New York: Revitalizing UN peace operations requires bold diplomacy, sustained political support, and renewed trust in the Organization's ability to foster peace in an increasingly fragmented world, several high-level UN officials told the Security Council today. Member States echoed calls for adaptable, inclusive, and politically grounded missions.
According to EMM, speakers highlighted the Pact for the Future, the outcome document of the 2024 Summit of the Future, which underscores the urgent need for peace operations to adapt to an increasingly complex security environment. The Pact requested the Secretary-General to review the future of all forms of UN peace operations and encouraged regular high-level meetings with relevant regional organizations to discuss matters related to peace operations, peacebuilding, and conflicts.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, emphasized four key areas to strengthen peace operations. The Council must ensure missions receive strong, ongoing political backing, he said. Additionally, UN leadership must act as ambassadors for peace, adapting to political shifts, and coordinate closely with regional actors such as the African Union. He stressed the importance of integrating troop- and police-contributing countries, which are essential political stakeholders.
Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, emphasized the evolution of peacekeeping and political missions to meet new challenges. She noted that the post-cold-war era has resulted in a fragmented geopolitical landscape, with trust low and consensus difficult to build. She urged for diplomacy and peacemaking, with inclusion of national actors, women, youth, and marginalized communities from the start, using digital technology to expand outreach.
Zeid Raad al Hussein, President and CEO of the International Peace Institute, highlighted the importance of creative diplomacy and bold leadership in rebuilding trust in the United Nations. He recounted historical examples of effective diplomatic interventions despite political challenges and called for a return to initiative, pragmatism, and political courage.
Council members underscored the need for UN missions to be properly resourced, strategically designed, and technologically equipped. Ioannis-Michail Loverdos, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece, and the speaker for the Republic of Korea, advocated for the use of AI-related technologies in peace operations. Frances delegate highlighted the need for realistic political objectives and strong regional partnerships, while the United States emphasized accountability, adaptability, and reform.
The United Kingdom's representative called for enhanced coordination with local and regional actors, and Slovenia's representative warned against obstructions and undue restrictions that undermine mandate implementation. Panama's representative stressed the inclusion of women and youth in decision-making processes to sustain peacebuilding gains.
Somalia's delegate emphasized resilience and sustained peace and development following the withdrawal of UN missions. China's representative urged continued international support for peacekeeping, while Algeria's delegate stressed that cost-effectiveness should mean delivering more strategic and result-driven missions.
Guyana's and Sierra Leone's representatives highlighted the integration of missions into broader strategies addressing root causes like poverty and inequality, and underscored that peacekeepers cannot substitute for genuine political solutions. Pakistan's representative emphasized that peacekeeping is cost-effective and reduces violence, urging for the preservation of operational credibility and readiness in peace operations.
Overall, the Security Council's discussion highlighted the urgent need to adapt UN peace operations to modern challenges, emphasizing diplomacy, inclusion, and strategic resource allocation as key components for effective peacekeeping in today's complex world.
