Advancing Peace, Resource Governance, and Development in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa

Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa

General Assembly
Committee: United Nations General Assembly [Insert Committee Name]
Topic: Promoting Stability and Sustainable Development in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Sponsor: Federal Republic of Germany
Co-Sponsors: [To be determined during conference — suggest Belgium, South Africa, Canada, and Norway]

The General Assembly,

Recalling its commitment to peace, security, and sustainable development as outlined in the United Nations Charter and relevant resolutions, including Resolution 73/195 on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD),

Recognizing the persistent challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including armed conflict, human rights abuses, and the exploitation of natural resources, which undermine regional stability and the well-being of its population,

Acknowledging Germany’s role as a leading contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, including MONUSCO, and its dedication to supporting conflict resolution, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development in Africa,

Noting with concern the ongoing violence in eastern DRC, the displacement of over five million people, and the illegal extraction of minerals such as cobalt and coltan, which fuel conflict and obstruct economic progress,

Emphasizing the importance of strengthening the DRC’s governance, protecting human rights, and fostering inclusive economic growth to achieve lasting peace and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),

Appreciating the efforts of the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and MONUSCO, while identifying the need for enhanced international support,

Hereby resolves to:

1. Enhance Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution

a. Urge the Security Council to extend and reinforce MONUSCO’s mandate through 2027, with increased resources for civilian protection and Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs;
b. Support the establishment of a UN–AU Joint Mediation Task Force to facilitate dialogue among the DRC government, armed groups, and regional stakeholders, aiming for a comprehensive peace agreement by 2028;

2. Strengthen Resource Governance

a. Call for the creation of a UN Resource Transparency Initiative (RTI) to monitor and certify the legal extraction and trade of DRC’s minerals, thereby reducing conflict financing;
b. Encourage member states and corporations to adopt the DRC Responsible Sourcing Code, ensuring supply chains for cobalt, coltan, and other resources are conflict-free and benefit local communities;

3. Promote Humanitarian Assistance and Protection

a. Request the UNHCR and WFP to expand aid operations, targeting an additional $500 million in annual funding to address displacement and food insecurity in the DRC;
b. Urge all parties in the DRC to ensure safe access for humanitarian workers and to uphold international humanitarian law, with Germany pledging technical support for aid coordination;

4. Foster Sustainable Development

a. Endorse the launch of a DRC Green Growth Partnership, financed through a $1 billion fund over five years from donor states and private investors, to support renewable energy, agriculture, and infrastructure projects;
b. Establish Regional Vocational Training Centers in the DRC, drawing on German expertise in technical education, to equip youth and ex-combatants with skills for employment and reintegration;

5. Support Governance and Human Rights

a. Invite the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to deploy additional monitors to investigate abuses and assist with judicial reforms in the DRC;
b. Encourage the DRC government to implement transparent electoral processes, with international observation, to strengthen democratic institutions by 2026;

6. Ensure International Cooperation and Accountability

a. Request the UN Secretary-General to provide an annual report, beginning in 2026, on progress in the DRC, including updates on peacebuilding, resource governance, and development outcomes;
b. Propose a biennial DRC Stability Conference, co-hosted by Germany and an AU member state, to coordinate donor efforts and review the implementation of initiatives;

Concludes by reaffirming its commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Democratic Republic of Congo, contributing to regional and international stability in the Great Lakes region and beyond.