Publication

Evolution and reform of UN Peacebuilding – Ten areas of change

Out now – a resource for policymakers and practitioners to build an understanding of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture’s origins, evolution and linkages to other processes and entities.

Publication details

Title:Evolution and reform of UN Peacebuilding – Ten areas of change

Author:Sigrid Gruener and Henrik Hammargren

Published:5 May 2025

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Over the past two decades the peacebuilding efforts in the United Nations have undergone major transformations. The 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review comes at a critical moment. This year the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary, the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security has its 25th anniversary and Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security has its 10th anniversary.

This report lifts the United Nations’ peacebuilding work and explores the Peacebuilding Commission’s evolution, challenges, and opportunities. It offers ten forward-looking areas for change to enhance the UN Peacebuilding effectiveness. The insights are synthesised from official documentation, the Commission’s work, academic research, international and national civil society organisations as well as UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes.

The overall goal is to inform and inspire engagement in the long-term efforts required, locally, regionally, and globally, to build and sustain peace.

The ten areas of change

The design theme for this report takes its inspiration from the origami paper crane. Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, originated in Japan over a thousand years ago. The term is derived from two Japanese words, Ori (folded) and Kami (paper). In Japanese lore, the crane — a type of large, majestic bird – was thought to live for a thousand years, and the animals are held in the highest regard. The paper crane has become a traditional Japanese symbol of peace, carrying a message of hope, recovery, and resilience.

In this report, the paper crane not only reflects the legend but also, metaphorically, the core of peacebuilding. Just as each fold in origami must be intentional and precise, so too must be the steps taken to further develop the Peacebuilding Commission and the broader United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture.

While this report is a work on paper compiling the institutional history and recommendations to strengthen the relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of the UN’s Peacebuilding Commission, its true purpose, like origami, lies in what it becomes. The ideas and strategies within must be brought to life through committed action. It is only in implementation that meaningful change takes flight.

Scroll down to see each how the changes are illustrated, one fold at a time.

Change 1

The PBC must strengthen its engagement with the Security Council and the General Assembly, ensuring that its recommendations influence peacebuilding-related mandates and funding allocations. A more structured approach is needed to align PBC’s advice with Security Council decision-making, including on mission transitions. Additionally, the PBC should provide targeted peacebuilding advice to the General Assembly’s committees, particularly on conflict prevention and financing.

Change 2

To enhance coherence, the PBC should strengthen its engagement with UN Resident Coordinators and Country Teams to ensure peacebuilding is prioritised in national and regional strategies. Establishing closer linkages with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) will help integrate peacebuilding
perspectives into humanitarian, development, and peace operations.

Change 3

The PBC should play a stronger role in supporting UN mission transitions, ensuring that peacekeeping withdrawals do not create instability. This
requires structured engagement with the Security Council, DPO, and host governments. The PBC could also oversee the development of light footprint missions to sustain political and peacebuilding efforts post-transition.

Change 4

The PBC should use its convening power to align peacebuilding priorities across UN entities, financial institutions, and Member States. This includes holding more systematic dialogues with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO), and regional development actors.

Change 5

The PBC must deepen its engagement with international financial institutions (World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Regional Development Banks) and regional organisations. This includes advocating for dedicated financing for peacebuilding within development funding mechanisms and strengthening collaboration on joint programming for fragile and conflict-affected states.

Change 6

Peacebuilding financing remains unpredictable and insufficient. The PBC should advocate for increased voluntary and assessed contributions to the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and explore innovative financing models, including partnerships with the private sector and blended finance initiatives.

Change 7

The PBC should assist Member States in developing and implementing national prevention strategies, ensuring that peacebuilding efforts are aligned with national development priorities. This requires more systematic engagement with Resident Coordinators, UN Country Teams, and local peacebuilding actors.

Change 8

The PBC should mainstream gender equality, climate-related security risks, and youth inclusion in all peacebuilding initiatives. This includes integrating Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) commitments across PBC’s engagements and ensuring climate security is a core consideration in conflict prevention strategies.

Change 9

Stronger outreach and strategic communication are needed to enhance the visibility and influence of the PBC. The Commission should develop a comprehensive communications strategy, highlighting its successes and the tangible impact of peacebuilding efforts. This includes engaging with media, academia, and civil society organisations to expand global support for peacebuilding initiatives.

Change 10

The PBC’s operational capacity must be strengthened through increased Secretariat support and dedicated resources. This includes expanding PBSO’s analytical capabilities, increasing staffing levels, and improving data collection and monitoring mechanisms to inform evidence-based policymaking.

Read the Executive Summary

Strengthening the UN’s Peacebuilding Architecture – Transforming commitments into action