Every year on May 29th, the United Nations marks the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
Uniformed and civilian peacekeepers serve a vital role in maintaining and promoting peace in some of the world’s most challenging environments. This day serves to honor their dedication, bravery, and sacrifice.
Since 1948, when the first UN peacekeeping mission was established in the Middle East, more than two million men and women have served under the UN flag in more than 71 UN peace operations.
Over 100,000 military, police and civilian personnel from 119 countries currently serve in 11 peacekeeping missions where they protect civilians and support peace efforts.
This year’s theme, “The Future of Peacekeeping,” reflects the evolving nature of peace operations in a complex and rapidly changing world. The UN is actively working to modernize and adapt missions for the challenges of the future.
This plan is detailed in the Pact for the Future adopted last year, and recently reaffirmed at the 2025 Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin. At the opening of the global gathering, Secretary-General António Guterres said that “In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death,” but noted that peacekeeping is only “as strong as Member States’ commitment to it.”
At Headquarters, a series of events will commemorate the day, including a wreath-laying ceremony led by the Secretary-General to honor the over 4,400 peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948 - including 57 in the past year.
To mark this occasion, the Department of Peace Operations launched a social media campaign. During the month of May, we will share inspiring stories of peacekeepers and the powerful partnerships that drive progress, peace, and sustainable development, ultimately creating a better future for all. This initiative aims to raise awareness and foster continued support for the essential work of UN Peacekeepers worldwide.
We invite you to join our call to action by taking part in UN Peacekeeping's campaign by following @UNPeacekeeping on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tiktok and use the hashtags #Peacebegins and #PKDay to share your own content.
Building lasting partnerships with others, inside and outside the United Nations system, is essential to respond effectively to collective challenges. On International Day of Peacekeepers, we extend our appreciation to all our partners in peace, which include UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, the local communities we serve, women, youth, media professionals, host governments, troop and police contributing countries, member states, and many others.