Nairobi, 14 January 2021 – As the United Nations marked its 75th anniversary last year (2020), a new United Nations Strategy for Peace Consolidation, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes region was also launched at the request of Secretary-General António Guterres. The Strategy was developed by the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region in consultation with a wide range of interlocutors, including representatives of the signatory countries and co-guarantors of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework, regional organizations, United Nations entities, international financial institutions, civil society organizations, women’s organizations, former senior officials of the United Nations and the African Union, and experts from various fields. The Strategy, which was approved by the Secretary-General on 22 October 2020, was published on 14 January 2021.

While prioritizing political solutions, the Strategy advocates for a shift in narrative beyond the traditional focus on conflict-related challenges that emphasizes opportunities for peace, security and people-centered development. It puts forth ten priorities structured under the following three pillars: (a) peace, security and justice; (b) sustainable development and shared prosperity; and (c) resilience to long-standing and emerging challenges. The priorities will guide United Nations engagement in the region, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the joint United Nations and World Bank study on prevention, Pathways for Peace: Inclusive Approaches to Preventing Violent Conflict, while also informing specific and immediate priority actions in the next three years.

Please click here to read the full text of the United Nations Strategy for Peace Consolidation, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes region