The drivers of conflict in the Great Lakes region are cross-border in nature and thus need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner by ensuring a concerted and coordinated approach across state boundaries. Therefore, the United Nations is acting increasingly as ONE in the Great Lakes region, within the context of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region and the Great Lakes Regional Strategic Framework (GLRSF). The regional cross-border political advocacy efforts and development efforts go hand in hand.

The border areas between Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda remain the main theatre for instability in this region. Such instability has resulted in tensions within and between communities, human rights violations and abuses, new and continuing cross-border movements of displaced persons and challenges to cross-border trade.

The Management Board and the Steering Committee ensure effective management, implementation and accountability of the framework. Each of the 6 thematic Pillars provide a complementary approach to ensure comprehensive response to both humanitarian and development issues.