Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the PBC Ambassadorial-Meeting on Mozambique’s Experience in Peacebuilding: Lessons Learned and Challenges Ahead

Thank you, Chair.
 
I would like to join others in expressing my sincere gratitude to Your Excellency, President Nyusi, for sharing your inspirational wisdom and experiences. I also thank all the briefers for their insightful remarks.
 
The story of the Mozambican peace process reminds us of the great potential of well-coordinated peacebuilding efforts. It demonstrates that firm commitment by all stakeholders, coupled with strong political will and leadership, exemplified by His Excellency the President, are vital in peacebuilding. The insights and lessons drawn from this process, as shared by the President, are invaluable, and deserve to be appreciated by the international community. The PBC is the best place for this, and we encourage this body to continue to use its unique advising, bridging and convening role on peacebuilding within the UN system to benefit all relevant actors.
 
From what we have learned today, I find two specific points particularly important for peace processes.  
 
First is the importance of inclusive ownership. There is no single solution applicable to different conflict settings. Thus, conflict resolution must always be home-grown for it to be sustainable. Confidence building measures achieved through direct dialogues between opposing leaders and community engagement under their strong leadership are essential parts of the process towards a lasting peace.   
 
The second point is the necessity of establishing resilient institutions. Institutional mechanisms to support and consolidate core agreements are vital. Issues such as how to share and distribute the reins of power are among the most contentious. Without concrete built-in systems to ensure the continuation of peace arrangements, we cannot overcome the fragility that is inherent in any peace process.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
Despite the remarkable progress made in its national reconciliation, Mozambique is still facing threats from the terrorist activity and violent extremism of non-state armed groups, especially in Cabo Delgado. The ongoing regional initiative to help the country restore stability and mitigate the humanitarian challenges facing conflict-affected people is commendable. The international community should continue to stand by this effort and provide necessary assistance based on the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus. Japan, for its part, announced its commitment earlier this month to provide assistance of approximately 7.6 million US dollars in response to the complex crisis in the north and to improve human security.  
 
I thank you.