23 September 2016 – The g7+ and the PBC organized a High-Level Side Event on Peer-Learning Among Fragile and Conflict-Affected Countries on Sustaining Peace and Sustainable Development” in the margin of the 71st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the United Nations HQ, in New York.
The event was co-hosted by the permanent mission of the Republic of Sierra-Leone as the Chairing country of g7+, the Republic of Kenya as the Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, with a focused on the importance of peer learning among countries affected by conflict and fragility.
The g7+ Eminent Person, H.E. Xanana Gusmao, shared his experience with the Central African Government during g7+ mission to Bangui, CAR, in early September 2016 and emphasized the importance of reconciliation and dialogue to restore peace as well as the importance of focusing on the resettlement of the internally displaced people (IDP) in CAR.
Accordingly, in the spirit of solidarity, H.E. Xanana Gusmao announced that under the Fragile-to-Fragile Cooperation, the Government of Timor-Leste, through its Council of Ministers, has approved a donation of USD 1.5 million to the Government of CAR to assist the resettlement of 2400 IDP at the Mpoko International Airport, Bangui.
The High-Level Event provided an opportunity for the g7+ Member States to share experiences and to inform development partners of the unique needs of countries in fragile situation. Sustaining peace and justice (SDG #16), which is also at the heart of the mandate of the g7+, can ensure greater effectiveness to the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
In his opening remarks, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chair of the g7+, H.E Samura Kamara, stated that it is of paramount importance to share successful stories and practices in peace building and state building within the g7+ Member Countries, because most of the g7+ Members know well what it entails to rebuild a country after war and, therefore, lesson can be learned in order “not to repeat the errors of the past.”
Mr. Samura also called upon the international community to continue supporting Fragile and Conflict-Affected Countries, particularly the g7+ grouping, to ensure that they are not left behind in the international development agenda of peace.
The co-Chair of the event, Cabinet Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Kenya, Amina Mohamed, also shared Kenya’s experience in sustaining peace and pointed out that “inclusivity and equity in sharing power, resources and economic opportunities among different groups in society are the prerequisite to achieving peace”.
The g7+ has forged a unique position by advocating the needs of conflict-affected and fragile countries on the international stage. It will continue collaboration with relevant entities within the UN, such as the PBC, to share the unique experiences of the g7+ Member Countries. END