New York, May 21 (IANS) Arguing that post-conflict peace-building remains a serious challenge facing the UN, India has favoured that the countries contributing peace-keeping troops be involved in the rebuilding process of the affected nations. Indian Ambassador to the UN Nirupam Sen was intervening Tuesday in a debate in the Security Council on post-conflict peace-building, which is being held in the backdrop of several nations coming out of conflict with the UN help and then falling back into chaos within years because of lack of development and people’s involvement.

Calling for “national ownership” of the development programmes, which is critical in peace-building, Sen told the Security Council that it is not just a question of sovereignty but a functional matter.

He gave the examples of schools and clinics constructed by multiple agencies and non-governmental organisations, which were later found unsustainable, leading to duplication and wastage.

“It is national ownership that has to assess critical requirements and gaps, and share this assessment institutionally with those who have the ability to deliver on these gaps,” Sen said.

“This will also help us answer the problem posed by the inadequacy of international resources to help stabilise post-conflict countries ‘when everything is urgent’,” he added.

On “planning and running of operations”, including the International Financial Institutions, Sen said the Peace-building Commission has the mandate to bring together and mobilise all actors, especially in marshalling resources.

Sen also lauded the Indian peacekeepers who follow an effective “winning minds and heart” programme.