Mr. Guterres made the appeal in remarks to the opening ceremony of the, hosted by the Republic of Korea.  The two-day event is the latest in a series of meetings held since 2014 aimed at improving UN field operations, stretching from the Western Sahara, to India and Pakistan. 

New threats and challenges 

Although there has been a notable increase in support for UN peacekeeping during this period, the Secretary-General said new threats and mounting challenges highlight the need for greater assistance.  “The pandemic, the climate crisis, and geopolitical tensions mean conflicts are more complex and prolonged. Peacekeeping has never been more relevant and its success more urgent,” he in a video message.  The Seoul meeting is in line with efforts to reform UN peacekeeping, particularly the Action for Peacekeeping () initiative launched three years ago by the Secretary-General.  A4P encompasses eight priority areas, such as protection, partnerships, and performance and accountability. This past March, it was enhanced through a strategy known as to accelerate commitments over the next two years. 

Addressing critical gaps 

Previous Ministerials have examined issues related to generating and enhancing uniformed capabilities, including the need to deploy more women ‘blue helmets’. This time, the focus is on medical capacity building and technology.  UN peacekeeping missions continue to face significant gaps in aviation and high-tech capabilities, said the Secretary-General.  He gave examples from countries such as Mali, where helicopters and medical evacuation teams are urgently needed, given the vast and inaccessible terrain.  “We need your partnership, to ensure that we are deploying well-trained troops with the appropriate equipment,” he added. “Too often, uniformed peacekeepers lack the skills to administer first aid, to plan and undertake a patrol, or to assess information and identify threats.”  The UN chief also called for support to prevent and address misconduct, particularly sexual exploitation and abuse, among other areas for action. 

Countries pledge support 

South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong noted that as technology advances and becomes more affordable to warring parties, the operating environment for peacekeeping missions has in turn become increasingly complex and high-risk.  “It is essential to leverage the necessary technological tools and medical support as well as provide proper training in order to prepare our peacekeepers to meet the growing challenges, better deliver on their mandates, and protect themselves,” he said.  Mr. Chung announced the launch of the Seoul Initiative on Technology and Medical Capacity-Building in Peacekeeping, one of a raft of pledges made by countries during the first day of the meeting.   

Promoting gender parity 

Following the opening ceremony, senior UN and government officials held two panel discussions: one on the issue of Sustaining Peace and the other looking at Partnerships, Training, and Capacity Building.  Atul Khare, head of the UN Department of Operational Support, spoke of additional critical aspects for peacekeeping. “We are redoubling our efforts to reduce missions’ environmental footprint and need your support by deploying units with renewable energy,” he told the session on partnerships.  Action on gender equality continues to be a priority, and Mr. Khare pointed to examples such as the , a programme that promotes gender parity at senior levels in peacekeeping operations, as well as initiatives to increase women peacekeepers and make camps more suitable for them. 

Mr. Guterres made the appeal in remarks to the opening ceremony of the, hosted by the Republic of Korea.  The two-day event is the latest in a series of meetings held since 2014 aimed at improving UN field operations, stretching from the Western Sahara, to India and Pakistan. 

New threats and challenges 

Although there has been a notable increase in support for UN peacekeeping during this period, the Secretary-General said new threats and mounting challenges highlight the need for greater assistance.  “The pandemic, the climate crisis, and geopolitical tensions mean conflicts are more complex and prolonged. Peacekeeping has never been more relevant and its success more urgent,” he in a video message.  The Seoul meeting is in line with efforts to reform UN peacekeeping, particularly the Action for Peacekeeping () initiative launched three years ago by the Secretary-General.  A4P encompasses eight priority areas, such as protection, partnerships, and performance and accountability. This past March, it was enhanced through a strategy known as to accelerate commitments over the next two years. 

Addressing critical gaps 

Previous Ministerials have examined issues related to generating and enhancing uniformed capabilities, including the need to deploy more women ‘blue helmets’. This time, the focus is on medical capacity building and technology.  UN peacekeeping missions continue to face significant gaps in aviation and high-tech capabilities, said the Secretary-General.  He gave examples from countries such as Mali, where helicopters and medical evacuation teams are urgently needed, given the vast and inaccessible terrain.  “We need your partnership, to ensure that we are deploying well-trained troops with the appropriate equipment,” he added. “Too often, uniformed peacekeepers lack the skills to administer first aid, to plan and undertake a patrol, or to assess information and identify threats.”  The UN chief also called for support to prevent and address misconduct, particularly sexual exploitation and abuse, among other areas for action. 

Countries pledge support 

South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong noted that as technology advances and becomes more affordable to warring parties, the operating environment for peacekeeping missions has in turn become increasingly complex and high-risk.  “It is essential to leverage the necessary technological tools and medical support as well as provide proper training in order to prepare our peacekeepers to meet the growing challenges, better deliver on their mandates, and protect themselves,” he said.  Mr. Chung announced the launch of the Seoul Initiative on Technology and Medical Capacity-Building in Peacekeeping, one of a raft of pledges made by countries during the first day of the meeting.   

Promoting gender parity 

Following the opening ceremony, senior UN and government officials held two panel discussions: one on the issue of Sustaining Peace and the other looking at Partnerships, Training, and Capacity Building.  Atul Khare, head of the UN Department of Operational Support, spoke of additional critical aspects for peacekeeping. “We are redoubling our efforts to reduce missions’ environmental footprint and need your support by deploying units with renewable energy,” he told the session on partnerships.  Action on gender equality continues to be a priority, and Mr. Khare pointed to examples such as the , a programme that promotes gender parity at senior levels in peacekeeping operations, as well as initiatives to increase women peacekeepers and make camps more suitable for them. 

Mr. Guterres made the appeal in remarks to the opening ceremony of the, hosted by the Republic of Korea.  The two-day event is the latest in a series of meetings held since 2014 aimed at improving UN field operations, stretching from the Western Sahara, to India and Pakistan. 

New threats and challenges 

Although there has been a notable increase in support for UN peacekeeping during this period, the Secretary-General said new threats and mounting challenges highlight the need for greater assistance.  “The pandemic, the climate crisis, and geopolitical tensions mean conflicts are more complex and prolonged. Peacekeeping has never been more relevant and its success more urgent,” he in a video message.  The Seoul meeting is in line with efforts to reform UN peacekeeping, particularly the Action for Peacekeeping () initiative launched three years ago by the Secretary-General.  A4P encompasses eight priority areas, such as protection, partnerships, and performance and accountability. This past March, it was enhanced through a strategy known as to accelerate commitments over the next two years. 

Addressing critical gaps 

Previous Ministerials have examined issues related to generating and enhancing uniformed capabilities, including the need to deploy more women ‘blue helmets’. This time, the focus is on medical capacity building and technology.  UN peacekeeping missions continue to face significant gaps in aviation and high-tech capabilities, said the Secretary-General.  He gave examples from countries such as Mali, where helicopters and medical evacuation teams are urgently needed, given the vast and inaccessible terrain.  “We need your partnership, to ensure that we are deploying well-trained troops with the appropriate equipment,” he added. “Too often, uniformed peacekeepers lack the skills to administer first aid, to plan and undertake a patrol, or to assess information and identify threats.”  The UN chief also called for support to prevent and address misconduct, particularly sexual exploitation and abuse, among other areas for action. 

Countries pledge support 

South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong noted that as technology advances and becomes more affordable to warring parties, the operating environment for peacekeeping missions has in turn become increasingly complex and high-risk.  “It is essential to leverage the necessary technological tools and medical support as well as provide proper training in order to prepare our peacekeepers to meet the growing challenges, better deliver on their mandates, and protect themselves,” he said.  Mr. Chung announced the launch of the Seoul Initiative on Technology and Medical Capacity-Building in Peacekeeping, one of a raft of pledges made by countries during the first day of the meeting.   

Promoting gender parity 

Following the opening ceremony, senior UN and government officials held two panel discussions: one on the issue of Sustaining Peace and the other looking at Partnerships, Training, and Capacity Building.  Atul Khare, head of the UN Department of Operational Support, spoke of additional critical aspects for peacekeeping. “We are redoubling our efforts to reduce missions’ environmental footprint and need your support by deploying units with renewable energy,” he told the session on partnerships.  Action on gender equality continues to be a priority, and Mr. Khare pointed to examples such as the , a programme that promotes gender parity at senior levels in peacekeeping operations, as well as initiatives to increase women peacekeepers and make camps more suitable for them. 

Mr. Guterres made the appeal in remarks to the opening ceremony of the, hosted by the Republic of Korea.  The two-day event is the latest in a series of meetings held since 2014 aimed at improving UN field operations, stretching from the Western Sahara, to India and Pakistan. 

New threats and challenges 

Although there has been a notable increase in support for UN peacekeeping during this period, the Secretary-General said new threats and mounting challenges highlight the need for greater assistance.  “The pandemic, the climate crisis, and geopolitical tensions mean conflicts are more complex and prolonged. Peacekeeping has never been more relevant and its success more urgent,” he in a video message.  The Seoul meeting is in line with efforts to reform UN peacekeeping, particularly the Action for Peacekeeping () initiative launched three years ago by the Secretary-General.  A4P encompasses eight priority areas, such as protection, partnerships, and performance and accountability. This past March, it was enhanced through a strategy known as to accelerate commitments over the next two years. 

Addressing critical gaps 

Previous Ministerials have examined issues related to generating and enhancing uniformed capabilities, including the need to deploy more women ‘blue helmets’. This time, the focus is on medical capacity building and technology.  UN peacekeeping missions continue to face significant gaps in aviation and high-tech capabilities, said the Secretary-General.  He gave examples from countries such as Mali, where helicopters and medical evacuation teams are urgently needed, given the vast and inaccessible terrain.  “We need your partnership, to ensure that we are deploying well-trained troops with the appropriate equipment,” he added. “Too often, uniformed peacekeepers lack the skills to administer first aid, to plan and undertake a patrol, or to assess information and identify threats.”  The UN chief also called for support to prevent and address misconduct, particularly sexual exploitation and abuse, among other areas for action. 

Countries pledge support 

South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong noted that as technology advances and becomes more affordable to warring parties, the operating environment for peacekeeping missions has in turn become increasingly complex and high-risk.  “It is essential to leverage the necessary technological tools and medical support as well as provide proper training in order to prepare our peacekeepers to meet the growing challenges, better deliver on their mandates, and protect themselves,” he said.  Mr. Chung announced the launch of the Seoul Initiative on Technology and Medical Capacity-Building in Peacekeeping, one of a raft of pledges made by countries during the first day of the meeting.   

Promoting gender parity 

Following the opening ceremony, senior UN and government officials held two panel discussions: one on the issue of Sustaining Peace and the other looking at Partnerships, Training, and Capacity Building.  Atul Khare, head of the UN Department of Operational Support, spoke of additional critical aspects for peacekeeping. “We are redoubling our efforts to reduce missions’ environmental footprint and need your support by deploying units with renewable energy,” he told the session on partnerships.  Action on gender equality continues to be a priority, and Mr. Khare pointed to examples such as the , a programme that promotes gender parity at senior levels in peacekeeping operations, as well as initiatives to increase women peacekeepers and make camps more suitable for them. 

Mr. Guterres made the appeal in remarks to the opening ceremony of the, hosted by the Republic of Korea.  The two-day event is the latest in a series of meetings held since 2014 aimed at improving UN field operations, stretching from the Western Sahara, to India and Pakistan. 

New threats and challenges 

Although there has been a notable increase in support for UN peacekeeping during this period, the Secretary-General said new threats and mounting challenges highlight the need for greater assistance.  “The pandemic, the climate crisis, and geopolitical tensions mean conflicts are more complex and prolonged. Peacekeeping has never been more relevant and its success more urgent,” he in a video message.  The Seoul meeting is in line with efforts to reform UN peacekeeping, particularly the Action for Peacekeeping () initiative launched three years ago by the Secretary-General.  A4P encompasses eight priority areas, such as protection, partnerships, and performance and accountability. This past March, it was enhanced through a strategy known as to accelerate commitments over the next two years. 

Addressing critical gaps 

Previous Ministerials have examined issues related to generating and enhancing uniformed capabilities, including the need to deploy more women ‘blue helmets’. This time, the focus is on medical capacity building and technology.  UN peacekeeping missions continue to face significant gaps in aviation and high-tech capabilities, said the Secretary-General.  He gave examples from countries such as Mali, where helicopters and medical evacuation teams are urgently needed, given the vast and inaccessible terrain.  “We need your partnership, to ensure that we are deploying well-trained troops with the appropriate equipment,” he added. “Too often, uniformed peacekeepers lack the skills to administer first aid, to plan and undertake a patrol, or to assess information and identify threats.”  The UN chief also called for support to prevent and address misconduct, particularly sexual exploitation and abuse, among other areas for action. 

Countries pledge support 

South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong noted that as technology advances and becomes more affordable to warring parties, the operating environment for peacekeeping missions has in turn become increasingly complex and high-risk.  “It is essential to leverage the necessary technological tools and medical support as well as provide proper training in order to prepare our peacekeepers to meet the growing challenges, better deliver on their mandates, and protect themselves,” he said.  Mr. Chung announced the launch of the Seoul Initiative on Technology and Medical Capacity-Building in Peacekeeping, one of a raft of pledges made by countries during the first day of the meeting.   

Promoting gender parity 

Following the opening ceremony, senior UN and government officials held two panel discussions: one on the issue of Sustaining Peace and the other looking at Partnerships, Training, and Capacity Building.  Atul Khare, head of the UN Department of Operational Support, spoke of additional critical aspects for peacekeeping. “We are redoubling our efforts to reduce missions’ environmental footprint and need your support by deploying units with renewable energy,” he told the session on partnerships.  Action on gender equality continues to be a priority, and Mr. Khare pointed to examples such as the , a programme that promotes gender parity at senior levels in peacekeeping operations, as well as initiatives to increase women peacekeepers and make camps more suitable for them. 

The  will gather in Korea, more than 700 people from 155 countries, including foreign and defense ministers, heads of international organizations, academics, and journalists.  The two-day event is the latest in a series of meetings at the head of State, Government or ministerial level since 2014. The last was held in 2019 in New York. 

Theme 

Speaking to journalists, , Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, said that peacekeepers "are facing increasingly daunting challenges." "They need support from the Secretariat and they need support from our Member States and that’s really what we expect from the Seoul meeting", he explained. Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support , added that the complex environments in which the missions operate require creative and agile solutions.   “Technology can make our missions and camps ‘smarter,’ more integrated, efficient, effective, safer and allow for end-to-end service delivery and operational support while minimizing environmental footprint”, he explained.   In this area, the Ministerial will draw on the .   Technology can also help provide timely and quality medical care to peacekeepers.  “We have made important progress in addressing the gaps in medical support in peacekeeping missions, but much more needs to be done”, Mr. Khare said.   During the event, he expects Member States to contribute to several initiatives, such as a new Casualty Tracking System, a Mental Health Strategy for uniformed personnel, and a Public Health Surveillance System. 

Women and environment 

, which has been a key focus of previous Ministerial meetings, will have a dedicated side event.   The Under-Secretary-General highlighted the “urgency” of accelerating this agenda, saying “gender parity is a non-negotiable priority, and it’s more than a numbers issue”.  “There is abundant evidence that shows how women’s participation improves peacekeeping performance”, he explained.  As reducing the carbon footprint of peacekeeping missions is a key environmental objective, Mr. Khare hopes to see Member States discuss opportunities to curtail its impact. 

Sexual abuse

Under-Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance  pointed to efforts that would strengthen the accountability of peacekeepers.  Against the backdrop that the UN lives with the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse wherever it operates, she described it as “one of the most serious issues of accountability” for the Organization, adding that it is “a particularly insidious breach of trust to those we are mandated to serve and protect”.  Ms. Pollard said that the UN will recall to Member States, techniques to manage exploitation risks, including by training commanders who will be deployed in the field.   “We will particularly use the occasion of the Ministerial to advance our approach to addressing paternity and child support claims that arise from allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, which are difficult claims with very human consequences”, she stated. 

History  

The event is a follow-up conference to the in 2015, which was co-hosted by former President of the United States Barack Obama and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.  UN Peacekeeping helps countries torn apart by conflict to create conditions for lasting peace.  Its unique strengths include legitimacy, burden sharing, and an ability to deploy and sustain troops and police from around the globe – integrating them with civilian peacekeepers to advance multidimensional mandates.  Over the past 70 years, more than one million men and women have served under the UN flag in more than 70 UN peacekeeping operations.  

The  will gather in Korea, more than 700 people from 155 countries, including foreign and defense ministers, heads of international organizations, academics, and journalists.  The two-day event is the latest in a series of meetings at the head of State, Government or ministerial level since 2014. The last was held in 2019 in New York. 

Theme 

Speaking to journalists, , Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, said that peacekeepers "are facing increasingly daunting challenges." "They need support from the Secretariat and they need support from our Member States and that’s really what we expect from the Seoul meeting", he explained. Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support , added that the complex environments in which the missions operate require creative and agile solutions.   “Technology can make our missions and camps ‘smarter,’ more integrated, efficient, effective, safer and allow for end-to-end service delivery and operational support while minimizing environmental footprint”, he explained.   In this area, the Ministerial will draw on the .   Technology can also help provide timely and quality medical care to peacekeepers.  “We have made important progress in addressing the gaps in medical support in peacekeeping missions, but much more needs to be done”, Mr. Khare said.   During the event, he expects Member States to contribute to several initiatives, such as a new Casualty Tracking System, a Mental Health Strategy for uniformed personnel, and a Public Health Surveillance System. 

Women and environment 

, which has been a key focus of previous Ministerial meetings, will have a dedicated side event.   The Under-Secretary-General highlighted the “urgency” of accelerating this agenda, saying “gender parity is a non-negotiable priority, and it’s more than a numbers issue”.  “There is abundant evidence that shows how women’s participation improves peacekeeping performance”, he explained.  As reducing the carbon footprint of peacekeeping missions is a key environmental objective, Mr. Khare hopes to see Member States discuss opportunities to curtail its impact. 

Sexual abuse

Under-Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance  pointed to efforts that would strengthen the accountability of peacekeepers.  Against the backdrop that the UN lives with the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse wherever it operates, she described it as “one of the most serious issues of accountability” for the Organization, adding that it is “a particularly insidious breach of trust to those we are mandated to serve and protect”.  Ms. Pollard said that the UN will recall to Member States, techniques to manage exploitation risks, including by training commanders who will be deployed in the field.   “We will particularly use the occasion of the Ministerial to advance our approach to addressing paternity and child support claims that arise from allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, which are difficult claims with very human consequences”, she stated. 

History  

The event is a follow-up conference to the in 2015, which was co-hosted by former President of the United States Barack Obama and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.  UN Peacekeeping helps countries torn apart by conflict to create conditions for lasting peace.  Its unique strengths include legitimacy, burden sharing, and an ability to deploy and sustain troops and police from around the globe – integrating them with civilian peacekeepers to advance multidimensional mandates.  Over the past 70 years, more than one million men and women have served under the UN flag in more than 70 UN peacekeeping operations.  

The  will gather in Korea, more than 700 people from 155 countries, including foreign and defense ministers, heads of international organizations, academics, and journalists.  The two-day event is the latest in a series of meetings at the head of State, Government or ministerial level since 2014. The last was held in 2019 in New York. 

Theme 

Speaking to journalists, , Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, said that peacekeepers "are facing increasingly daunting challenges." "They need support from the Secretariat and they need support from our Member States and that’s really what we expect from the Seoul meeting", he explained. Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support , added that the complex environments in which the missions operate require creative and agile solutions.   “Technology can make our missions and camps ‘smarter,’ more integrated, efficient, effective, safer and allow for end-to-end service delivery and operational support while minimizing environmental footprint”, he explained.   In this area, the Ministerial will draw on the .   Technology can also help provide timely and quality medical care to peacekeepers.  “We have made important progress in addressing the gaps in medical support in peacekeeping missions, but much more needs to be done”, Mr. Khare said.   During the event, he expects Member States to contribute to several initiatives, such as a new Casualty Tracking System, a Mental Health Strategy for uniformed personnel, and a Public Health Surveillance System. 

Women and environment 

, which has been a key focus of previous Ministerial meetings, will have a dedicated side event.   The Under-Secretary-General highlighted the “urgency” of accelerating this agenda, saying “gender parity is a non-negotiable priority, and it’s more than a numbers issue”.  “There is abundant evidence that shows how women’s participation improves peacekeeping performance”, he explained.  As reducing the carbon footprint of peacekeeping missions is a key environmental objective, Mr. Khare hopes to see Member States discuss opportunities to curtail its impact. 

Sexual abuse

Under-Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance  pointed to efforts that would strengthen the accountability of peacekeepers.  Against the backdrop that the UN lives with the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse wherever it operates, she described it as “one of the most serious issues of accountability” for the Organization, adding that it is “a particularly insidious breach of trust to those we are mandated to serve and protect”.  Ms. Pollard said that the UN will recall to Member States, techniques to manage exploitation risks, including by training commanders who will be deployed in the field.   “We will particularly use the occasion of the Ministerial to advance our approach to addressing paternity and child support claims that arise from allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, which are difficult claims with very human consequences”, she stated. 

History  

The event is a follow-up conference to the in 2015, which was co-hosted by former President of the United States Barack Obama and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.  UN Peacekeeping helps countries torn apart by conflict to create conditions for lasting peace.  Its unique strengths include legitimacy, burden sharing, and an ability to deploy and sustain troops and police from around the globe – integrating them with civilian peacekeepers to advance multidimensional mandates.  Over the past 70 years, more than one million men and women have served under the UN flag in more than 70 UN peacekeeping operations.