BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE
PEACE building is not only a development challenge it is a political challenge and a challenge of an equal two way dialogue at the same time.
The statement was made by UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Osnat Lubrani during the launching of the UN Joint Programme Initiative, the second peace supported program in Solomon Islands funded by United Nations Peacebuilding Fund) UNPBF.
She said that UNPBF has recognized the commitment made by the government and people Solomon Islands and the work that has been carried out so far by all stakeholders.
Ms Lubrani added that with that recognition, they have on an exceptional basis agreed to sponsor the second peace program in Solomon Islands which will be implemented by UNDP and UN Women.
On another note, she expressed that other donors and partners should be invited to join the journey given that peacebuilding is a dimensional challenge.
“Looking ahead, I think we should all invite other partners and donors to join in the journey, peacebuilding is a development challenge, it is a political challenge and it is a challenge of an equal two way dialogue at the same time”
“With this spirit of ambition, openness and our hope for the future for progress, I’m sure that the country’s peacebuilding challenges can be overcome”, said Ms Lubrani.
Furthermore, she assured Solomon Islands of UN’s support in tackling the issues relating to peacebuilding in the country.
“The UN is with you in this challenge. My important message is peacebuilding is a long term endeavor. It is a process and we are in it for a long haul”.
