Countries in the Great Lakes region of Africa need peace in order to be able to take advantage of their enormous natural resources to promote development.

That view has been expressed by Mary Robinson, the UN Special Envoy for the region.

Ms Robinson believes that an agreement reached by 11 African countries in February last year brings hope for peace in the Great Lakes region.

The UN envoy is supporting the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region of Africa.

UN Radio’s Cristina Silveiro caught up with Ms. Robinson at UN headquarters and asked what message she was bringing to a meeting discussing peace and sustainable development.

Duration: 4’53”