The Peacebuilding Architecture Review is a recurring examination of the United Nations' peacebuilding institutions — primarily the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) — which together constitute what is commonly called the UN "peacebuilding architecture." These bodies were created in 2005 following recommendations from the High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change and the World Summit Outcome Document, and formally established by parallel resolutions of the General Assembly (A/RES/60/180) and Security Council (S/RES/1645) on 20 December 2005.
The reviews are conducted roughly every five years and are mandated to take stock of how the architecture is performing and to recommend reforms. Each review typically involves an Advisory Group of Experts, broad consultations with member states, regional organizations, civil society, and UN entities, and culminates in twin resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and Security Council.
Major reviews have taken place in:
- 2010 — the first review, which highlighted gaps between New York-based bodies and field realities.
- 2015 — produced the influential report "The Challenge of Sustaining Peace" by the Advisory Group of Experts, introducing the concept of sustaining peace as a continuum spanning prevention, conflict, and recovery. This led to twin resolutions A/RES/70/262 and S/RES/2282 (2016).
- 2020 — focused on financing for peacebuilding, the nexus with development and humanitarian action, and inclusion of women and youth, resulting in twin resolutions in 2020.
Recurring themes across reviews include predictable and sustainable financing for the PBF, strengthening the PBC's advisory and convening role with the Security Council and ECOSOC, deepening partnerships with the African Union and international financial institutions, and operationalizing the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas. The reviews are a key venue for member states to debate the balance between peacekeeping and longer-term peacebuilding investments.
Example
In 2020, the UN General Assembly and Security Council concluded the third Peacebuilding Architecture Review, adopting twin resolutions that called for more adequate, predictable and sustained financing for peacebuilding activities.
Frequently asked questions
It is a member-state-led process supported by an Advisory Group of Experts appointed by the UN Secretary-General, with consultations involving governments, civil society, regional organizations, and UN entities.
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