Mohamed Idris, Egypt's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) in New York, met with the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, to discuss enhancing the organisation's peacebuilding architecture. The meeting took place in Idris' capacity as Chairperson of the organisation's Peacebuilding Commission. The meeting witnessed discussions on the Egypt's priorities as president of the Peacebuilding Commission, and the progress made in its implementation. The two sides also reviewed how to work to overcome obstacles that prevent the effectiveness and impact of the organisation's efforts in building and sustaining peace from being enhanced. Idris said that the meeting included a rich dialogue and consensus on ways to enhance the effectiveness of the UN peacebuilding structure. Guterres praised the active Egyptian presidency of the UN committee, and affirmed the UN leadership's support for the priorities identified by Egypt in its capacity on the commission. Idris added that the meeting emphasised the growing importance of the Peacebuilding Commission in supporting conflict-affected countries. The commission and helping to avoid future conflicts in light of the consensus it enjoys among the UN's member states, and for its work in accordance with the principle of national ownership. Idris noted the important role of the committee in deepening partnerships and achieving coordination and harmony between the efforts of international actors. The meeting also highlighted the need to work on addressing the challenges the UN peacebuilding structure faces, especially with regard to efforts to provide adequate and sustainable funding for peacebuilding activities. This is especially during periods of transition after the exit of the UN peacekeeping operations from the field.
