7 March 2014: The Office of the President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) has released a background paper for the high-level event on ‘Ensuring Stable and Peaceful Societies,’ which will take place on 24-25 April 2014, in New York, US. The paper, which follows on a concept note released in January, describes the three planned interactive panel discussions and poses guiding questions.

The high-level event is part of a series that UNGA President John Ashe is hosting to encourage consensus-building and concrete action on implementation of the post-2015 development agenda.

The first panel discussion will focus on the ‘Nexus between sustainable development, peace and stability,’ ways to integrate the linkages into national development strategies, and ways to measure their progress. Guiding questions address the experiences of Member States, how to address and frame the issues of peace and stability for sustainable development in the post-2015 development agenda, and how to use the post-2015 agenda to address root causes of instability.

The second panel discussion will focus on ‘Strengthening national institutions towards achieving sustainable development.’ The note emphasizes that institutions need to be accountable, effective, equitable, resilient and transparent to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Guiding questions consider, inter alia: how institutions can contribute to peaceful and stable societies in support of sustainable development; how the international community can support nationally-owned processes to strengthen national institutions; and required measures to address external stressors that undermine peace and stability, such as illicit trafficking and organized crime.

The third panel discussion will focus on ‘Building global partnerships for ensuring stable and peaceful societies.’ Participants will discuss capacities and partnership requirements for building peace and stable societies for sustainable development, how global partnerships can support national efforts to ensure stable and peaceful societies, and ways to minimize the risk of external factors in fueling violent conflict.

Representatives of UN agencies, civil society, academia and the private sector are expected to participate in the discussions. [UNGA President’s Website on Post-2015 Development Agenda and Related Events] [IISD RS Story on Concept Note] [Background Note]