First, peacebuilding is primarily a national responsibility. Hence, as has be...

First, peacebuilding is primarily a national responsibility. Hence, as has been stressed by many delegations, national ownership is of critical importance. The effective and sustainable realization of peacebuilding goals requires the active engagement of all local stakeholders, including civil society, professional associations and women's organizations. Therefore, one priority of peacekeeping operations should be to win the hearts and minds of the local people and to work together with them. This will not only inoculate the operation against criticism that it has been imposed on the national Government and population, but will also increase its success. National ownership and capacity-building are also essential elements of a successful exit strategy.