11 September 2009 -The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Country-Specific Configuration Chairperson, Ambassador Maria Luiza Viotti, today praised the beneficiaries of a youth employment project sponsored by the United Nations in Guinea-Bissau.

"This is the best way to help built the country. It is a very rich country, with a lot of potential and you have conditions to succeed in your businesses", Ambassador Viotti told part of the beneficiaries..

The Peace Building Fund (PBF) disbursed $1,500,000 to fund a youth professional training and employment project in Guinea-Bissau as part of the country's peacebuilding strategy framework. Approximately 500 youth from the capital Bissau and three regions (Quinara, Cacheu and Gabu) are expected to be sponsored.

Ambassador Viotti, from Brazil, was in Guinea-Bissau to attend the inauguration of the country's President of Republic, Malam Bacai Sanhá. The PBC Country-Specific Configuration Chairperson had several meetings with the Guinea-Bissau authorities and civil society representatives, including the Peacebuilding Steering Committee, and international community representatives.