"The Future of Peacekeeping" was a theme at several events held at UN Headquarters to mark the International Day of Peacekeepers . The messages varied between emphasizing their role in protecting those in need and restoring hope, and highlighting the difficult situations they face in an increasingly complex world.
The medals were presented and speeches were delivered by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khari, Acting Military Adviser for UN Peacekeeping Operations Major General Cheryl Pierce, and UN Police Adviser Faisal Shakar.
In his remarks before the medal presentation, Lacroix expressed his hope that "together we will succeed in addressing the challenges facing our operations, from improving safety and security to combating disinformation and enhancing integration . "
The Acting Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations commended "the great sacrifices made by peacekeepers for the noble cause of peace . "
The UN Police Adviser noted that the risks facing peacekeepers are constantly increasing, including the vulnerability of non-state armed groups, asymmetric attacks, transnational organized crime, new technologies, misinformation and disinformation, and the climate crisis.
He stressed that the United Nations Police Division continues to develop initiatives aimed at "improving the security of peacekeepers, while addressing impunity for crimes committed against them . "
In turn, the Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support stressed the need for "all UN peacekeeping forces to have the necessary resources to protect vulnerable groups and promote and maintain peace . "
important symbol
Later in the day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres laid a wreath at a memorial in honor of the more than 4,400 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the line of duty since the UN first deployed its missions in 1948, including 57 personnel in 2024 alone.
The Secretary-General then presented the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal in honor of those who gave their lives during the past year while performing their duties in peacekeeping missions around the world.
He also presented the Gender Advocacy Award for the Military and the Best Female Police Officer Award at the United Nations for 2024.
Before delivering his remarks and presenting the medals and awards, the Secretary-General asked the audience to observe a moment of silence in memory of "the brave men and women who died far from their homelands and loved ones, in the service of humanity's noblest causes . "
Guterres emphasized that peacekeepers are an "important symbol" of the best that the United Nations embodies, having contributed to improving the lives of millions of people, protecting people, preserving peace, and providing hope.
The UN Secretary-General said in his message on the occasion of the International Day of Peacekeepers that the challenge facing peacekeeping today is “an opportunity to analyze what makes peacekeeping successful, to improve our understanding of what hinders it, and to help design new models that are future-oriented and based on political solutions, with adequate resources, achievable mandates, and clear exit strategies . ”
A crucial role for women
The Secretary-General spoke of the "critical role" of women in peacekeeping, referring to Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, adopted 25 years ago.
"A quarter of a century later, it is an unfortunate reality that women are still routinely excluded and marginalized from peace processes," Guterres said. "The United Nations has made strenuous efforts to change this situation . "
The United Nations announced a few days ago that Officers Sharon Sime from Ghana and Zainab Gballa from Sierra Leone had won its highest military and police awards for 2024. The award is in recognition of their exceptional efforts in empowering women, promoting equality, and building bridges of trust between the UN mission and local communities in the disputed Abyei area between Sudan and South Sudan.
The Secretary-General commended Sergeant Sharon Sim for her role in helping to better understand the concerns of women and girls and formulate possible solutions, which played a vital role in enabling the peacekeeping force to respond to the needs of the local community, as well as for her extensive community outreach on gender-based violence and ending child marriage.
He also paid similar tribute to Officer Zainab Ghubla, who initiated a school program for children and a guidance program for girls, as well as projects to provide sustainable income for women.
The embodiment of hard work
Officer Sharon Sim emphasized the importance of training on gender mainstreaming in peacekeeping operations, which creates a more effective and inclusive environment and "raises awareness that gender is for everyone, not just women and children . "
She called on all UNISFA personnel to be gender advocates by integrating a gender perspective into their daily tasks.
As for Officer Zainab Jabala, she emphasized, "This award embodies the tireless work of female soldiers under the banner of the United Nations. Each of us faces unique challenges in our missions. However, our collective goal remains the same: to promote peace and protect the vulnerable . "
Making a big difference on the ground
At midday, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix headed to the daily press briefing room at UN Headquarters to address journalists, accompanied by Acting Military Adviser for UN Peacekeeping Operations Major General Cheryl Pierce.
Lacroix said that the difficulties, challenges and real dangers that some peacekeeping missions have faced over the past two months "tell us how difficult the work of peacekeeping is . "
But he also stressed that it shows that "peacekeeping forces are making a decisive difference on the ground, despite all these challenges . "
"By maintaining ceasefires, preventing a resumption of violence in these environments, and protecting hundreds of thousands of civilians every day, peacekeepers make a significant difference on the ground," he added .
He explained that they are currently working on updating the "Action for Peacekeeping" initiative , noting that they are reviewing the positive results achieved and where the challenges and difficulties still lie.
He also noted that they are working to meet the request of member states at the Future Summit held last September to submit a comprehensive review of all peacekeeping operations.
He emphasized that peacekeeping is constantly adapting, always seeking innovative ways to achieve results, while maintaining its effectiveness as a low-cost option compared to many other multinational operations.
"We are committed to maximizing our cost-effectiveness, but at the same time, we stress the need to provide peacekeeping with the resources necessary to carry out its mandate," he added .