Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
On Thursday, June 11, 2026, His Excellency Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Development Cooperation, officially launched the Burundi Peacebuilding Week. Held under the theme “United Nations peacebuilding at the dawn of the 20th anniversary: Partnerships for innovation, inclusion and impact,” this first edition will take place from June 22 to 25, 2026, at the Donatus Conference Center.
This event coincides with the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Burundi and the United Nations. It brings together the Government, development partners, the private sector, and civil society, with a strong involvement of youth and women.
In his address, Minister Bizimana expressed the Government’s gratitude to Her Excellency Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of Burundi, for her sponsorship of this national peacebuilding policy. He also commended the support of the Peacebuilding Commission, the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO), the PBF Secretariat, United Nations system agencies, and contributing countries.
The Minister recalled that Burundi was one of the first countries to establish a strategic alliance with the PBF, emerging from a period of crisis by courageously choosing the path of reconstruction and dialogue. He highlighted the major achievements of this partnership:
• Strengthening inclusive Defense and Security Forces.
• Consolidating the rule of law and judicial reform.
• Peaceful reintegration of hundreds of thousands of returnees and internally displaced persons.
• Local mechanisms for peaceful dispute resolution.
The Minister stressed the central role of youth and women in the national peace architecture, in line with UN Security Council Resolutions 2250 and 1325. Youth are now recognized as key actors in innovation and preventive diplomacy, while women, as guardians of social cohesion, play a key role in community mediation and local governance.
Finally, Minister Bizimana made a vibrant call to the Diplomatic Corps, the private sector, and civil society to intensify partnerships and explore innovative solutions, particularly through digital technologies mobilized by youth.
The ceremony was enhanced by traditional drums, symbols of peace and unity, highlighting the joint initiatives of Burundi and the United Nations in peacebuilding.
