“In an evolving world, peacekeeping must rise to the herculean challenges ahead, whether they be human, financial, or political. We must remember that those we serve are vulnerable, and that peacekeeping has worked, and it should be given the opportunity to continue to work.”  - UN Secretary-General, António Guterres

Ms. Nalini Contreras, Deputy Director, Regional Service Centre (RSCE), highlighted the Secretary-General’s message at the commemoration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers in Entebbe on 29 May.

The RSCE joined the world in celebrating the 70,000 civilians, military and police officers working in eleven missions worldwide, in some of the world’s most complex geopolitical and security contexts, to support multidimensional mandates.

The Deputy called on attendees to remember the more than 4400 peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the line of duty since the establishment of the first peacekeeping mission in 1948.

This year’s theme, “The Future of Peacekeeping,” is a reflection on how peace operations are evolving to meet global challenges.

In her remarks the MONUSCO Director of Mission Support a.i. Ms. Nicoleta Verestiuc alluded to the need for peacekeeping to be more agile, more accountable, and more integrated in their approach.

“We must invest more in prevention, early warning, and political solutions — because lasting peace does not come from military presence alone. It comes from inclusive governance, respect for human rights, and long-term development”, she said.

The RSCE’s role as the largest service Centre in the Secretariat serving all peacekeeping and special political missions located in Africa provides critical support by reducing missions’ footprints; providing critical administrative services; and building stronger partnerships with key stakeholders to meet the needs of the missions. In addition, the centre provides a state-of-the-art conference centre to support training and aids missions in identifying relevant technologies and enhancing their ICT skills to best respond to challenges in the peacekeeping arena.

During the event, Colonel Leonard Mabija, Senior Military Liaison Officer representing the MONUSCO Force Commander, led the laying of a wreath on the memorial site for fallen peacekeepers.

“While we celebrate our collective efforts, we must never forget the cost at which peace is built. Behind each name lies a family, a story, and a legacy. It is our duty — and our privilege — to carry that legacy forward with humility and resolve.” He said in his remarks.