Peacebuilding is the final and most complex phase of any peace operation. Its success or failure is not only a question of peace or war it is a matter of confidence in the effectiveness of the United Nations and collective security.

To build long-lasting peace in societies shattered by civil war means to plan a long-term international effort. Understanding the role of every actor in a peacebuilding process and taking decisions that reflect the will of the local population should be the guidelines for UN action at the beginning of each peacebuilding operation. These decisions require a central mechanism flexible enough to coordinate the efforts of mostly broadly working actors operating in a specific environment.

But not only institutions matter. The right decisions can only be taken if competent experienced experts with a thorough knowledge of the country under consideration are responsible. A careful selection of international negotiators and personnel is important to create a network of international and local peace builders that will one day become the basis for a new democratic society stable enough to live in peace.

OCGG Security Advice No 2 (PDF)