March 26, 2012 - In the last three years, we have come a long way in sharpening our understanding of what building peace entails. There is consensus across the UN and beyond on the broad priorities, in what is inevitably a complex and long-term effort.  Building peace means helping national institutions reach a point where they are able to maintain a sufficient level of stability and security, in particular through respect for the rule of law and human rights. It also means that these national institutions are sufficiently representative so that they can maintain the consensus necessary to advance the peacebuilding process. Peace is more likely to be sustained if tangible progress is also made to address basic needs and advance economic recovery.