Nepal was elected a member of the Peacebuilding Commission at the 56th plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. Nepal’s membership tenure of two years will begin on January 1, 2023.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations said that Nepal’s election to the PBC will provide an opportunity to enhance the visibility of the country in the world arena as a peacebuilder and peace contributor.

As per the statement, a 31-member body, the PBC was established in 2005 with a mandate to support peace efforts in conflict-affected countries including their reconstruction and institution-building by promoting an integrated, strategic, and coherent approach across the system.

Besides Nepal, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, and Rwanda were also elected as PBC members from among the ten Top Troop and Police Contributors (TPCCs) to UN Missions, according to the statement.

“With its experience of peacekeeping for over six decades, Nepal will contribute to the work of the PBC by supporting the implementation of the peacebuilding dimension in peacekeeping. Nepal’s own experience of a uniquely successful homegrown national peace process will greatly help her in contributing to the work of the Peacebuilding Commission,” reads the statement.

Nepal has been contributing to the maintenance of international peace and security through its unceasing participation in UN peacekeeping operations since 1958. Nepal is the third largest Troop and Police Contributor to UN Peacekeeping.

Nepal had earlier served at the PBC in 2009-10, 2011-15, and 2019-20 as a member of the Organizational Committee. Nepal also served as the Chair of the Working Group on Lessons Learned of the Peacebuilding Commission in 2010, the statement read.

The commission provides advisory services to the UN General Assembly and Security Council on matters of peacebuilding and sustaining peace.