The report rightly stresses the need to nurture and support latent national capacities and promote their development across the global South. Doing so holds promise for strengthening the supply of expertise tailored to the specific demands of a given situation in a more sustainable and cost-effective manner. In that context, Canada welcomes the efforts of several African States to support security system reform in Côte d’Ivoire. While CAPMATCH remains in its initial phase, it should provide increased opportunities for that kind of exchange in the future. (spoke in English) Finally, let me close by stressing the practical nature of this topic. As always, the ultimate test for success is the impact achieved on the ground. Gaps in civilian capacity have real consequences for States struggling to return from violent conflict or facing the prospect of instability. Efforts so far have established a solid foundation for meaningful progress. Taken as a whole, the civilian capacity review properly encompasses a series of pragmatic steps that will improve the policy options available both to the United Nations and to the broader international community. It has also been conducted in an open, transparent and consultative manner from the outset. The important issue now is for Member States to have ample opportunity to fully debate the latest report in the appropriate venues. Following those discussions, and without prejudging any conclusions, the entire membership should then collectively consider any necessary next steps. Canada looks forward to the period ahead, with civilian capacity tools and expertise delivering greater results in advancing the prosperity, well-being, security and dignity of all of the world’s populations.

I thank you, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to address the General Assembly. At this stage, I intend to speak only on the matter concerning the civilian capacity initiative. At the outset, we would like to express thanks and appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (A/67/312), and to the President of the General Assembly and to the steering committee on civilian capacity for the painstaking work that they have undertaken. I also offer my appreciation to the Special Adviser and her team; we were very happy to have welcomed them to India in the course of their interactions with Member States. Today’s debate is also an opportunity to reaffi rm our commitments to the significant initiatives undertaken under the auspices of the United Nations. I would therefore seek the Assembly’s indulgence as I share some of our thoughts on the civilian capacity initiative, and note that it is shaping up into an implementable programme. The civilian components of peacekeeping missions define the quality of the peace we achieve. The sustainability of peace depends on comprehensive peace processes wherein all actors contribute towards the attainment of one goal. Governance, basic services and public administration issues are some of the formidable challenges to transition from conflict to lasting peace. Support to national civilian capacities in post-conflict situations, with national ownership at the core, is therefore a noteworthy imperative that must engage our attention at the United Nations. As a country, India has developed capacities in all spheres of governance, in all spheres relating to development and in all spheres that are relevant to post-conflict situations. We have made many of those capacities available, through the United Nations and other multilateral processes as well as bilaterally, to countries across the globe desirous of them. We will continue to offer those services to assist countries undergoing the transition from conflict to peace, and we shall engage constructively with the civilian capacity initiative in a robust manner and support the enhancement of United Nations civilian capacities efforts in the aftermath of conflict. We firmly believe that the overarching peacekeeping framework is an effective and time-tested instrument of peace and security. Civilian capacity, being a crucial component of this framework, should impart strength to peacekeeping missions and certainly not detract or dilute from the budgetary and financial support of peacekeeping missions. My delegation firmly believes that the intergovernmental character of the civilian capacity process strengthens its very foundations. Our own engagement with the civilian capacity initiative reaffirms that belief. Given the integral nature of the linkage between peacekeeping and peacebuilding, we also believe that vibrant debates in the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, the Peacebuilding Commission and the Fifth Committee will make the outcomes rich and inclusive. It is about time that the civilian capacity process marked a transition from the conceptual to the programmatic. Its scope, road map, deliverables, timelines and performance indicators will determine when it embarks on the implementation phase. We believe that overlaps and duplications in terms of parallel work streams and ongoing reform processes need to be avoided in the process. Additional bureaucratic layers at Headquarters will also not guarantee the success of the programme and need to be eschewed. The identification of entities responsible for the implementation of the civilian capacity initiative will address crucial requirements with respect to the accountability and oversight procedures necessary for its future implementation. Vetting norms for various actors and organizations for inclusion in its implementation framework will also have to be transparent and rigorous to preclude threats to the reputation of the Organization. In conclusion, let me reiterate that my delegation welcomes the Secretary-General’s recognition of the importance of civilian capacities and recognition of capacities in the global South as part of the initiative, and would like to underscore the availability of such capacities in the Governments of the global South.

Brazil welcomes the opportunity to discuss with other Member States the Secretary-General’s report on the review of civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (A/67/312). We fully agree that the review process should promote the greater participation of civilians from the developing world, including in mission leadership. We also believe that the review should ensure that international experts are able to train and nurture local capacities in order to ensure that all actions are nationally owned. We see the CAPMATCH platform as a useful tool that may constitute a valuable inventory of the existing offers of civilian expertise, especially for developing countries. If the instrument is to be successful, it is of utmost importance that the necessary assistance be offered to countries that still struggle to identify and develop a roster of their available capacities. That would guarantee an inclusive process and avoid the possibility that only countries with previous experience in deploying experts take part in the process. We hope that Member States and the Secretariat will be able to translate into practice the main principles behind the civilian capacity process, in particular the importance of its being demand-driven, taking into consideration the different needs of post- conflict countries, including in the social and economic fields. Our efforts should be focused on strengthening local institutions in the light of the priorities identified by local actors. The relevant bodies of the General Assembly, especially the Fifth Committee and the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, will consider different aspects of the document in the near future. Brazil welcomes the report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions on the review of civilian capacities (A/67/583). We believe that it makes a constructive contribution to taking the process forward in an effective manner. We hope that the Fifth Committee will discuss the recommendations made in that document in due course. We also encourage the continuation of consultations and the exchange of views in different bodies, such as the Peacebuilding Commission. It is our expectation that those discussions will allow the General Assembly to give the Secretariat the guidance and support it needs to take this initiative forward.

I wish to take the opportunity to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the Newtown, Connecticut, community, as well as to the people of the United States of America, for their senseless and tragic loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to them at this most difficult time. At this plenary meeting, I wish to present my delegation’s views on issues under agenda items 118, “Strengthening of the United Nations system”, and 15, “Culture of peace”. I wish to align my statement with that made by the representative of Tunisia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) under agenda item 118 and that to be delivered by the representative of Cambodia on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) under agenda item 15. It is sad to see that many countries emerging from post-conflict situations have relapsed into conflict. There is no doubt that those countries face many challenges. My delegation shares the view that civilian capacity is an important element in spearheading the successful transition of countries transitioning from conflict to peace. Malaysia believes that there is a need to expand civilian capacity and expertise in support of nation-building programmes. We underscore the importance of the various fields of civilian expertise in instilling reform and institution-building for Governments emerging from conflict. We are also of the view that it is important to draw the necessary expertise from countries that have experienced conflict. Civilian experts sourced from those countries would be invaluable assets, because their experience is crucial in the development of nation-building programmes and institution-building. In that regard, Malaysia is encouraged by the introduction of the CAPMATCH online platform system, operated by the United Nations civilian capacities team. It is heartening to note that 63 countries and non-governmental organizations have shown keen interest in the programme. We sincerely believe that the CAPMATCH online system can be effective in further enhancing connectivity between Governments in the pursuit of a comprehensive political and economic development agenda that would help countries emerging from conflict. As a member of the Guinea configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, Malaysia has trained more than 300 Guinean students at various Malaysian universities. In addition, Malaysia has sponsored over 25,000 participants attending capacity-building courses conducted through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme since 1980. We look forward to contributing further to the work and development of civilian capacities in assisting countries in transition to ensure sustained global peace and security. Turning to the issue of the culture of peace, no religion asks its followers to do evil. Indeed, all religions enjoin human beings to do good and refrain from evil, to know and understand each other, and to live in peace with one another. Therefore, rarely will we find that conflicts are between religions. On the contrary, we have noticed that in recent times, conflicts erupt over issues of territory or resources and are initiated by the attempts of people who happen to be of one faith to dominate those of another. There is a tendency to describe such conflicts as conflicts between religions and cultures. However, we often find people dressing their causes and political agenda in religious garb to make them appear more appealing, respected and legitimate. When that happens, it is the obligation of those of the same faith to discredit them. When extremists who kill innocent civilians are engaged in misusing their faith in that manner, it is our duty to challenge and expose them for what they truly are. They should be condemned for shrouding their noble faith in shame. Faiths are not what is in conflict; it is the people and nations with conflicting interests that collide. Understanding that truth, Malaysia’s Prime Minister called for a global movement of moderates at the sixty- fifth session of the General Assembly. The call for moderation stems from the belief that it is a guiding principle that would enable a society to successfully prosper in unity. It is based on our own experience in Malaysia. Embracing moderation is an important value ingrained in every Malaysian. It is built into every Malaysian, irrespective of his or her ethnic, religious or cultural background, and has contributed to the relative peace and harmony experienced by Malaysia up to this very day. For Malaysia, moderation comes with a high degree of tolerance, trust and mutual understanding. It values dialogue as an important tool for resolving disputes. With relative political peace comes economic stability, which in turn has allowed Malaysia to concentrate on socioeconomic development in the country. However, if we were to take a look back at where Malaysia was at the time of achieving its independence in 1957, we could not blame others if they thought that Malaysia would be a fertile breeding ground for extremists. At that time, Malaysia was a country plagued by a host of problems. Malaysians were generally uneducated, poor, and most strikingly, strongly divided along religious and ethnic lines. Thus, our forefathers knew that we had to take drastic steps to ensure that Malaysia remained stable and could move forward. The very first step taken then was to create a more united society by forming an alliance of political parties that represented all the major ethnic groups in the country. It was important to ensure that all the ethnic and religious groups were included in the political process and had a stake in how the country was run. That was one of the most significant decisions that contributed to making Malaysia what it is today. It was one of the most moderate actions taken by our forefathers. The practice of moderation in Malaysia is not confined to religion alone, but is an all-encompassing value that could be applied to other areas, such as politics, the economy, culture and social dynamics. Moderation is an important approach for bridging differences, facilitating dialogue, resolving disputes, sustaining stability and development, and creating harmonious relations, since it calls for mutual respect, tolerance, understanding, dialogue, compromise and justice. In October this year, the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed a historic peace framework agreement to bring an end to the 40-year conflict in the southern Philippines. Malaysia believes that this peace agreement was achieved thanks to the moderation practiced by all sides. Had the parties concerned resorted to taking hard-line positions, such an agreement would still be far from sight. Malaysia has also approached the conflict in the Rakhine region, Myanmar, by adopting the moderation approach. We believe that the conflict is not between religions, but a humanitarian issue in which people of different faiths are suffering. As such, Malaysian non-governmental organizations have extended humanitarian aid in the form of food and medical supplies to Muslims and Buddhists alike in Rakhine state. That measure will assist all concerned and alienate none. The idea of the Global Movement of Moderates continues to receive the support of the international community. It has been referenced in the outcome documents of various international meetings and conferences held by organizations such as NAM, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Commonwealth of Nations and the Asia-Europe Meeting. In April, ASEAN leaders unanimously endorsed and adopted the Global Movement of Moderates initiative at the twentieth ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, in which the Movement would become one of ASEAN’s positive contributions to achieving global peace. On that note, we welcome the ASEAN proposal to include a paragraph on moderation in this year’s draft resolution on interreligious and intercultural dialogue (A/67/L.44). We believe that the language contained in the draft resolution lays the foundation for further elaboration of the idea. In conclusion, Malaysia believes that the Global Movement of Moderates complements activities and efforts towards a culture of peace. As such, Malaysia wishes to invite all to support the Movement and looks forward to cooperating in promoting moderation to counter extremism in all its forms. We do not doubt that the road ahead will be long and arduous. There will be detractors along the way. But in the end, the moderates will prevail, and that will usher in a period of sustained global peace and prosperity for all.

I would like to begin by aligning the Netherlands with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. We have come a long way in the field of civilian capacities since the 2009 report of the Secretary- General on peacebuilding in the immediate aftermath of conflict (A/63/881). It has become increasingly clear that we need, in particular, a comprehensive approach to strengthening local institution- and capacity-building on the basis of national ownership and priority-setting, especially in post-conflict situations. The Netherlands considers the civilian capacity initiative an important element of that broad approach. The challenge is to ensure a more effective and coherent United Nations approach to developing and deploying civilian expertise. Also, the role of women in those processes is crucial. The latest civilian capacity report of the Secretary- General (A/67/312) identifies important progress, but also a continuing gap regarding a coherent and nimble support structure of the United Nations. We would like to commend the Secretary-General and the civilian capacities team for the steps that have been taken and for their ongoing efforts in that respect. One important element highlighted by the report is the need for heads of missions to be able to facilitate changes in the mix of civilian capacities, as and when circumstances require. We invite the Secretary-General and the civilian capacities team to continue to work with high ambition towards a more flexible and more sophisticated United Nations system for the use of civilian expertise. That will improve the response capacity of the United Nations in fragile situations and more effectively address the challenges we face in the aftermath of conflict. In that respect, we look forward to a system-wide framework for delivering capacity development support and would welcome proposals to the membership in that respect. The Netherlands would also like to emphasize the importance of mobilizing the capacity of the global South and South-South cooperation within this framework. It is clear that countries in post-conflict situations can benefit from the experience of other countries that have faced the same problems. Trilateral cooperation can support that. The Netherlands has, for example, cooperated with Ghana and the United Nations Mission in Liberia in the training of Liberian customs officials. The Netherlands will continue to support efforts that lead to better coordination between different United Nations institutions and between bilateral and multilateral initiatives focused on strengthening and enhancing the role of civilian experts in the aftermath of conflict. We therefore welcome the recent arrangement between the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the United Nations Development Programme to serve as the global focal point for police, justice and corrections. We are also improving our own systems for the deployment of civilian experts, and we will link up with the recently launched CAPMATCH website. I call upon other Member States to do the same. A last but important issue is the necessity of a consistent approach by the United Nations membership, all of us assembled here in this Hall, with regard to the important role of civilian capacities on the road away from conflict and towards development. The High-level Meeting on the Rule of Law at the National and International Levels and the high-level event on peacebuilding organized by the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission recognized the critical importance of peacebuilding in achieving long-term sustainable peace through security and development. However, the discussions on the relationship between peacebuilding and development in the context of the quadrennial comprehensive policy review have been laborious and difficult. Moreover, embracing and supporting the leadership of fragile and post-conflict countries meets resistance. Unfortunately, the civilian capacities process has also met with some steep resistance. If we are collectively declaring ourselves seriously committed to peacebuilding in debates such as the one today, we also need to ensure that we are committed to making progress in related discussions within all bodies of the United Nations in order to ensure that the whole system can contribute to that important cause.

I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation to the President for convening today’s meeting on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict under agenda item 118. My appreciation also goes to the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, and his civilian capacity team, for the initiative they have taken and the leadership they have shown in promoting tangible progress. I believe today’s discussions will serve to gather important perspectives for furthering our collective efforts towards enhanced civilian capacities in post-conflict countries. We know all too well that the end of conflict does not automatically mean flourishing peace. Indeed, the fragility in post-conflict countries can be overcome only when the people themselves can become the masters of their fate. Without adequate civilian capacities, sustainable peace and long-term development will remain a far-fetched dream. It is in that vein that the Republic of Korea joined many other Member States as a sponsor of resolution 66/255, adopted by consensus in March. The Republic of Korea notes with appreciation that the report of the Secretary-General on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (A/67/312) contains specific assessments on priority areas such as national ownership, the system-wide framework, partnerships and expertise. We believe that the report is a step in the right direction and that it is in line with the four shared principles of the Busan Partnership, agreed upon and endorsed by approximately 160 countries on the occasion of the Fourth High-level Forum on Aid Effectiveness held last year in Busan, Republic of Korea. Those four principles are, first, ownership of development priorities by developing countries; secondly, a focus on results; thirdly, transparency and accountability to each other; and, fourthly, inclusive development partnerships. As civilian capacity is about developing people’s capability to construct and secure their own future with their own hands, country-owned and country- led approaches in the planning and implementation of civilian capacity-building must be put at the centre of our efforts. Inclusiveness and the participation of all relevant stakeholders in the process, including women and children, is also critical. We can also expect enhanced accountability where the democratic approach is guaranteed both in form and in substance. However, at the current juncture, the peacekeeping, peacebuilding and development components of the United Nations are not being harmonized in a sufficiently effective manner. Rather than taking a fragmented approach, those efforts should be synchronized to maximize effectiveness. Civilian capacity must be promoted at, or even before, the peacekeeping stage so as to avoid missed opportunities and wasted time and resources. Specifically, the demand for resources and expertise should be precisely assessed. Furthermore, the division of labour and partnership-building among all stakeholders must be planned in advance to avoid duplication and redundancy. In that regard, we look forward to the swift and successful implementation of the initiative so that the United Nations can, as the Secretary-General has often stressed, deliver as one. The Republic of Korea also welcomes the launch of the online platform CAPMATCH and hopes that it will serve as a useful tool to match the demand for and supply of available expertise and resources. As for the Republic of Korea, 13 Governmental and non-governmental institutions, ranging from universities, hospitals and relief agencies, have registered to offer assistance in their own capacities. We encourage the United Nations to come up with a specific strategy to make the best use of CAPMATCH and substantively contribute to the initiative. The Republic of Korea believes that it is crucial for the United Nations to establish a “lean and mean” system to support the long-term political and economic stability of post-conflict countries in this era’s challenging international environment. Having risen from the ashes of war to what it has become today, the Republic of Korea stands ready to play its part in that regard.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report on civilian capacity in the aftermath of the conflict (A/67/312), which we are discussing today. Croatia aligns itself with the statement previously delivered by the observer of the European Union. However, I would briefly like to make a few additional comments in my national capacity. Croatia fully supports current efforts to broaden and deepen the pool of experts ready to help rebuild and transform national institutions in countries emerging from conflict. That institutional transformation, guided by national authorities and embracing all key elements of a nation’s fabric, is among the most important prerequisites for permanent recovery and sustainable peace in all conflict-affected countries. Croatia appreciates the establishment of a broad and comprehensive process aimed at achieving the best possible results in that crucial area. In that context, we particularly welcome the recent launch of the online platform CAPMATCH, which should result in a new partnership among all the relevant stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations. It is particularly heartening to learn of robust support for the platform from the global South. Croatia strongly believes that a correct understanding of context and circumstances of a conflict, derived, inter alia, from similar experiences of other countries, should significantly increase the likelihood of success in this important undertaking. Croatia supported the CAPMATCH project from the very beginning and will continue to do so by offering its vast experience in post-conflict reconstruction and State-building. Three of our Ministries — the Ministries of Justice, Finance and War Veterans — provided their inputs to the platform, and we intend to continue on that path in the future. We are currently developing a national register of civilian capacities that will, once established, significantly improve the diversity of our engagement, as well as how quick and nimble it is. In that context, Croatia attaches particular importance to the activities of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund, in particular as regards the delivery of predictable and sustainable funding for civilian expertise engagement. At the same time, we strongly support institutional cooperation on identifying and overcoming future challenges. Finally, as we have pointed out many times during our previous debates on peacebuilding and related issues, Croatia attaches crucial importance to the issues of effective coordination and mutual cooperation between all the relevant stakeholders in peacebuilding efforts, especially in this time of austerity and scarce resources.

I thank the President for convening today’s debate. We also thank the Secretary- General for his report on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (A/67/312). The delegation of Pakistan aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Tunisia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. The report of the Secretary-General under consideration today is the result of a long process that included the appointment of a senior advisory group and the drafting of a report with recommendations and follow-up. The present report notes that the civilian capacity initiative is being developed on the basis of input from Member States and the Peacebuilding Commission, as well as in regional meetings and during various informal meetings. Such a dialogue is critical to developing the discourse on the civilian capacity initiative. We hope that intergovernmental consultations, including in the Fifth Committee and the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, will underpin further progress on the subject. I will make the following four points to highlight our perspective on the subject. First, Pakistan fully supports the idea of reinforcing national ownership in deploying civilian capacities. The Secretary-General has rightly underlined the need to support capacity-building by following nationally determined priorities and fostering inclusive national dialogue involving both the Government and civil society. Secondly, it is important to understand the relevance of expertise in the context of a particular post-conflict situation. Developing clear guidelines to govern the use of such expertise in the field will maximize benefits. Preferably, capacities should be identified from within the region concerned, including for senior positions. We must build a firewall to protect the system from overstaffing. Thirdly, the deployment of civilian capacities in peacekeeping missions should be carefully conceived in order to avoid duplication of roles and resources. Civilian capacities cannot replace key peacekeeping functions or be conceived at the expense of resources allocated for peacekeeping. Moreover, United Nations peacekeepers are performing numerous tasks related to peacebuilding and various integrated missions. Therefore, civilian capacities should supplement existing structures and not create parallel ones. Finally, civilian capacities should fall within the given regulatory and financial frameworks existing in the United Nations. As the civilian capacity initiative develops further, we understand that the Secretariat will present concrete proposals on end-state vision, project benchmarks and organizational linkages, as well as scope, monitoring, oversight, planning and budgeting. That will help Member States make informed decisions. In that context, the observations and recommendations made by the relevant report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (A/67/583) merit serious attention. It is our sincere hope that the civilian capacity initiative will progress through a membership-owned process. Today’s deliberations, including the four points flagged by our delegation, can provide useful signposts for such an approach.

We thank the President for convening today’s discussion on an important aspect of United Nations reform and effectiveness, and we thank the Secretary-General for his report (A/67/312). The United Nations has an essential role to play in developing civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict. Australia welcomes the progress achieved over the past year to further strengthen cooperation between United Nations agencies at the Headquarters and country levels in order to deliver effective support to countries transitioning from conflict to peaceful, prosperous and democratic nations. In that context, we welcome the establishment of the global focal point for the rule-of-law sector and commend the agencies involved. We further welcome the contribution of the civilian capacity initiative to United Nations planning and capacity needs in Libya. We share the view that priority must be given to capacity-building in the areas of security, justice, inclusive political processes, core Government functionality and economic revitalization in those countries emerging from conflict. Identifying the appropriate sources of expertise in those areas and deploying such expertise in a timely and flexible manner is a vital part of the work of the United Nations. Australia fully supports measures that increase the use of expertise from the South. South-South cooperation facilitates the sharing of experience, lessons and good practice by countries that have faced and overcome similar challenges, but we also fully understand that such cooperation complements and does not substitute for North-South cooperation. That is why we call upon the United Nations to find faster and more efficient ways to draw upon expertise, wherever it may reside. We look forward to further improvements in United Nations procedures and practices to harness support from within the system in a more nimble and responsive manner, including through cross-agency rosters of experts, as well as arrangements with Member States that stand ready with expertise to help the United Nations in its essential support for peacebuilding and institution-building. Australia is pleased to be providing specialized justice personnel to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Such support is helping to address an urgent need. Australia spends more than half of its regional and bilateral aid budget in fragile and conflict-affected countries. Seven of the top 10 recipients of Australian aid are fragile or conflict-affected countries. With a long history of engagement with those partner countries, we have a clear understanding of what we need to support and how we need to go about providing that support for maximum effectiveness. We recognize the need for an inclusive approach that reflects the priorities of partner Governments, as well as for a comprehensive analysis of the local context to guide our support to Governments as they face the challenge of restoring stability and confidence and building fully functional institutions. We recognize the need to align our assistance with a country’s own planning cycle and priorities and to work through national systems wherever possible. That is essential to building Government ownership and capacity. We also recognize the need to sustain engagement over the long term; there is no quick fix. We ask the United Nations to apply the same principles, and we call for further measures that strengthen coordination and coherence across the United Nations system and between the United Nations, the World Bank and other financial institutions. In the words of the Group of Seven Plus countries, transitioning out of fragility is long, political work that requires country leadership and ownership. Australia commends the steps taken within the United Nations system to strengthen that leadership and ownership, including through innovative, appropriate and flexible initiatives aimed at building civilian capacity and capabilities. As an active supporter of the civilian capacity initiative, Australia will continue to support that important part of the reform agenda. We know that it has the potential to deliver tangible benefits to the lives of those living in countries emerging from conflict.

The Russian Federation believes that assistance in strengthening national civilian capacities is an important aspect of United Nations assistance to post-conflict States. Consistent with resolution 66/255 of 16 March 2012, the report of the Secretary-General on measures to build civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (A/67/312) and further initiatives in that sphere should be considered in the subsidiary bodies of the General Assembly, in particular the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, the Fifth Committee and the Peacebuilding Commission. We think that today’s discussion should ensure due Member State oversight over the relevant proposals of the Secretariat affecting the various spheres of United Nations activities. Without prejudging the discussions in the subsidiary bodies, we note our belief that, on a preliminary level, far from all the initiatives of the Secretary-General in the sphere of developing civilian capacities are properly thought through. The priority in that sphere should be providing due oversight over the activities of personnel deployed to post-conflict States in the framework of existing United Nations mandates. Equally important is ensuring strict compliance with the highest United Nations standards on the qualifications of personnel and with the rules administering their deployment and functions. We are perplexed by the launch of the CAPMATCH website platform, a project that has yet to be approved by the Member States and which is only in planning stages. We believe it would be in the interest of all Member States to restore logical consistency to the development of the project. In that respect, we think it would be wise to suspend the functioning of the website and to focus on developing the project’s parameters.

My delegation thanks the Secretary-General for his report on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (A/67/312), which covers essential aspects related to political concepts, modalities for cooperation, and initiatives undertaken within and outside the United Nations system — all of which must be considered in depth by the competent intergovernmental mechanisms, including the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, the Peacebuilding Commission, and the Fourth and Fifth Committees. We note with concern the use of concepts, such as that of fragile States, that have not been defined by the General Assembly. That lack of definition is further proof of the Secretariat’s tendency to use such concepts and terms despite repeated objections by Member States. Although we will speak in detail on the issue within the framework of various relevant United Nations bodies, we wish to express some of our basic views during this discussion. The proposals on the strengthening of civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict must be considered and approved by Member States. The full participation of Governments must be the fundamental premise for the functioning of the CAPMATCH platform, which must be fully inclusive in nature. We firmly believe that the General Assembly should have approved its launching. It is therefore up to us to approve or modify the guidelines governing CAPMATCH. The proposals on South-South cooperation and cooperation must follow guidelines approved by the General Assembly and not be a drain on the resources earmarked for international development cooperation with developing countries. Non-governmental organizations participating in the CAPMATCH platform must enjoy consultative status with the Economic and Social Council. The delegation of authority for the initiative must in turn have the prior approval of the General Assembly and be accompanied by a robust accountability mechanism. Finally, allow me to reiterate the readiness of my delegation to participate actively in discussions on the issue in the various forums where it is considered.

Switzerland commends the Secretary-General for his efforts and for the progress achieved in mobilizing civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict. We continue to believe that such efforts are among the most important measures currently undertaken in that sphere within the United Nations system. Like the Secretary- General, we believe that recent events confirm the wisdom of that approach. Moreover, we commend the Secretary-General for the transparency and openness that he has demonstrated in steering the process. Switzerland has always supported and continues to support efforts to strengthen civilian capacities in the aftermath of conflict. Allow me now to highlight four points to which Switzerland attaches particular importance. First, the adoption of a coordinated and systemic approach remains key. By working to strengthen civilian capacities, we must continue to push the envelope beyond the United Nations framework and to consider things from a broader perspective. The chapter on partnerships shows that clearly. It is vital that we have an accurate idea of the other actors involved and of their actions, and that we identify gaps and the best way of filling them. The United Nations is not obliged to meet all challenges alone. It can share responsibilities with other stakeholders, given that a process based on national ownership should be a priority. The existence of solid partnerships is therefore a necessity in the complex context of contemporary peacebuilding. Cooperation with the World Bank is particularly exemplary in that regard. The United Nations and the World Bank no longer undertake successive tasks in the same sphere on their own. On the contrary, their mandates are interdependent and must take into account the contributions of each, based on its comparative advantages and benefits. Promising initiatives have been launched, such as the exchange of staff and the United Nations-World Bank Partnership Trust Fund funded by Switzerland. The Fund is a tool to support joint projects, such as the review of public spending in Liberia, which helps in reforming the security sector in the country. We are convinced that such initiatives can only contribute to improving those fundamental relations. Secondly, we stress the importance of the full integration of a gender approach into all activities undertaken. The Secretary-General states that there is no one-size-fits-all method within the system to identify the necessary competencies in the aftermath of conflict. That understanding is already a step in the right direction. We welcome the opportunity to learn more about the systematic approach envisaged for deploying expertise in this sphere. We also believe it very wise to include gender experts not in ad hoc special units, but rather in the main sectors responsible for peacebuilding and in the offices of high-level representatives on the ground. Assuming the function of coaches, such specialists could initiate more advanced, strategic discussions on the importance of gender equality to the success of peacebuilding measures, and on the ways of ensuring their effectiveness. Thirdly, in our opinion what matters are the results achieved. Concrete application of measures and feedback should provide valuable indicators on the way to move forward. Among recent examples are the situations in Timor-Leste, where efforts to build civilian capacities are contributing to the peaceful transfer of responsibilities and authority to a United Nations country team, and in Libya, where an innovative planning system has been put in place. The CAPMATCH online platform is another tool offering the possibility of achieving positive results. As a useful channel for mentoring and reform, CAPMATCH can give better visibility to capacity-building actions undertaken by countries of the South and thereby encourage cooperation among them, while promoting the appropriate adjustment of practices in countries of the North and within the donor community. In order to exploit that potential and achieve the expected results, the CAPMATCH platform must enjoy consensus and be sustainably supported, particularly when it comes to financial resources. Finally, a clear division of labour and responsibility is vital. In that context, we support the establishment of a global focal point in the area of the rule of law to focus on the police, justice and corrections systems. We look forward to future developments in those various areas. Fourthly, the question of civilian capacities must be part of a long-term approach. The report of the Secretary-General on the matter (A/67/312) stresses that point, inter alia, in the passages on strengthening institutions. Based on an inclusive process and country ownership, that requires a lasting commitment from all stakeholders. We will have to show patience, perseverance and courage in order to prioritize the long-term viability of the project over short-term gains. Switzerland firmly supports efforts to mobilize civilian capacities in the aftermath of conflict, and we hope to further develop the initiative.

We have learned a lot about peacebuilding over the past decades; not least, we have learned from our failures. Two of those lessons are, first, that we need to be better in using civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict and, secondly, that we need to focus on national capacity-building. The civilian capacity initiative is one of the important United Nations responses to those lessons. We would like to highlight the examples from the field contained in the report of the Secretary-General (A/67/312). Those examples illustrate how the initiative can bring results. We look forward to seeing further examples in the coming months. We need to be practical and results-oriented, while aiming at providing efficient support to national processes and priorities. We are pleased that the Secretary-General stresses that regional consultations have confirmed “a particular interest among conflict- or crisis-affected countries in sharing and learning from others’ comparable experiences” (A/67/312, para. 18). That is what the United Nations is all about — learning from each other and advancing together. The report of the Secretary-General points to the need to develop a system-wide approach to identifying the gender expertise needed in the aftermath of conflict. We would be happy to receive an update on the progress of that work. Norway works with countries in the global South to develop local civilian capacities. One example is the Training for Peace programme, through which Norway works with African partners to support the building of sustainable African capacities for peace operations in the United Nations, the African Union and African regional economic communities and regional mechanisms. The Training for Peace programme supports training, policy advice and research. Through the programme, we support the only African civilian roster in existence, the African Civilian Response Capacity for Peace Support Operations. Another example of Norway’s work with the global South is the triangular North-South-South partnership through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in South Sudan. The funds made available by the Norwegian Government are managed by the United Nations Development Programme, and the main implementing partner is the South Sudanese National Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development. We know from our experience that triangular cooperation and South-South cooperation have a lot to offer. We are pleased to see that that philosophy is at the core of the civilian capacity initiative. Allow me to highlight the innovative character of that initiative. We are pleased to see that the new online platform CAPMATCH has been launched. We note that CAPMATCH is not a site for United Nations recruitment, but we encourage the active use of that mechanism. Like other delegations, Norway welcomes the establishment of the joint global focal point for the rule of law sector. We are happy to see that the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) has studied the report of the Secretary-General in great detail. The ACABQ is right in pointing out that more work needs to be done. However, we must not forget what the process is about. When the General Assembly adopted resolution 66/255, it did so because we all agreed that the United Nations should improve its use of civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict. We have confidence that the Secretary-General can lead the way in ensuring the outcome we all have an interest in securing — a United Nations better able to build and consolidate peace in countries emerging from conflicts.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on agenda item 118 and its sub-item (a). I would like to round out today’s deliberations by saying that the issue that we discussed is multifaceted, with wide scope and forums for its consideration. In that regard, I would like to share the following understanding conveyed to me by the Member States. Upon appropriate consideration of the report by the Peacebuilding Commission, the Fifth Committee and the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, presumably by March or April 2013, it is to be scheduled for consideration by the plenary of the General Assembly. While the opinions expressed at today’s discussion of the topic are much appreciated, this opening debate cannot be interpreted at this stage as giving approval to or advancing the report contained in document A/67/312. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 118 and its sub-item (a).

I would like to draw the attention of members to a letter dated 16 August 2012 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the General Assembly, transmitting the fifth annual report of the High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations (A/67/336). I now give the floor to the representative of the Philippines to introduce draft resolution A/67/L.44.

At the outset, allow me, speaking on behalf of my Government, to extend our most sincere and heartfelt sympathies to the Government and the people of the United States of America for the tragic incident that occurred last Friday in Newtown, Connecticut. The Philippines shares in the grief of those who lost precious loved ones, family and friends. That unspeakable incident claimed the lives of 26 people — 20 very young children and six educators. As that community seeks answers, we join the international community in expressing our prayers and hopes for strength, reassurance and comfort for all those who have been forever changed by that incident. It is partly in memory of those children and their educators that we renew our commitment to help strengthen the foundations of a more peaceful, loving and caring world based on a culture of peace. Indeed, as expressed in the messages of remembrance and hope during the interfaith ceremony held in honour of the victims, we must not let this and other violent incidents overrun our world. That is our responsibility to our children. That is our responsibility for our world. It is with that pledge that today the Philippines jointly introduces with Pakistan draft resolution A/67/L.44, which builds upon our collective efforts to further strengthen a culture of peace throughout the world. It was in 2004 that the Philippines first presented to the General Assembly a draft resolution on the promotion of interreligious dialogue. We did so in the firm belief — shared by many partners in the United Nations — that one of the ways of achieving global peace would be through drawing the human family closer in greater understanding and respect for its diversity. It was not seen to be an easy task, but we knew it could be done. We knew we could tear down the artificial walls built to separate humankind. We knew that could be done through interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Ever since the landmark resolution 59/23 was unanimously adopted, we have steadily fortified the foundations of that initiative and resolutely worked to broaden the participation and ownership of key stakeholders. Eight years afterwards, we have seen a deeper appreciation for interreligious and intercultural dialogue in the context of the United Nations holistic and comprehensive efforts to achieve peace. Eight years afterwards, we have seen a growing and deepening recognition of the value of efforts in many parts of the world to foster dialogue among religions, cultures and civilizations. We are pleased to note that, since 2004, the resolutions on this subject matter have been adopted by consensus in the General Assembly. This year’s draft resolution was finalized following three informal consultations sessions. Throughout the process, we strived to be open and to consider the many comments and input from a wide range of participants. With dialogue as our overriding theme for the draft resolution, it was fitting that dialogue would likewise be the hallmark of our process. In that regard, I wish to thank all of the delegations that participated actively in the discussions. The constructive approach and the flexibility demonstrated by all delegations contributed greatly to the positive atmosphere that characterized the consultations. We note that all the delegations involved made every effort to articulate their concerns and, more important, to listen to each other. That is the dialogue we are striving to achieve and is the basis for the document before us today. Draft resolution A/67/L.44 builds on the developments from last session’s resolution (resolution 66/226), which drew the links between interfaith dialogue, peace, development, the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and the important role played by UNESCO. It contains, among others, the following key elements: first, technical updates on resolution 66/226, particularly the latest developments from UNESCO, including the adoption, during, its thirty-sixth session, of resolution 40, on the proclamation of an international decade for the rapprochement of cultures for the period 2013-2022; second, a linguistic change to the seventh preambular paragraph from the word “peoples” to “people”; third, a paragraph taking note of the positive outcomes of the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures in 2010, which contributed to establishing an environment conducive to harmonious coexistence and congenial interaction within and among diverse societies; fourth, a paragraph proclaiming the period 2013-2022 the international decade for the rapprochement of cultures, calling upon Member States to take that opportunity to enhance their activities relating to interreligious and intercultural dialogue, promoting tolerance and mutual understanding and, in that context, inviting UNESCO to be the lead agency in the United Nations system; fifth, a paragraph welcoming the outcome of the Seventh Interfaith Dialogue of the Asia-Europe Meeting, on harnessing the benefits and addressing the challenges of migration through interfaith and intercultural dialogue, held in Manila in 2011; sixth, a paragraph encouraging the relevant stakeholders to take the opportunity to disseminate their best practices and experiences on interreligious and intercultural dialogue by contributing to the interfaith dialogue e-portal established by the Non-Aligned Movement pursuant to commitments made during the Special Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development, held in Manila in 2010; and seventh, a paragraph recognizing the importance of interreligious dialogue and its valuable contribution to promoting social cohesion, peace and development and calling upon Member States to consider, as appropriate and where applicable, interreligious and intercultural dialogue as an important tool in efforts aimed at achieving peace and social stability and the full realization of the Millennium Development Goals. Just as in the resolution we sponsored last year, the draft resolution before us today is a product of both dedicated labour and love for our fellow man. The Philippines wishes again to thank all the delegations that actively participated. With ears, eyes, hearts and minds wide open, we held genuine dialogue marked by both candour and cooperation. The informal consultations in fact showed how far we have come in the understanding of this dialogue. We are grateful to Pakistan, the principal sponsor, and the core group of sponsors for their hard work in coordinating our efforts and for their flexibility, which ensured that the outcome document would be balanced. We are thankful, too, for the other original sponsors and for the new sponsors. Their support is very important to us. We note that, once again this year, all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are sponsors of this draft resolution. We urge all those States that have yet to sign up as sponsors to do so at the Secretariat table. We are likewise grateful for the technical assistance provided by UNESCO and by the Office for Economic and Social Council Support and Coordination of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs. We are also thankful to the General Assembly Affairs Branch of the Department of General Assembly and Conference Management for the technical assistance it extended. Interreligious and intercultural dialogue continues to be a vital component of our comprehensive efforts to achieve lasting peace in our world — a peace that is a precondition for development and certainly an end unto itself, a peace that ensures that the most vulnerable in our society, in particular our children, will grow up not cowering in the darkness of fear and violence but embraced by the light of care and concern. In introducing this draft resolution for action today, my country, the Philippines, has full faith that we will build on what we have achieved and move ahead further, together, towards an objective we all share, through dialogue that keeps us all drawn together as one human family.

In our capacity as one of the two main sponsors of the draft resolution under discussion (A/67/L.44), it is my privilege to make this statement following the introduction by my colleague, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Philippines, of the text contained in document A/67/L.44, entitled “Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace”. My colleague correctly described the continued significance of this important initiative, which our two countries have led for some time. We are grateful to all Member States, in particular to the sponsors, who have continued to support this initiative since its inception. Over time, the initiative has acquired added support in terms of sponsorship from an increasing number of Member States from different regions — which is reflective of its importance and the need to pursue it meaningfully at various levels. The draft resolution was discussed thoroughly for two weeks at the experts level in informal consultations. Our discussions were held in a collegial atmosphere that enabled us to enrich the contents of the draft resolution in a meaningful and consensual manner. The sponsors would like to convey their gratitude for the constructive contributions from all our partners in streamlining and strengthening this important draft resolution. We are equally grateful to delegations for their flexibility and cooperation in achieving a balanced text that reflects the views of all partners. Accordingly, we hope that, as in the past, the text will again be adopted by consensus. Incidents of intolerance, discrimination, hatred, xenophobia and violence based on erroneous perceptions of different cultures and religions are on the increase. Divisive ideologies, mutual suspicion and mistrust are being fuelled by extremists and opportunists in all societies. As responsible representatives of our societies, we need to tackle the problem straight-on, with courage and clarity. The way forward is not estrangement but more engagement. Only through dialogue can we overcome the unfounded but deeply entrenched mutual fears, based on a lack of understanding of different religions and cultures, and on our inability to see things from each other’s perspectives. The draft resolution seeks to promote dialogue among different religions and cultures, to promote tolerance, mutual respect and increased understanding of each other’s views and beliefs. Interreligious and intercultural dialogue must be pursued in an organized manner at all levels, including, but not limited to, among religious leaders, institutions, local and national Governments, regional and international organizations, civil society and media outlets. Pakistan believes that religious and cultural diversity are positive driving forces that can meaningfully contribute to the socioeconomic development of multicultural societies. We therefore need to strengthen religious and cultural harmony within and among societies. We are very pleased with the results of the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures in 2010. We hope that the resolution’s proclamation of the period 2013-2022 as the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures will further promote ongoing interreligious and intercultural dialogue, to achieve our common objective of increased understanding and peace among societies. Pakistan appreciates all the relevant initiatives being taken by various Governments and organizations at various levels. Civil society has also played an important role in promoting the cause. We acknowledge civil institutions’ contributions and encourage them to continue with their valuable efforts for the common good of humankind. In Pakistan, we have established interfaith harmony committees throughout the country. The committees include representatives from all religions, to enhance understanding, address misperceptions and promote harmony through dialogue. Pakistan also actively participates in the Asia-Europe Meeting Interfaith Dialogue, which meaningfully contributes to promoting social cohesion, peace and development. We urge all Member States to support the draft resolution before us, to promote dialogue at various levels, to foster greater understanding and cooperation among religions and cultures. That, in turn, will contribute to achieving a global culture of peace, which is something that we all aspire to.

I now give the floor to the representative of Hungary to introduce draft resolution A/67/L.45.

I have the honour to introduce, under agenda item 15, draft resolution A/67/L.45, entitled “International Day of Charity”. Presented under the agenda item “Culture of peace”, the draft resolution reaffirms the role of charity in promoting peace and the universal principles of human dignity and solidarity. That relationship is well recognized around the world. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the anniversary of whose death 15 years ago is to be designated the International Day of Charity, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Our societies are fortunate to learn from outstanding and emblematic representatives of charitable thinking and their way of life. More recently, in 2012, Mr. Abdul Sattar Edhi of Pakistan was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his lifetime achievements, which run parallel to those of Mother Teresa. While we recognize that the work of outstanding individuals and their legacies of bridging cultures, religions, civilizations and nations serve as a beacon for all of us, the prime purpose of the this draft resolution is to remind ourselves that, all over the world, charity is mainly carried out by countless individuals and charitable and volunteer organizations of all kinds. No part of that work could happen without the devotion of millions, whose names will never be known to us. The authors of the draft resolution did not aim at giving a clear-cut definition for charity, since it may take different forms and shapes in different cultures. Nonetheless, charity can be universally understood as stakeholders uniting in the principle of solidarity and the act of benevolent giving. Interestingly, contrary to some perceptions, the vast majority of all charitable activities are carried out within the boundaries of the respective countries, and charitable deeds originate from all sections of our societies. They are not limited to donations by the very rich to the very poor. Therefore, it is common in different cultures and religions that charity is a way of thinking. It is our common desire to help. Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises and supplement public services in health care, education, housing and child protection. It helps to advance culture, science, sports and the protection of cultural and natural heritages. It also promotes the rights of the marginalized and the underprivileged and spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations. Charity, like the notion of volunteerism, provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies. Charity remains as relevant today and in the future as ever. The draft resolution before the General Assembly is short and simple but significant. The designation of the International Day of Charity will create a universal platform to enhance visibility, organize special events and create synergies — and thereby further increase public support. While the initiative provides a universal framework for charity — and a new focus on charity — its concrete utilization on the local, national, regional and international levels will remain in the hands of the various stakeholders, based on their special circumstances, needs and priorities. In conclusion, I would like to thank Member States for their support and constructive participation in our open and transparent consultations. I thank all colleagues for their valuable contributions, which helped to accommodate the desires of a broad range of actors. The cross-regional sponsorship of the draft resolution reflects the universal recognition of charity and the enduring relevance of selfless giving in today’s world. In that spirit, the sponsors respectfully call on all Member States to support the draft resolution.

I now give the floor to the representative of Bangladesh to introduce draft resolution A/67/L.46.

On behalf of its sponsors, I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/67/L.46, entitled “Follow-up to the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace”. Every year since 2001, we have been presenting a draft resolution on the subject of a culture of peace. That draft resolution has been receiving the overwhelming support of Member States, and it has been adopted every year by consensus. As we have completed a decade for promoting a culture of peace, there may be a question of whether we still need a resolution on the subject. The answer is yes. We need such a resolution even more than we did years back. The recent tragedies, violence, conflicts, misunderstandings and killings witnessed by the world serve as testimony to the fact that in spite of immense efforts to create a mindset of love, of respect for others, and of tolerance with the hope of attaining peace, peace has remained elusive. We have impressive frameworks on paper, but translating them into action is still a challenging task. Distrust, inequality, discrimination, deprivation, misunderstanding and intolerance around the globe are generating new dimensions of conflicts. We need a culture that upholds human dignity and that has built in a mindset of tolerance that promotes understanding among nations. Promoting a culture of peace has become more urgent than ever before. We are thankful to UNESCO for its leading role in promoting a culture of peace. Our sincere appreciation also goes to other stakeholders, individuals and civil society. Their enthusiastic support of the cause has been instrumental in continuing global efforts to promote a culture of peace. It was against that backdrop that my delegation presented this annual draft resolution. As in the past, delegations actively participated in the negotiation process. We would like to thank them for their valuable input, their cooperation and their flexibility. This year’s draft resolution builds on resolutions of previous years. Apart from some technical updates vis-à-vis last year’s resolution, the draft resolution contains few additional elements. First, it welcomes the High-level Forum on the Culture of Peace held on 14 September. The first of its kind, the Forum brought together Member States, civil society and United Nations entities. Secondly, the draft resolution also welcomes the high-level debate organized by UNESCO to mark the observance of the International Day of Peace, on 21 September. Thirdly, while welcoming the decision by the General Conference of UNESCO to proclaim 30 April as International Jazz Day, the draft resolution also calls upon Member States to participate actively in the celebration of the Day in order to develop and increase intercultural exchanges and understanding for the purpose of mutual comprehension and tolerance. Fourthly, the draft resolution also requests the President of the General Assembly to consider convening a high-level forum, as appropriate and within existing resources, devoted to the implementation of the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace on the occasion of the anniversary of its adoption on or around 13 September. We all agree that a culture of peace cannot be achieved by Governments alone. It requires commitments by, and the concerted efforts of, all stakeholders, youth, teachers, religious and community leaders, parents, grass-roots groups, non-governmental organizations and civil society. The High-level Forum organized by the President provided us with a unique opportunity to bring together all those stakeholders and to reinvigorate our common endeavour. The enthusiasm exhibited during the Forum inspired us to accommodate a provision of a future such forum on or around 13 September. We are thankful that the Member States have agreed to keep the provision in the text. Holding such events every year will not necessarily entail any additional costs from the United Nations budget. But it will convey a strong message to the world that the United Nations is truly committed to nurturing a culture of peace and non-violence. This draft resolution receives the support of a large number of Member States every year because the issue is close to our hearts. It is an aspiration of all humankind. It is the essence of the Charter of the United Nations. It is my belief that one day every delegation will come forward to sponsor the draft resolution. With such an aspiration today, I hope we will be able to adopt the draft resolution without a vote.

At this plenary meeting under agenda item 15, entitled “Culture of peace”, I have the honour to deliver a statement on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which consists of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam and my own country, Cambodia. ASEAN greatly appreciates the tireless efforts of Member States, the United Nations and different international and regional organizations in promoting a culture of peace through dialogue and negotiations by enhancing tolerance, trust and mutual understanding, as well as by addressing all forms of political and religious disputes, ultranationalism and radicalism. We welcome the new Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO in November 2011, aimed at promoting wider engagement with a culture of peace and non-violence. ASEAN also welcomes the efforts of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in facilitating the global conversation on living together in diversity, preventing intercultural crisis and mobilizing broad public support for cultural diversity, tolerance and inclusion. As home to more than half a billion people, South- East Asia is a mosaic of great religions and cultures. It is also home to many ethnic groups. Its general diversity is a reflection of the multiracial, multi-religious and multicultural societies in most South-East Asian countries. Because of that, ASEAN Member States cannot stress enough the importance of creating and maintaining a culture of peace in the region, as well as beyond. Despite the multiracial, multi-religious and multicultural background in the region, we have been able to coexist in relative peace since the establishment of ASEAN, in 1967. Our diversity is a source of our strength. There is no doubt that the positive interactions and synergy among the peoples of the South-East Asia region have contributed to the success of ASEAN and have made it what it is today. A big reason for that success is the practice of moderation in the region in all matters, from economics and politics to cultural and social dimensions. Embracing moderation is an important ASEAN value. Our societies have taken active and positive action in cultivating a culture of peace at all levels. It is due to the practice and recognition of the importance of moderation in the region that during the eighteenth ASEAN Summit, in Jakarta, the leaders of ASEAN member States welcomed the initiative to establish a Global Movement of Moderates. At the ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh on 3 April, ASEAN leaders unanimously adopted that initiative, which essentially calls on the voices of moderation — which make up a silent majority — to drown out the voices of extremism in all forms and to reclaim the centre and moral high ground. We believe that the real divide in the world today is not between East and West, between the developed and developing countries or between Muslims and non-Muslims. Instead, the fault line lies between moderates and extremists of all religions and beliefs, and in all areas and aspects. On that note, we are happy that a fifteenth preambular paragraph on moderation was inserted into this year’s draft resolution on the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace. The phrase “culture of peace” implies a more nuanced and complex foundation for a lasting peace, transcending the mere cessation of armed conflict. It requires the whole-hearted participation of all stakeholders at the national and international levels. A healthy dialogue and understanding at all levels of society and among nations should be fostered by an enabling national and international environment conducive to peace. Peace and happiness are the aspirations of all of humankind. Strengthening and expanding the social sector through various means, such as providing national education and health care and enhancing people’s livelihoods, as well as supporting the progress of every religion, will contribute to the achievement of a society free from violence, racism and discrimination. Interreligious and intercultural dialogue can open the hearts and minds of people, so that their common aspirations can underpin social and institutional cooperation in the pursuit of peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among different religions and different ethnic cultures. With that in mind, numerous initiatives have been launched, such as the Asia-Pacific Regional Interfaith Dialogue, which started in 2004 and has taken place annually in Indonesia, the Philippines, New Zealand, Cambodia and Australia, as well as the Special Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development, held in Manila in 2010, which adopted the Manila Declaration and Programme of Action. ASEAN member States have also actively participated in the Asia-Europe Meeting Interfaith Dialogue, which aims to foster mutual understanding and respect among all faiths and religions in Asia and Europe. Moreover, the pioneering Tripartite Forum on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace provides a unique venue for Governments, United Nations agencies and offices and non-governmental organizations to discuss ways of supporting United Nations programmes relating to peaceful coexistence. All of those initiatives are mutually supportive and are meant to reinforce and strengthen a culture of peace. In doing so, the efforts aim to be inclusive and seek the participation of all relevant sectors, including women, young people, civil society, the media and academia. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate that ASEAN remains committed to promoting peace and fully supports the efforts of the United Nations. In that regard, as we believe that, in spite of our differences in race, creed and belief, we are all but part of the same human family, with a shared future and a common desire to live in a world of peace, stability and prosperity, founded on respect and deep appreciation for humankind’s diversity.

I now give the floor to the representative of Cyprus, who will speak on behalf of the European Union.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) on the draft resolution contained in document A/67/L.44, entitled “Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace”. The European Union would like to extend its thanks to the delegations of Pakistan and the Philippines for the constructive spirit in which they led the consultation process. The European Union expresses its appreciation for the efforts of the main sponsors in taking into account some of the concerns raised in previous years. We especially appreciate the addition of the seventh preambular paragraph, which focuses on the diversity of identities as an important element in global dialogue efforts, and a contribution to peace, mutual understanding and friendship among individuals with multiple backgrounds. With regard to efforts for more understanding and collaboration and the promotion of dialogue, we regret that interreligious dialogue is not mentioned. The European Union emphasizes that intercultural, interreligious and intrareligious dialogue are processes that involve and open and respectful exchange, especially within societies, among individuals, representatives of groups and others. The EU attaches great importance to always mentioning religion and belief in conjunction with each other. Furthermore, with regard to the fifteenth preambular paragraph, the EU believes that the prerogative of religious leaders, religious communities and individuals in matters of religion and belief should be fully respected. In the promotion of intercultural dialogue, we attach great importance to the work done by UNESCO, the leading agency in the promotion of intercultural dialogue, as well as other initiatives for enhancing dialogue and mutual understanding, such as the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the Anna Lindh Foundation. The draft resolution proclaims the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures, with UNESCO invited to be the lead agency. The General Assembly understands that UNESCO will seek to fund any activity from within existing resources, and/or invite Governments and other stakeholders to provide, on a voluntary basis, financial and other resources to enable the implementation of an action plan for the Decade. The member States of the European Union join the consensus on this draft resolution, and we acknowledge that the text continues to improve over the years. We trust that its sponsors will want to continue to pursue that undertaking, so as to further broaden support for the text.