For nearly 80 years, United Nations peacekeepers have made a tangible impact on the lives of the communities they serve. They have saved and changed lives in some of the world’s most fragile political and security situations, having helped many countries successfully navigate the difficult path from war to peace, from Liberia and Namibia, to Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Timor Leste and others.
Today, more than 76,000 civilian, military and police personnel are deployed in 11 missions. The challenges they face are greater than ever. Increasing division among Member States has weakened our collective capacity to support political and peace processes. Conflict is more complex and multi-layered. Peacekeepers face terrorists, criminals, armed groups and their allies, who have access to modern weapons, and a vested interest in perpetuating the chaos in which they thrive.
Sadly, where the UN flag was once a symbol of security, it now risks making our peacekeepers a target. Of the 26 peacekeepers who lost their lives in 2024, five were killed in hostile incidents. We mourn their loss, alongside their families and colleagues. The sacrifice of all 4,430 peacekeepers who have given their lives across the decades will never be forgotten. Their legacy inspires us to continue all efforts in the pursuit of peace and progress for all peoples.
Despite these challenges, peacekeepers persevere, performing a wide range of taskings, including ensuring the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, deterring violence, supporting locally-led conflict resolution, political settlements, elections, and restoring state authority.