"Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, At the UN General Assembly Debate on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace (25 June 2026) ******* Madam President, As a strong supporter of Peacebuilding, Pakistan welcomes the convening of this important debate and the Peacebuilding Week. I also thank Ambassadors Beutin and Hilale, former and current Chairs of the Peacebuilding Commission for their briefings. 2. Twenty years since the establishment of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture, it is opportune to reflect on the achievements, challenges and lessons learnt, and also to reaffirm our collective commitment to this endeavour in an increasingly complex global environment. 3. Two decades ago, when PBC was established, there were relatively fewer conflicts, peacekeeping was more effectively utilized in many theatres, helping countries emerge from conflict, and that brought focus on how to consolidate peace, and prevent relapse so that the hard won gains are not lost. It seems that now, there is less peace to keep, and lesser even to build. And there is a scramble for resources that are becoming scarce. We must therefore assess the whole situation seriously and holistically to deliver the promise of peacebuilding. 4. As other colleagues have noted, peace is not an event; it is a continuum from conflict prevention to peacemaking and peacekeeping to post conflict recovery and peacebuilding, that are often interconnected and mutually reinforcing. 5. Particularly in intrastate or complex crises, sustainable peace can best be achieved when people begin to experience tangible peace dividends through improved governance, stronger institutions, social inclusion and economic opportunity, for a better future. 4. Experience has shown that peacekeeping alone would not secure lasting peace. On the other hand, peacebuilding cannot be delayed till after the peacekeepers have left. It must be integrated from the outset. And this transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding, and ultimately to nationally led development, requires sustained political commitment, adequate resources, and coherent support from the international community. 5. In this regard, Pakistan welcomes the outcomes of the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR) facilitated by Egypt and Slovenia. The emphasis on national ownership, stronger links between the Peacebuilding Commission and the principal organs of the United Nations, enhanced follow-up, and improved coherence across the UN system including the IFIs reflects priorities that we have consistently supported. 6. We commend the growing role of the Commission particularly the country specific configurations, as platform for dialogue, partnership-building, and resource mobilization. 7. Pakistan further recognizes the important contribution of the Peacebuilding Fund. Experiences shared by countries with UN peacebuilding programmes, illustrate the practical difference that timely and flexible peacebuilding support can make on the ground. Sustained support for peacebuilding financing therefore remains essential. 8. As one of the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peace operations, and a founding member of the Peacebuilding Commission, Pakistan has witnessed first-hand the importance of linking security gains with institution-building, reconciliation, and socio-economic recovery. 9. After all, it was this inextricable link between peace and development, and the need for a comprehensive approach, addressing the root causes that led to the establishment of the Commission and the Fund. We must remain focused on that central purpose: helping countries prevent conflict, sustain peace, and avoid relapse. Pakistan will continue working with all Member States to advance this shared objective. I thank you @UNDPPA"