Building Peace in Communities through Local Governance and Community Reconciliation in South Sudan
31 January 2023
Statement of Italy delivered by the Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Gianluca Greco
Mr. Chair,
I would like to thank the Honorable Minister Par Kuol, our IGAD and UN colleagues, and the civil society representatives for sharing concrete proposals on building peace in South Sudan through local governance and community reconciliation.
Your interventions, together with the active participation of Member States, reflect the importance of the Peace Building Commission as an organ based on ownership and common responsibility, striving to achieve the shared goals of stability, good governance and development.
Italy, as a long-standing partner of South Sudan and a contributor to the Peace Building Fund, welcomes the continued engagement of the South Sudanese Authorities with the PBC and its Members.
I also wish to congratulate Amb. Muhith and the Government of South Sudan for the successful visit of a PBC Delegation to South Sudan. Italy fully subscribes to the recommendations shared as an outcome of the visit and stands ready to support their full implementation.
Mr. Chair, a few days ago, the Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, stated that 2023 is a “make or break” year for peace in South Sudan. We cannot agree more.
It is time for the dividends of peace to reach every community and citizen in the country. The precondition for achieving this goal is a renewed effort of all Parties in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
Over the years, Italy has supported the internal political dialogue in South Sudan, facilitated by the Community of Sant’Egidio.
Moreover, comprehensive political engagement to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace also needs to be a tool for local governance and political reconciliation. It is therefore crucial that the PBC and the PBF continue to support the efforts of the Authorities and People of South Sudan to improve local good governance and foster reconciliation at the community level.
As a contribution to the definition of a shared way ahead in South Sudan, allow me to put forward three ideas on the importance of inclusivity.
Firstly, civil society organizations can provide invaluable experience in addressing inequalities, delivering sustainable development and accompanying reconciliation processes. Stronger coordination between institutions and CSOs can therefore help us build more resilient societies.
Secondly, the inclusion of all components of society, starting with youth and women, in decision-making processes is essential to rebuilding trust in State institutions and to tackling stability and development challenges through a whole-of-society approach.
Thirdly, putting the most vulnerable at the center of the provision of basic services can help consolidate peace and secure a transition from humanitarian response to long-term development.
Italy, through both bilateral and multilateral assistance, will continue to pursue these priorities as a concrete contribution to the achievement of peace and prosperity in South Sudan.
I thank you.
