"Our goal should be to live up to the expectations of societies and populations emerging from conflict and improving the contribution of the PBC to building hope for a better future. The 2010 Review gives us an opportunity to reinvigorate the vision behind the Peacebuilding Commission. It should result in a shared understanding of the purpose, role and functioning of the Commission."

PBC Chair, Ambassador Peter Wittig (Germany)

View photos with captions on new page

The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) is an intergovernmental advisory that supports peace efforts in countries emerging from conflict, and is a key addition to the capacity of the International Community in the broad peace agenda.

The Peacebuilding Commission plays a unique role in (1) bringing together all of the relevant actors, including international donors, the international financial institutions, national governments, troop contributing countries; (2) marshalling resources and (3) advising on and proposing integrated strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery and where appropriate, highlighting any gaps that threaten to undermine peace.

In 2010 the Peacebuilding Commission is being reviewed to assess its progress so far and determine its future direction. In a statement at the launch of the 2010 Review, the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that in its short existence, the PBC had shown its worth but looking ahead, Member States must consider how to make its impact more tangible at the country level. He stated the Review must consider how it can consolidate its contribution and apply that to other countries, redress both the weaknesses and challenges that emerged and how the Commission can enhance its partnership and working methods with partners in the field and at Headquarters

The concurrent General Assembly and Security Council resolutions establishing the Peacebuilding Commission also provided for the establishment of a Peacebuilding Fund and Peacebuilding Support Office.

The Chairperson, who is elected annually, is currently Ambassador Peter Wittig (Germany). His opening statement can be found here.