Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, hosted members of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (UNPBC) today, engaging in a substantial exchange of views on the Commission’s mission and the critical role of coordination with the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC).

The dialogue comes as Ethiopia, a nation with a rich history in multilateralism, concluded an eight-year tenure as a UNPBC member stretching from 2016 to 2024. Minister Gedion commenced by commending the visiting delegation for its work in supporting countries emerging from conflict, particularly noting the difficulty of their mandate within an increasingly turbulent "challenging geopolitical landscape."

He then laid out Ethiopia’s conviction that sustainable peace and security hinge on four inseparable prerequisites: strong institutions, effective governance, a firm national commitment, and robust international cooperation geared toward sustainable development. He took a moment to underscore the vital, often underutilized, importance of youth and their direct contribution to peacebuilding processes.

Emphasizing Ethiopia's deep-rooted partnership with the United Nations, FM Gedion reiterated the country's continuous commitment to explore every possible avenue of cooperation in support of peace across the globe. He also offered specific appreciation for the leadership demonstrated by the UNPBC Chair, Permanent Representative of Germany to the UN, Ricklef Beutin, and the Permanent Representative of Kenya to the UN, Ekitela Lokaale.

In return, the UNPBC members voiced their collective readiness to continue working closely alongside Ethiopia, the African Union, and other regional organizations, with key areas of focus identified as conflict prevention, post-conflict recovery, the meaningful participation of youth and women, and the crucial matter of peace financing.