File photo of United Nations troops from Pakistan taking part in the Shared Destiny 2021 drill at the Queshan Peacekeeping Operation training base in Queshan County, central China's Henan Province, September 15, 2024. /AP
For 76 years, United Nations peacekeepers have worked to save and change lives in the world's most fragile political and security situations. Observed under the theme "Fit for the future, building better together," this year's International Day of UN Peacekeepers highlights the invaluable contributions military, police and civilian peacekeepers have made over the last seven decades.
"Today we pay tribute to the more than 76,000 United Nations peacekeepers who embody humanity's highest ideal, peace," he said in a video message for the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Wednesday.
"Day in and day out, at great personal risk, these women and men bravely work in some of the most dangerous and unstable places on earth to protect civilians, uphold human rights, support elections and strengthen institutions," he added.
He emphasized that more than 4,300 have paid the ultimate price while serving under the UN flag, and we shall memorize them.
"In order for our peacekeepers to respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow, they need the world's support," he said.
Four years ago, the United Nations had approximately 110,000 peacekeepers deployed in 13 missions around the world. Today, there are about 80,000 military and civilians in 11 peacekeeping operations, AP reports.
Members of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) take part in a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of their presence on the eastern Mediterranean island, in the buffer zone separating the divided Cypriot capital Nicosia, March 4, 2024. /CFP
Evolving global challenges
The UN peacekeeping chief has emphasized the critical need for improved situational awareness and intelligence in response to the evolving challenges facing UN operations.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN under-secretary-general for peace operations, pointed out the significance of enhanced "peacekeeping awareness, situational awareness and peacekeeping intelligence," which are fundamental to the effectiveness of operations amidst the increasing complexities of modern conflict environments, Xinhua reported on Tuesday.
He also highlighted the dangers faced by peacekeepers from digital threats such as fake news and disinformation, as well as traditional threats from armed groups.
"Peacekeepers are faced with environments that are becoming more dangerous," Lacroix said, stressing the need for continuous international support to adapt to these evolving threats.
Significantly, Lacroix aligned his strategy with the secretary-general's New Agenda for Peace, which advocates reshaping operational strategies to enhance the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping missions.
"The New Agenda for Peace is crucial as it brings strong messages that need reflection in our operational strategies," Lacroix stated.
In outlining his "New Agenda for Peace" last year, Guterres said that while peacekeepers have saved millions of lives, "longstanding unresolved conflicts, driven by complex domestic, geopolitical and transnational factors, and a persistent mismatch between mandates and resources, have exposed its limitations," according to AP.
Put bluntly, he said, "peacekeeping operations cannot succeed when there is no peace to keep."
The 22nd batch of Chinese peacekeepers to Lebanon taking a vow, April 29, 2024. /CFP
A 'key force'
The UN peacekeeping chief has emphasized China's significant contributions to UN peacekeeping operations ahead of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, observed annually on May 29.
"China's contribution and support are absolutely critical," said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN under-secretary-general for peace operations, during a recent virtual interview with Xinhua.
He praised China for its dual role as a major financial supporter and a substantial troop contributor to peacekeeping missions, recognizing it as the second-largest financial contributor to these efforts.
Lacroix expressed his optimism about future contributions from China, particularly in developing new models of peace operations. "We count on China to help us in that journey, as China has always done," he remarked, indicating the ongoing reliance on Chinese innovation and support in the realm of international peace and security.
Back in 2020, China released a white paper titled "China's Armed Forces: 30 Years of UN Peacekeeping Operations" on the participation of the country's armed forces in UN peacekeeping operations.
The document highlighted China as a "key force" in UN peacekeeping operations over the past three decades as it serves on UN missions for world peace.
Over the past 30 years, China's armed forces have had over 40,000 officers and soldiers on 25 United Nations peacekeeping missions.
They've been deployed as UN peacekeepers to over 20 countries and regions, including Cambodia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Sudan, Lebanon, Cyprus, South Sudan, Mali and the Central African Republic, according to the document.
"By fulfilling tasks of ceasefire supervision, stabilizing the situation, protecting civilians, providing force protection and deploying enabling capabilities, they have made a tremendous contribution to facilitating the peaceful settlement of disputes, safeguarding regional security and stability, and promoting economic and social development in host nations," said the white paper.
(With input from agencies)