Minister Wadepuhl, Minister Pistorius,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I thank the Government of Germany for hosting impeccably this important meeting in Berlin.
Germany is a pillar of the multilateral system…
A strong and generous supporter of the United Nations…
And an essential partner in our peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian assistance efforts — with almost 200 German peacekeepers now serving in our ranks.
I am especially pleased to be here so soon after the new Government took office, and I look forward to building on our partnership in the time ahead.
The commitment of the German government — and the German people themselves — is strongly reflected in this Ministerial meeting on the future of peacekeeping.
As I said in my remarks, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
And nothing symbolizes our organization’s commitment to peace more clearly than our Blue Helmets.
UN Peacekeeping operations are a cornerstone of the United Nations.
Each and every day, peacekeepers are hard at work in trouble spots around the world.
Protecting civilians caught in the line of fire.
Maintaining ceasefires.
Keeping lifesaving humanitarian aid flowing.
And building the foundations of peace in countries shattered by conflict.
Many have paid the ultimate price over the years — 4,400 in all.
Their memories, and their service in the cause of peace, will never be forgotten.
Which is why the commitments being made here today and tomorrow are so important.
I am heartened by the exceptional turn-out of Ministers from across the globe, representing the full range of peacekeeping partners.
Now more than ever we need the political support of UN Member States.
The goal is not just to keep a lid on conflicts — but to build political support for lasting solutions that can build peace.
Over these two days, we welcome Member States’ statements of support for peacekeeping — as well as their pledges of military and police capabilities, new partnerships and technological support.
This meeting is also about something more fundamental:
The future of peacekeeping itself.
Let me be clear.
Peacekeeping operations today are facing massive challenges, increasing the dangers that our brave peacekeepers already face.
A record number of conflicts.
Deepening division and mistrust.
Terrorism and transnational crime.
And the direct targeting of peacekeepers through drones, improvised explosive devices and even social media.
We need to ask some tough questions about the mandates guiding these operations, and what the outcomes and solutions should look like.
Every context is different.
From our operations in Lebanon, the Central African Republic and South Sudan…
To our partnerships with the African Union, made stronger with the Security Council’s resolution to support peace enforcement missions under the AU’s responsibility, supported by the UN, including through assessed contributions…
We are working to adapt, to tailor and to support our missions to the needs and requirements of each context.
Unfortunately, peacekeeping operations have been facing serious liquidity problems.
It is absolutely essential that all Member States respect their financial obligations, paying their contributions in full and on time.
At the same time, we’re moving forward on an ambitious Review of Peace Operations — including peacekeeping — but also the peace enforcing missions that are becoming more and more neccessary has called for by Member States in September’s Pact for the Future.
We’re examining how to make peace operations more efficient, cost-effective, flexible and resilient — including in contexts where there is no peace to keep.
Today’s Ministerial is an important part of this work as we share ideas, and explore ways to strengthen this important function for the future.
Peacekeepers — and the populations they protect — deserve nothing less.
In their names, I want to express my thanks and appreciation to Germany and all the countries in attendance, for helping us ensure that peacekeeping is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.
Question [through an interpreter]: What do you think about current diplomatic efforts regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine, would the United Nations be willing to send Blue Helmets?
Secretary-General: We have been calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. But we do not see the ceasefire only in itself. We think a ceasefire must be something to pave the way for a solution. And for us, the solution is just peace, and just peace for us means peace that respects the UN Charter international law and resolutions of the General Assembly of United Nations, including the territory integrity of Ukraine. This is our position, and I believe that it is extremely important in a moment like this that international law prevails. The day we have decays about defending international law, we are paving the way for chaos all over the world. On the other hand, the UN is ready to provide whatever support the parties if the parties agree, would ask the UN to do. But obviously this does not depend. It depends on the parties. It is obvious that if a ceasefire and a peace as described by me, could be approved by the Security Council, it would be a major step forward, but I am aware that it will not be an easy job.