Welcome to the United Nations
Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) advocates for a comprehensive approach to development that incorporates the interlinkages between the various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the international community considers expanding on the theme of “Sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic” to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, it is important for stakeholders to draw attention to the need for mediation and conflict resolution to build “an inclusive and effective path for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.”
Mediators Beyond Borders recognizes the significance of Sustainable Development Goal 16, to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, in relation to ‘resilient recovery’ from the COVID-19 pandemic. MBBI envisions a more ‘peace-able’ world, that is centered around effective socially inclusive communities that utilize effective conflict resolution and mediation practices. To truly have a resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and bring the international community back on track to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, we must cultivate partnerships in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Conflict, in all its forms, has been identified as the main barrier for many countries’ progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Thus, resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates peace processes to overcome the violent conflicts of inequity that have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
The work by MBBI’s multidisciplinary teams found that jointly designing and implementing projects with local partners increased communities’ abilities to heal from severe conflict, reconcile relationships, and sustainably evolve into a stable, resilient, and economically viable state. The MBBI network offers its resources and aid to Member States of the UN, Major Groups, Multilateral Organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to overcome barriers and increase progress towards the full implementation of the SDGs and 2030 Agenda.
MBBI fully supports the advancement of conflict resolution capacity building in communities, corporations and governments to facilitate the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Estera Borcsa Chair, UNMWG SDG Action Group
