OCHA Financing and Partnerships’ Post

The United Nations, an international organization founded in 1945, was established to prevent wars and ensure lasting peace for future generations. This was a response to the devastation caused by the First and Second World Wars, which left the world in turmoil and destruction. Despite the noble goal of the UN, the world today is grappling with over thirty conflicts that pose a significant threat to global stability, security, and development. These are diverse and complex, ranging from internal conflicts such as civil wars and insurgencies to inter-state disputes over territory, resources, and power. They have led to the displacement of millions of people, loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure, and the exacerbation of poverty and inequality. Some high-profile conflicts include the ongoing war in Palestine, Ukraine, Syria, the Yemen crisis, and the Korean Peninsula tensions, among others. To address these challenges, the UN has played a critical role in mediation, conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance. However, the nature and complexity of these conflicts require a sustained and coordinated effort from the international community to find lasting solutions. This includes addressing the root causes of conflicts, promoting dialogue and reconciliation, respecting human rights, and ensuring the participation of all stakeholders in the peace process.

There can be no lasting peace – and therefore no collective security – without sustainable progress towards prosperity. So we need to not lose focus on the longer-term investments that are essential for prosperity, economic development and conflict prevention and resolution. There is not a simple trade-off between these categories. As leaders gather for the Munich Security Conference to discuss how to support peace against a backdrop of rising conflict and instability we need to ensure that development assistance can best contribute to the international security agenda through better coordination, action, perspective, and innovation. See the analysis by Axel van Trotsenburg

Impressed by USAID - Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance's Commitment to Iraq's Future Recently, Elise Jensen, Mission Director for USAID/Iraq, shared a powerful message on the importance of cultural preservation and community resilience in Iraq. Her story, masterfully showcasing the impact of international cooperation, resonated deeply. USAID/Iraq's commitment is evident: - $30 million invested: Recovering over 3,000 artifacts and vital historical documents. - Preserving minority cultures: Collaborating with the Yazidi Institute for Surveys to document their heritage. - Restoring lost treasures: Repairing, digitizing, and making accessible thousands of documents damaged by ISIS. These initiatives serve as powerful testaments to hope and renewal. They highlight the undeniable importance of safeguarding history and traditions for future generations. Beyond the borders of Iraq, this story resonates: - Elevates the importance of cultural preservation. - Underlines the transformative power of aid. - Demonstrates the critical role of the United States in fostering security and prosperity in post-conflict regions.

‘Somalia on Steroids’: Sudan Conflict Escalates. A top U.S. official in Africa is cautioning that Sudan’s civil war could spiral into a full-blown regional conflict or a failed state absent a lasting peace deal and path toward a political transition to a civilian-led government.https://tinyurl.com/yr4ycv8w In a forthcoming article, I argue that the implications of inaction are far-reaching, risking further destabilization of the region and undermining global peace and security. Therefore, supporting calls for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and a strategic approach to addressing underlying causes are crucial steps towards a sustainable resolution that ensures the well-being and dignity of all Sudanese people.

We're thrilled to announce that our manuscript, "Exploring the Preference for Bilateral Aid: A Case Study of Gulf Oil States' Aid to Yemen," has been accepted for publication in Third World Quarterly! The study takes three distinct research directions, examining how Gulf donor countries strategically employ bilateral aid in conflict running, how they use bilateral aid to forge and strengthen geopolitical alliances within the region, and the complexities associated with multilateral aid channels in Yemen. In providing insights into the motivations and strategies of Gulf countries in their aid policies, this research contributes to discussions on aid delivery and maximizing impact in conflict-affected areas.

Sat 2024-04-27 13:52 Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Saudi Arabia 04/27/2024 01:24 PM EDT Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson Secretary Antony Blinken will travel to Saudi Arabia April 29-30 to meet with regional partners. The Secretary will discuss ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza that secures the release of hostages and how it is Hamas that is standing between the Palestinian people and a ceasefire. He will discuss the recent increase in humanitarian assistance being delivered to Gaza and underscore the importance of ensuring that increase is sustained. The Secretary will also emphasize the importance of preventing the conflict from spreading and discuss ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the region, including through a pathway to an independent Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel. The Secretary will participate in a Ministerial meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council to advance coordination on regional security. At the World Economic Forum’s special meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development, the Secretary will coordinate with our partners to ensure continued progress on climate change mitigation and the global energy transition. Stay connected with the State Department:

𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Working with the Challenges Forum, ISS helped foster consensus in the debate over sustainable #funding at a time when UN #peacekeeping missions are being forced out of Africa’s conflict zones. Details in our latest Spotlight: https://lnkd.in/dhJcWidY

STATEMENT FROM THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF FOREIGN AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS (COFCOR) ON THE ESCALATING MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT The Caribbean Community Council of Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) views with grave concern the escalating violence in the Middle East, particularly the recent direct military engagements between Israel and Iran. These developments not only exacerbate the already tense situation but also pose significant threats to regional stability and international peace. The human toll of this conflict, highlighted by tragic incidents such as deaths and injuries to children, demand an immediate and empathetic response from the global community. It is imperative that there be no further escalation that can lead to more suffering and instability. In light of this critical situation, COFCOR urgently calls for: An immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Iran. We strongly urge both nations to halt any further military actions that could worsen the situation, endangering not only their own populations but also the broader international community. The international community, particularly the five Veto-nations on the UN Security Council, to work assiduously towards an immediate ceasefire, ensuring the provision of necessary humanitarian aid and fostering conditions conducive to a lasting peace All involved parties to re-engage in diplomatic dialogue, prioritizing peaceful resolutions and cooperation over military actions. As nations committed to the principles of justice and peace, the Caribbean Community stands ready to support efforts toward de-escalation and the establishment of a durable peace in the region. We implore all parties to consider the severe consequences of further conflict and to commit to diplomatic solutions that ensure the safety, sovereignty, and dignity of all people involved. Full Statement: https://ow.ly/FOra50RfOx6

#Congress passed the Global Fragility Act (GFA) in 2019 to provide a more holistic government approach to conflict prevention. How has it impacted priority countries?🌎 Michelle Sieff, PhD analyzes #US foreign assistance and conflict trends in these regions: https://bit.ly/3vKiy05

In 2024, nearly 300 million people around the world will need humanitarian assistance and protection, due to conflicts, climate emergencies and other drivers. As a result, the UN and Partner Organizations are appealing for $46.4 billion in the year 2024, to assist 180.5 million people across 72 countries as follows: $13.9 billion for The Middle East and North African region $10.9 billion for East and Southern Africa $8.3 billion for West and Central Africa $5.5 billion for Asia and the Pacific $4.1 billion for Eastern Europe $3.6 billion for Latin America and the Caribbean More info at https://lnkd.in/g7pVvtxN