The main purpose of this year’s conference was to highlight the importance of the Peacebuilding Fund as a unique channel connecting humanitarian, development and peacebuilding responses, and of furnishing the Fund with adequate resources.

The virtual event was attended by more than 80 countries. State Secretary Raščan participated in the debate by giving a short speech, in which he pointed out the importance of learning lessons from the past to prevent conflict from recurring. In this respect, he drew attention to the war in the Western Balkans, which still bears multifaceted consequences, adding that back in 2010, Slovenia launched, together with Croatia, the Brdo-Brijuni Process, with the aim of improving the situation in the region. He stressed that reform processes always needed to be inclusive, especially for young people. Furthermore, he expressed particular concern about the situation of women, who, despite some improvements, still do not enjoy an equal role in post-conflict processes. State Secretary Raščan also addressed the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on conflict situations, drawing attention to the risks posed to security by the scarcity of water. In conclusion, he welcomed the efforts of the Peacebuilding Fund to strengthen the cross-border and regional approaches to address the causes of conflict.