The Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, has emphasised that conflict prevention and resolution are top priorities for the Australian government and that the country is committed to supporting global efforts for a stable, conflict-free world.

She noted that Australia has long championed conflict prevention and invested in equipping international agencies to mitigate conflicts and foster global peace.

This commitment, according to Madam Owen-Jones, is demonstrated by Australia's pledge to increase its annual contribution to the UN Peacebuilding Fund to an impressive $15 million.

Additionally, the Australian government advocates for enhanced permanent and non-permanent representation for Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Asia-Pacific on the United Nations Security Council.

Speaking at the Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Peace Forum at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra, on May 28, 2025, the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana affirmed Australia's readiness to collaborate with countries, particularly in Africa, to develop and implement conflict prevention strategies.

"Preventing conflict and sustaining peace has never been more critical. This requires collective effort. Australia contributes by taking an active role, exercising agency, and supporting the balance of power in our region and beyond," she stated.

"Our candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for 2029–2030 reflects our steadfast commitment to international peace and security. Australia supports greater permanent and non-permanent representation for Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Asia-Pacific.

"During our term, we will promote national prevention strategies vital for local peacebuilding and increase our voluntary contribution to the UN Peacebuilding Fund to $15 million annually. We are dedicated to de-escalating and preventing conflicts," she added.

Berenice Owen-Jones urgently called for reforming the global conflict prevention framework, arguing that current strategies have outlived their effectiveness.

She advocated for greater women's participation in conflict prevention, asserting that women's presence in key political roles is a clear indicator of a country's commitment to sustainable peace and unity.

"For peace to be truly enduring, it must be built by and for all of society, including women. Gender equality is a stronger predictor of peace than a nation’s wealth or political system. This is why Australia champions the Women, Peace, and Security agenda," she said.

About the Forum

The 2025 Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Peace Forum, themed “Amplifying Women’s Voices in Democratic and Political Transitions,” brought together political leaders, diplomats, civil society representatives, and regional experts from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Australia.

The event was organised by the Australian High Commission in collaboration with the Embassy of Liberia in Ghana, the High Commission of Sierra Leone in Ghana, the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), and the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS).