Indian MP Arun Bharti Advocates for National Ownership in Peacebuilding at UN Meeting

New York, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : Bihar MP Arun Bharti represented India at the ninth annual meeting between the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) held at the UN headquarters in New York. His visit from October 19 to 23 is part of India’s unofficial parliamentary delegation for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

In his opening remarks, Bharti expressed gratitude to the chairs of both commissions for organizing the meeting. He highlighted its significance in enhancing mutual cooperation, understanding, and the importance of African ownership and leadership in peacebuilding efforts.

Referencing the twin proposals from the 2025 peacebuilding architecture review, he noted that these proposals aim to strengthen strategic partnerships between the two bodies and establish a mechanism for following up on the recommendations from annual consultations. The joint statement issued today represents a step forward in that direction.

Bharti articulated India’s perspective on proposed practical arrangements, such as collaborative regional tours, emphasizing that these should be flexible, respect the mandates of both organizations, and align with the priorities of the host nation.

He stressed that “national ownership” should be the guiding principle in peacebuilding. The primary responsibility for determining peacebuilding needs and priorities lies with the government of the affected country. Therefore, regional and international support must be demand-driven, provided at the request and with the consent of the host nation, complementing national efforts rather than replacing them. He asserted that this principle should also apply to joint activities and regional tours.

On the topic of funding, Bharti called for better coordination among the UN Peacebuilding Fund, the African Development Bank, and other partners to avoid fragmentation and prevent the imposition of external viewpoints.

Highlighting the importance of inclusive development and social justice, he remarked that sustainable peace is only possible when it is inclusive. He welcomed the acknowledgment of the participation of women and youth in peacebuilding efforts in the joint statement.

Bharti noted that human-centered digital public infrastructure has the potential to enhance the effectiveness and transparency of public service delivery, thereby building public trust and strengthening institutions, ultimately paving the way for lasting peace. He pointed out that India has set a global example in reaching the last person through government schemes via digital initiatives like Aadhaar, UPI, and Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT).

In closing, Bharti reiterated that India’s approach is guided by the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning the whole world is one family. He affirmed India’s commitment to supporting the national peacebuilding priorities of its African partners through demand-driven partnerships, including capacity building via the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.