General Assembly General Assembly

Permanent Mission of India
New York
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New Peacebuilding Commission’s Ambassadorial-level Meeting on the 19th Session Annual Report and Election of Officers

Statement by Mr. Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Counsellor
29 January 2026

Thank you, Mr. Chairman,

We thank the President of the General Assembly and the CdC for their remarks underlining the continued significance of the Peacebuilding Commission at this critical time, when the world, amid uncertainty, faces several conflict situations.

2. We wish to heartily congratulate Ambassador Omar Hilale and the Kingdom of Morocco on taking over as the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for 2026.

3. We also take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to Ambassadors Ricklef Beutin and Antje Leendertse for their leadership of the PBC.

4. We also wish to congratulate Bangladesh, Brazil, Croatia and Germany for taking charge as the Vice Chairs and to other Chairs and office-bearers.

5. As the largest troop-contributing country and a leading voice among T/PCCs, India will continue to play a proactive role in contributing to the work of PBC, including addressing emerging challenges related to the transition from peacekeeping to a more comprehensive approach in peacebuilding.

Mr. Chairman,

6. I am happy to listen to and support your priorities. I have the following five points to make:

  • First, we welcome the consensual adoption of the Annual Report of the 19th Session of the Peacebuilding Commission.

  • Second, as the Commission embarks on implementing the 2025 PBAR resolutions, we underscore that the principles of national ownership and consensus-based decision-making will continue to guide all peacebuilding activities.

  • Third, PBC will provide adequate attention to institution-building, with a special focus on women and youth, including the incorporation of people-centric digital technologies into UN peacebuilding efforts. Enduring governance structures that protect human rights and advance the rule of law can be achieved only through robust and resilient institution and capacity building.

  • Fourth, engagement with RC system should produce greater impact at the country level.

  • Finally, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of financial commitment to UN’s peacebuilding. Additionally, we encourage PBC to double its efforts to further strengthen its partnerships with IFIs to deliver more tangible outcomes.

7. Once again, Mr. Chair, we look forward to working with you on these priorities.

I thank you.