Investing in Prevention: Scaling up Peace – A Call to Action for DFIs Official side event at the Summit of the Future

At the outset, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge this joint event’s multi-stakeholder coalition which is reflective of the peculiarity of prevention efforts. Prevention is indeed a multi-pronged approach requiring long term vision and engagement. This event shows our shared commitment to showcasing innovative partnerships and financing mechanisms that integrate peacebuilding and development, specifically leveraging public and private resources for sustainable peace-positive investments.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

Conflicts have been the most pressing challenge that we all face. Countries such as those in the g7+ have faced and are still facing conflicts for decades now. My country, Sierra Leone is no exception, with more than a decade of devastating conflict. Stemming from the consequences of colonization to civil wars, these conflicts have fragmented social and political fabrics. Often unhealed, these fragmentations become the breeding seeds for future conflicts. For Example, 20 plus years of escalating conflict has resulted in Africa’s immense challenges: geopolitical tensions, environmental challenges, food insecurity, a breakdown of multilateral cooperation, and shrinking civic space. These poly-crisis have had a detrimental impact on a regional level, with half the continent living in extreme poverty, having the effect that illicit markets, youth radicalization, and population displacement span across borders.

The sheer cost of halting conflicts, relief and recovery following conflicts is nothing compared to preventing such conflicts. Learning from these experiences, our countries put premium on sustaining peace in countries that have emerged from conflict. These require certain imperatives, a few of which I will highlight here.

Firstly, we must address existing conflicts and pursue dialogue to heal the societal and political wounds caused by conflicts. The process of truth, reconciliation to pursue cohesion, and unity in these countries is the only way out to put the countries on the path of prosperity and stability. My own country, Sierra Leone together with other g7+ countries such as Timor-Leste and others have proven records of such experiences.

Second, we call for financing and investments that are peace-positive and sustainable. conflict affected countries such as those in the g7+ are disproportionately exposed to climate change and environmental risks even though they are among the least contributors to global emissions. Having received minimal climate finance per capita in adaptation financing, regions like the Sahel, the Great Lakes, and the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, Pacific and Caribbean, are struggling with intensifying environmental pressures. Therefore, we are on a much-needed call to long-term resilience-building solutions, such as investment in infrastructure, agriculture and climate resilient development.

As it has been ascertained that preventing a crisis is far preferable to solving one, we call for emphasis to be put on prevention. The DFIs have a critical role to play here. DFIs are generally best placed to help catalyze private investment in FCS, and leverage aid to support peace-promoting investments in these countries. They need to scale up their resources in fragile states. In this regard, it is encouraging that the African Development Bank’s strategy (2022-2026) prioritize prevention over crisis response and puts emphasis on addressing fragility and building resilience. Effective prevention including comprehensive approaches, political courage, effective partnerships, sustainable resources, and national ownership are encouraged for the New Agenda for Peace to succeed.

Partnerships and coalitions such as this around this event today will be critical for the success of the New Agenda for Peace. It will require investing in social development such as education, employment, livelihood, and socio-economic development, all of which are essential for preventing conflict from eruption and for long-term peacebuilding results.

As Governments of fragile states, we must on our part implement effective policy and regulatory changes to create more conducive business and investment environments to facilitate investments from DFIs and private sector.

Thank you once again for gathering here! Let’s work together to put the new agenda for peace into action.

Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen,

In closing, I want to emphasize that our efforts here today are a testament to our shared commitment to creating a future where peace is not only sustained but where the root causes of conflict are addressed before they erupt. The journey towards lasting peace requires collective action, innovative partnerships, and sustained investments in both people and institutions. It also demands political courage, resilience-building, and the empowerment of communities most affected by conflict.

As we’ve discussed, conflict-affected nations like those in the g7+ have shown that peace is achievable with the right combination of reconciliation, dialogue, and peace-positive investments. But we cannot overlook the urgency of addressing the environmental, social, and economic challenges that often compounds conflict. As we move forward, let us focus on long-term solutions that include sustainable development, climate resilience, and investments in our youth and communities.
The new agenda for peace will only be realized through a multifaceted approach that bridges peacebuilding with sustainable development. Let us continue to work together to make this vision a reality, not just for ourselves, but for future generations. I encourage you all to continue engaging with determination, collaboration, and innovation.

Thank you for your time and commitment. Together, we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities for peace and prosperity.”