Bangladesh has called for greater investment in preventive mediation and peacebuilding capacity to address grievances before they escalate into violence.

“We must mediate before grievances become violence, when human and financial costs are lowest,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said at the 16th Ministerial Meeting of the United Nations Group of Friends of Mediation at Turkish House in New York on Friday (25 September).

Drawing on Bangladesh’s longstanding experience in UN peacekeeping, she called for greater investment in mediation and peacebuilding capacity, including through Bangladesh’s Integrated Peacebuilding Competency Programme at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT).

The state minister stressed the importance of stronger partnerships among states, regional actors, local mediators and the United Nations, while respecting national ownership of peace processes.

She also called for strengthening the UN’s capacity for preventive action through predictable funding, rapidly deployable mediation support and timely engagement based on early warning.

Shama Obaed underscored the need for the responsible use of technology and artificial intelligence in mediation, with appropriate safeguards to ensure impartiality, transparency and confidentiality.

The meeting was jointly convened by Finland and Türkiye on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, with ministers and senior representatives from several countries taking part.