India Re-elected to U.N. Peacebuilding Commission

India Re-elected to U.N. Peacebuilding Commission

India has been re-elected to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the 2025-2026 term. This re-election reaffirms India's active involvement in global peace initiatives and highlights its commitment to supporting peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected regions worldwide.

About the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC)

Establishment and Purpose

• Established: In 2005 by the UN General Assembly and Security Council.

• Objective: The PBC is an intergovernmental advisory body tasked with supporting peace efforts in countries emerging from conflict. It provides strategic advice, coordinates peacebuilding activities, and promotes long-term peace and stability.

Key Roles of the PBC:

1. Advisory Role: The PBC offers guidance to the UN Security Council and the General Assembly regarding post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding.

2. Coordination: It brings together key stakeholders, including UN agencies, regional organizations, and civil society actors, to create comprehensive strategies for countries transitioning from conflict to peace.

3. Monitoring and Supporting Recovery: The PBC works to support countries in their efforts to rebuild, strengthen institutions, and foster social and economic recovery.

4. Promotion of Sustainable Peace: The Commission works on preventing the recurrence of conflict by focusing on building resilient institutions and societies.

Structure and Composition:

• The Commission is composed of 47 member states, elected by the UN General Assembly. It includes countries from various regions, with a focus on those with a specific interest in peacebuilding.

• It has three main components:

  1. The Organizational Committee – responsible for setting policies.

  2. The Peacebuilding Support Office – handles the day-to-day functioning.

  3. The Peacebuilding Fund – finances the Commission's programs.

India’s Role and Contributions to the PBC

India’s re-election reflects its longstanding commitment to international peacebuilding efforts and its active role in supporting peace and stability, both within the UN framework and in its regional neighborhood.

India’s Active Role in Global Peacebuilding:

1. Advocacy for Comprehensive Peacebuilding: India has consistently advocated for inclusive and sustainable peacebuilding, focusing on the importance of development, reconciliation, and institution-building in post-conflict societies.

2. Support for Developing Nations: India’s emphasis on the South-South cooperation approach has been central in its contribution to peacebuilding. India has actively supported regional and international peace efforts while promoting the sovereignty and self-determination of nations.

3. Cooperation with the UN: India has been an active partner in UN-led peacebuilding efforts and often plays a central role in discussions around peacebuilding policies and the implementation of post-conflict reconstruction.

India’s Contributions to UN Peacekeeping

India is known for its substantial contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, and its involvement in peacebuilding is an extension of this broader role in maintaining global peace and stability.

Peacekeeping Contributions:

1. Troop Contributions: India is one of the largest contributors of troops to UN peacekeeping missions. Thousands of Indian soldiers, police personnel, and civilian experts have been deployed in various conflict zones around the world, especially in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

2. Commitment to Global Peace: India has participated in many peacekeeping missions, such as in Congo, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, and Lebanon. India’s peacekeepers have been involved in the disarmament, humanitarian relief, and reconstruction of post-conflict societies.

3. Financial Contributions: India is also a significant financial contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget, further supporting the implementation of peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations globally.

4. Humanitarian Assistance: Indian peacekeepers are often involved in providing humanitarian aid, assisting in disaster relief, and ensuring civilian protection in conflict zones.

India’s Regional Peacebuilding Efforts

India’s commitment to peace is not limited to global efforts. The country has a significant interest in promoting peace and stability in its neighborhood, where it has been involved in conflict resolution and peacebuilding in countries such as Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

1. Afghanistan: India has been a key player in Afghanistan’s reconstruction after the fall of the Taliban, providing humanitarian aid, infrastructure development, and capacity building for local institutions.

2. Sri Lanka: India played an instrumental role in post-conflict reconciliation in Sri Lanka after the end of the Tamil Eelam conflict, supporting efforts to ensure peace and development in the Tamil-majority areas.

3. Nepal and Bhutan: India has been a consistent partner in development cooperation and peacebuilding efforts in Nepal and Bhutan, focusing on strengthening democratic institutions and economic stability.

India’s Re-election and Future Commitment

India's re-election to the UN Peacebuilding Commission is a testament to its global standing and its role as a responsible player in fostering international peace and security. The country’s seat on the PBC will allow it to continue playing an active role in shaping global peacebuilding strategies and addressing the root causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, and governance challenges.

Key Areas for India’s Engagement:

1. Conflict Prevention and Resolution: India will continue to push for preventive diplomacy, dialogue, and inclusive peacebuilding strategies in conflict-affected countries.

2. Promotion of Development: India’s role in the PBC will focus on the interlinkages between development and peace, emphasizing the need for economic recovery, social integration, and institution-building in post-conflict societies.

3. Strengthening Multilateralism: India will also work to strengthen multilateral peace initiatives and advocate for the importance of regional cooperation in fostering lasting peace.

Conclusion

India’s re-election to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) underscores the country’s longstanding commitment to global peace and security. Through its active participation in UN peacekeeping missions, its contributions to peacebuilding in conflict-affected nations, and its emphasis on inclusive development, India continues to play a critical role in the international community’s efforts to prevent conflict, rebuild societies, and promote lasting peace.