UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon said Monday that "multidimensional peacekeeping remains a highly cost-effective investment in progress towards lasting stability" because "no other international tool is as effective in combining political, security, rule of law and human rights efforts."

The secretary-general made the statement while addressing an open meeting of the UN Security Council under the theme of "the UN Peacekeeping: a multidimensional approach."

Ban said it is very important for the United Nations to continue the efforts to push "for progress in the face of challenges" and it is necessary for the Security Council to "work harder for greater coherence across the international community, including with advice from the Peacebuilding Commission."

The multidimensional peacekeeping means that efforts should go well beyond the basic tasks of monitoring ceasefires and peace processes, it may be mandated to support a range of activities that aimed at future stability.

Such efforts include the strengthening of national security sectors, the implementation of programs to reintegrate ex- combatants into civilian life, the strengthening of rule of law, reconciliation and inclusive political processes, protection of civilians and their rights, building of governance institutions and delivery of humanitarian aid.

To achieve this, the UN will "continue supporting transition compacts and other efforts that align international support behind clear national priorities" and have "periodic reviews of our missions to ensure that we have the right mix of skills and capabilities to respond to evolving mandates and changing conditions on the ground," the secretary-general said, pledging to maximize the collective impact of UN missions and UN country teams.

"Today's resolution rightly emphasizes that national governments have the primary responsibility for identifying peacebuilding priorities -- in consultation with a broad cross- section of society," he said because "inclusivity and institution- building are critical to prevent a relapse in conflict," he said.

Also on Monday, the Security Council endorsed an approach to peacekeeping that focuses more sharply on laying the groundwork for lasting stability in conflict-plagued countries.

Through the unanimous adoption of resolution 2086, the 15- nation UN body emphasized that "United Nations peacekeeping activities should be conducted in a manner so as to facilitate post-conflict peacebuilding, prevention of relapse of armed conflict and progress toward sustainable peace and development." Endi

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