Peacekeeping is an investment in global peace, security, and prosperity. It is a flagship enterprise of the United Nations. Today, it deploys more than 113,000 military, police and civilian personnel in 16 peacekeeping operations on four continents. It is a flexible, evolving instrument that brings together political, security and technical tools to assist countries make the difficult transition from conflict to peace.
For more than 70 years, UN Peacekeeping has proven to be a legitimate, reliable and effective tool in facilitating the transition from conflict to peace. Fifteen years ago, the UN had fewer than 40,000 Military and police personnel. Today, more than 105,000 uniformed personnel from 124 troop- and police-contributing countries serve under the UN flag, along with 18,000 international and national civilian staff and UN Volunteers. They courageously risk their lives in order to bring stability to some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
As this year's International Day of UN Peacekeepers falls during the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, we are reflecting on the past, present and future of UN Peacekeeping and reaffirm our commitment to working 'Together for Peace'.
International peace and security needs are changing rapidly and this year we are used Peacekeepers Day to focus on how UN Peacekeeping is ‘Adapting to new challenges’.
