Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare Friday launched the new United Nations Peacebuilding Programme designed to support national efforts towards sustainable peace and stability in the Solomon Islands. [restrict]
“I especially want to thank the UN for making this peacebuilding fund available, in particular the United Nations Development Programme and UN Women for partnering with the Solomon Islands Government in implementing this new programme to support the peaceful and inclusive transition in our country,” says Prime Minister Sogavare.
“The programme will ensure there is strong local ownership in order to strengthen national capacity as well as create a lasting inclusive space for dialogue, with a particular focus on the engagement of women and youth.”
The programme builds on the Government’s national peace building policy launched last year with UNDP’s support and on the efforts of the Government to promote women’s leadership and women’s rights in partnership with UN Women. It will also provide further technical support to Government’s response to national dialogues and aims to engage young people in peace building.
UN Resident Coordinator,Osnat Lubrani, reaffirms the important role of women and young people in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. In the Solomon Islands, women and youth play a critical role in advocating for restoration of peace and stability.
“It is without doubt that women are vital for sustaining peace in Solomon Islands and therefore, the UN is pleased to partner with the Government in this programme that will assist efforts to consolidate and sustain the hard-won peace and stability achieved over the past decade,” said Lubrani.
“I also take this opportunity to convey my warmest greetings to the people of Solomon Islands for your 38th Independence Day, last Thursday and welcome the Prime Minister’s call to embrace peace for nation building.”
The programme was developed by the Solomon Islands Government, the UNDP Country Office and UN Women as well as civil society leaders, national stakeholders and colleagues across the UN network.
The UN Peacebuilding Fund programme begun operations on 1st July 2016 and will conclude on 31st December 2017 kate.davidson@unwomen.org SOURCE: SIG/PACNEWS {/restrict]