Mister President, dear colleagues,
I join others in thanking the esteemed briefers for their insightful overviews, and South Africa for organizing today’s debate.
The importance of partnerships between the United Nations, the African Union and sub-regional organizations in maintaining international peace and security cannot be overemphasized. Sudan is an excellent example of how playing on the strengths of the respective organizations, can support the aspirations of people to transition from decades of dictatorship to a democracy, and bring peace to the country.
There are many other examples already highlighted by previous speakers, showing how close cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union builds and sustains peace on the continent. Estonia recognizes the close link between security, prosperity and good governance, and therefore remains committed to the holistic approach to supporting peace and security in Africa.
COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the need for strengthened cooperation, as we are best positioned to address the pandemic and its effects together.
Mr. President,
It is obvious that closer cooperation between these organizations should be our common goal. In this regard, I would like to highlight three thematic areas where Estonia would like to see this cooperation further strengthened.
Firstly, we see a lot of potential for cooperation in the area of conflict prevention. We support the Secretary-General’s call for strengthening early warning mechanisms to ensure preventive, timely and effective action. I would also like to express Estonia’s full support to ‘Silencing the guns’ action plan. The concrete steps outlined in the plan are crucial in contributing to peace, stability and security in Africa, while addressing the root causes of conflict. Strengthening respect for human rights, good governance, rule of law and democracy is at the heart of prevention efforts. This also contributes to the prevention of violent extremism and terrorism. Additionally, we see the value in maximizing the trilateral cooperation between the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union in the field of conflict prevention and mediation. These complementary resources, strengths and linkages pave way for more effective response.
Secondly, Estonia would also like to see further cooperation in the field of climate change. We are already witnessing the devastating effects of climate change from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa. We need to be proactive about this conflict driver before the situation further degrades and disrupts the lives of millions of people.
Thirdly, Estonia supports further cooperation related to Women, Peace and Security agenda. We must continue our efforts in ensuring that African women and girls are participating in all aspects of society, including in conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding efforts. We also stress the importance of joint action between the United Nations and the African Union to end conflict related sexual violence as well as violations and abuses against children affected by armed conflict.
Mr. President,
I would like to conclude by quoting a well-known African proverb, which is very fitting for today’s debate. It says, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I am convinced that by further strengthening the cooperation between the United Nation and the African Union, we can go far quickly in helping to bring peace, prosperity and brighter future to the African people.
Thank you!