Statement by H.E. F.A.M. Majoor, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the contribution of the Netherlands to the Peace Building Fund, New York 11 October 2006

---

The Netherlands very much welcomes the formal launching of the Peace Building Fund.

We believe this to be a crucial instrument that will enable the UN to act swiftly where urgent funding is needed for post-conflict situations. We welcome the fact that the Fund is closely associated with the Peacebuilding Commission, while at the same time allowing flexibility for funding of peacebuilding activities of countries not on the agenda of the PBC, who are on the verge of lapsing or relapsing into conflict. We on our part will do our utmost to make a success of the Peace Building Fund.

I am pleased to announce that the Netherlands will contribute 15 million Euros (the equivalent of approximately 18 million dollars) this year to the Fund.

Post-conflict situations come in many different shapes and sizes. No two are alike. There is, however, one element that tends to be common to almost all post-conflict situations, and that is the shortage of funding to finance activities in the field of security that are relevant for stability and development. It is our hope and expectation that the Peace Building Fund will be able to adress this shortage adequately, being able to swiftly fund what is necessary, not being constrained by financial consideration.

May I use this opportunity to thank the Secretary-General for his participation today and thus underlining the importance of the Peacebuilding Fund and peacebuilding in general.

I would also like to thank the head of the peacebuilding support office, Carolyn McAskie, and through her her colleagues of the PBSO for the work they have already done.

Let us wish ourselves all the best for the first two upcoming country specific meetings on Sierra Leone and Burundi.

Ladies and gentlemen. I believe the PBF can work, but only if we make it work.

Thank you.