Liberia gets UN's $25M for Peace Building activities

Minister Konneh (3rd from left) at the UN meeting in New York
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The United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) will provide a $25 million dollar grant to support the Liberia’s peacebuilding activities.

At the end of the Special Joint Event of the UN Economic and Social Council (UNECOSOC) and the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) held in New York Monday, July 19, 2010 the German Ambassador who chairs the UN Peacebuilding Commission and others, including the Canadians, Americans, Brazilians, etc., assured the Liberian delegation headed by Planning and Economic Affairs Amara Konneh that Liberia will get the $25m to support its peacebuilding activities.

According to a Media Advisory from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs Communication office, an assessment mission from the PBC is expected to visit Liberia on August 15, 2010 for two weeks following which Liberia is expected to sign the agreement in September on the margins of the UN General Assembly.

Minister Konneh and delegation was at the event to push Liberia’s application to be placed on the UN Peacebuilding Agenda and present Liberia’s Progress on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s). He made a case for Liberia to benefit from a $25 Million Peacebuilding Fund to implement peacebuilding activities including security sector reform, building capacity in the justice and rule of law sectors, youth employment and the implementation of key TRC recommendations that enhance reconciliation.

Minister Konneh and delegation on July 14th held a working session at the office of Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Marjon Kamara, who provided insights on emerging trends within the United Peacebuilding Architecture, including the upcoming review of the activities of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). 

In another high level meeting on July 15th with the Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations for Peacebuiling and Head of the Peacebuilding Support Office Judy Cheng-Hopkins, Amb. Peter Wittig, Chair of the PBC, and Chairs of existing countries configurations of Burundi, Central African Republic (CAR), Guinea Bissau, and Sierra Leone, Minister Konneh highlighted the prospects of Liberia’s engagement with the PBC, indicating that the context and advantages of such engagement were very essential. The Liberian delegation discussed some of the achievements and gaps in Liberia peacebuilding efforts, especially related to the Poverty Reduction Strategy.

Minister Konneh’s presentation highlighted Liberia’s progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding, and the country’s vision for long-term development that will build on the gains Liberia have made over the past 4 years. He also discussed Liberia’s success stories, challenges and the changes the post-conflict nation must make to accelerate improvement the socio-economic conditions of its people. Minister Konneh asserted that the primary reason for Liberia’s application to the Secretary General to be placed on the PBC agenda is to consolidate peace. 

The Liberian Minister stressed that the most important element for recovery in any post conflict nation is peace and security. He said the new peace provides the government and the country an enabling environment for achieving concrete dividends of peace.  These include among other things, rebuilding institutions and infrastructure; providing basic services for citizens; improving rule of law and promoting reconciliation. Sustainable peace promotes long-term development. But long-term development is a tall order for any post-conflict country, especially one with limited capacity and resources, more so if it is also dealing with tremendous human and physical destruction. 

Min. Konneh expressed appreciation on behalf of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Liberian Government and people of Liberia for the present financial support from the PBF to help address critical peacebuilding priorities outlined in the PRS. He also expressed his gratitude for the technical support provided to the Liberia Peacebuilding Office by the PBSO, in areas of monitoring and evaluation.

In addition, Min. Konneh pointed out some concrete achievements on the ground through the PBF, including support to the setting up and initial functioning of the Land Commission and Anti-Corruption Commission, and support towards strengthening prosecutorial services under the MoJ and public defense under the Judiciary. He also informed the PBSO of efforts to foster national reconciliation, through the use of local and traditional mechanism for peace and the construction of peace (palava) huts around the country.

Min. Konneh further elaborated on Liberia’s progress on the MDGs particularly promoting gender equity and empowering women, reducing infant mortality rate, combating HIV/AIDs, malaria and other diseases, and including developing partnership for development with external partners.  Min. Konneh noted improvements in the security and rule of law sectors, which he considered essential ingredients in providing long-term peace, stability and economic growth and development.

Despite the progress made, Min. Konneh was quick to flag the challenges in meeting the MDGs targets by 2015, and stated the Government efforts and commitment in trying to do so. He informed the PBSO that the Government had embarked on crafting its long-term development strategy, a vision for long-term sustainable peace and development in Liberia that will consider both the socio-political dimensions of development and economic growth. He called on the PBSO and other partners to continue their support to Liberia so as to ensure that Liberia sustains the gains it has made on peace and stability, and to accelerate its pace in meeting MDG goals within the next decade.