In terms of development, how does the UN view conflict?

The United Nations views conflict as significantly detrimental to development, often considering it the worst enemy of progress. Conflict can disrupt social and economic systems, lead to loss of life, displace communities, destroy infrastructure, and hinder access to essential services such as education and healthcare. The UN emphasizes that the consequences of conflict can have long-lasting effects, impeding the ability of nations to achieve sustainable development goals.

While conflict may sometimes be framed in terms of opportunities for reform or viewed as part of a broader socio-political landscape, the overarching theme within UN discourse is that the realities of conflict invariably hinder development. The organization's commitment to peace and security reflects the understanding that lasting development cannot occur without stable and secure environments. Thus, the recognition of conflict as the worst enemy underlines the importance of conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconstruction efforts that the UN supports globally.