New york: Angola defended on Monday, at the UN headquarters in New York, for the inclusive and meaningful participation of women and young people in peacebuilding initiatives, including affected communities, to strengthen peace processes in Africa and the world in general. According to Angola Press News Agency, the statement was made by Angola's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Francisco José da Cruz, during the meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission, which took place under the theme: "Advancing New Paradigms for Peacebuilding: Strengthening Inclusive and Sustainable Approaches to Peacebuilding". Cruz called for the integration of conflict-sensitive development strategies that build "resilience, strengthen institutions, promote equity and foster trust" to break persistent cycles of violence and instability. The Angolan diplomat welcomed the simultaneous adoption, in November 2025, of two substantially identical resolutions on the '2025 Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture by the Security Council and the General Assembly.' He reaffirmed the UN's long-standing commitment to improving the coherence of peacebuilding efforts, focusing on integration, prevention, and better coordination across the United Nations system to achieve sustainable peace. The diplomat noted that Angola has consistently advocated that Member States should 'preserve their national interests, sovereignty and independence, and resolve conflicts and disputes by peaceful means,' in full compliance with the UN Charter, International Law, and International Humanitarian Law. He recalled that in April 2002 the country achieved Peace and National Reconciliation after nearly three decades of internal conflict. The diplomat said the Angolan government established, as a starting point, that the issues of Peace and National Reconciliation should be addressed in full respect for the Constitution, the Legal Order and the Institutions of the State, as well as the Peace Accords and the UN Security Council Resolutions on Angola. The diplom at emphasized the importance of strengthening the principles of national ownership and inclusive governance. He advocated for the greater involvement of regional and international stakeholders, the reform of the Security Council to address historical injustices, and the strengthening of strategic partnerships between the United Nations, the African Union, and the Regional Economic Communities.
