Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Ambassadorial-level meeting with the 8th Advisory Group of the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF)

 
Thank you, Chair, and I also thank distinguished advisory board members.
 
As demand for the Peacebuilding Fund continues to rise while resources remain scarce, it is essential that stakeholders share ideas and engage in constructive dialogue to maximize the PBF’s impact within limited resources. Today’s meeting provides a valuable platform for that purpose.
 
Investing in peace is not philanthropy but a strategic choice that underpins sustainable peace, recovery, and economic growth. In this context, enhancing partnerships with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and the private sector is important not only from a financial standpoint, but also to amplify the impact of PBF projects. 　　
　　
IFIs bring long-term development expertise, and the private sector can implement locally grounded, economically sustainable approaches to peacebuilding, both of which are complementary to the efforts of the PBF. Therefore, it is crucial for the PBF to reinforce its partnering efforts and promote peace-positive investments.
 
With our long-standing experience with public-private partnerships, including the Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa (EPSA) initiative launched with the African Development Bank in 2005, Japan will continue to actively engage in discussions on IFI and private sector engagement.
 
In this regard, we welcome the PBF Advisory Group’s emphasis on fostering partnerships with IFIs and the private sector, both of which Japan places great emphasis on. We encourage the Advisory Group to continue exploring innovative ways to further strengthen these collaborations.
 
I would also like to highlight that the PBC, with its convening power, can help enhance the effectiveness of the PBF through fostering partnerships with IFIs and the private sector. Countries may utilize the PBC to catalyse IFI financing by presenting their national conflict prevention and peacebuilding strategies and reflecting on the progress and challenges of these endeavours. 　　　　
Additionally, the PBC may explore new opportunities for exchanges with experienced actors who are already working on IFIs and private sector engagement. Such discussions will enable the identification of concrete steps toward further enhancing and institutionalizing engagement between the PBF and the IFIs as well as the private sector.
 
To conclude, I would like to reaffirm Japan’s continuous commitment in fostering partnerships for peacebuilding and sustaining peace.
 
I thank you.