Bangladesh has strong political commitment to peacekeeping operations: Ambassador Rabab Fatima

News Desk: Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Rabab Fatima has reiterated Bangladesh's deep commitment to UN peacekeeping and sustainable peace efforts.

He highlighted Bangladesh's commitment in a virtual high-level reclamation conference in an effort to increase its financial contribution to the UN peacekeeping fund. This information was given in a press release sent from the Permanent Office of the United Nations on Wednesday (January 26).

The conference was co-hosted by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the governments of Canada, Germany, Sierra Leone and Sudan. At the conference, Bangladesh announced a significant contribution to the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. At the time, Ambassador Fatima said Bangladesh's strong political commitment to world peace was a manifestation of its financial support to the Peacebuilding Fund, even in the most difficult of times.

Bangladesh's invaluable contribution to UN peacekeeping operations and peace-building initiatives, as well as additional financial assistance, was promised. Reiterating the concerns of the UN Secretary-General over the years-long lack of funding for peace-building initiatives, the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh called on the international community to pay urgent attention to peace-building funding.

Citing the two recent resolutions on peacebuilding and sustainable peace, Ambassador Fatima said Bangladesh would support all international efforts to mobilize the emergency resources of the Peacebuilding Fund. According to the two recent resolutions, a high-level meeting on the issue is scheduled to be held at the 7th UN General Assembly.

Ambassador Fatima stressed that despite the negative impact of Covid on the economies of many countries, including Bangladesh, it is important for the conflicting countries to continue cooperating in their peace-building efforts; Because it is their national priority.

The Permanent Representative of Bangladesh attaches special importance to building the capacity of their national institutions so that the conflict-prone countries can reap the positive results of peace building. Stressing on the need for peace building fund for building an inclusive society, he said it must be ensured that all sections of the society irrespective of race, religion, caste and gender can equally enjoy the benefits of this fund.

This high-level recap conference was organized to encourage voluntary contributions to the 2020-2024 investment strategy of the Peacebuilding Fund. The conference was inaugurated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the President of Sierra Leone, the Prime Minister of Sudan, and the Foreign Ministers of Canada and Germany.

In addition, more than 50 foreign ministers from different regions took part in the event. Ambassador Rabab Fatima, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, represented the Government of Bangladesh at the conference.