In Berlin, broad backing for UN peacekeeping as global threats mount
More than 130 countries and international partners threw their weight behind UN peacekeeping at a high-level ministerial summit in Berlin on Wednesday, pledging military, tech and political support.
The future of peacekeeping took centre stage on Tuesday in Berlin as UN chief Antnio Guterres urged Member States to do more to support the global bodys 'blue helmets' and stave off the worst impacts of deep funding cuts.
UNSecretary-General Antnio Guterresmeanwhile warned that peace operations are under growing strain and must adapt to meet todays rising threats.
The two-day conference on peacekeeping, hosted by the Government of Germany, brought together over 1,000 participants including defence and foreign ministers to reaffirm commitment to the UNs flagship tool for maintaining peace and stability.
It concluded on Wednesday with a wide array of pledges, including 88 military and police units, specialized training, and investments in emerging technologies and strategic communications.
Difference between life and death
In trouble spots around the world, blue helmets can mean the difference between life and death, Mr. Guterres said in his opening remarks.
Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations. And the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for todays realities and tomorrows challenges.
Germany, which currently contributes troops to UN missions in South Sudan, Lebanon, and Western Sahara, announced82 million (around $91.7 million) in funding, along with commitments in training, renewable energy solutions and drone technology.
Germany continues to be a steadfast supporter of UN peacekeeping, said Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
Broad and diverse commitments
A total of74 UN Member States made specific pledges, ranging from uniformed personnel to training and strategic support.
This includes pledges which will bolster military and police units, including airlift and rapid deployment capabilities (53 national contributions), specialized training (59), technological enhancements (18), advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (38) and safety and protection (16).
Eleven countries also committed to improving accountability and conduct, including support to the trust fund for victims of sexual exploitation and abuse, and eight nations supporting the UNs efforts to counter mis- and disinformation through strategic communications.
Mounting pressures
At a press conference following the meeting, Secretary-General Guterres acknowledged that peacekeepers operate in an increasingly complex and dangerous environment, citing a record number of global conflicts, the targeting of peacekeepers by drones and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the rising threat from disinformation campaigns.
We need to ask some tough questions about the mandates guiding these operations,and what the outcomes and solutions should look like, he said, speaking alongside German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Defence Minister Pistorius.
Every context is different, and missions must be adapted accordingly.
The UN chief also stressed the importance of sustained financial backing, highlighting that many missions continue to struggle with cash flow shortages due to delayed payments from Member States.
It is absolutely essential that all Member States respect their financial obligations,paying their contributions in full and on time, he said.
Crucial reforms
The Berlin meeting feeds into the UNs broader reform efforts, including an ongoing Review of Peace Operations announced in last years Pact for the Future, aimed at making peacekeeping and peace enforcement more flexible, cost-effective, and aligned with real-world needs.
This years Ministerial also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 10-year anniversary of the 2015 New York Summit on Peacekeeping. It follows similar high-level meetings in Accra, Seoul, Vancouver and London.
Peacekeeping remains one of the UNs most visible activities, with over 61,000 uniformed personnel from 119 countries currently deployed across 11 missions, supported by more than 7,000 civilian staff.
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CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
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Muhammad Shehada, a political analyst from Gaza who is a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said he doesn't believe Israel's support for armed groups is aimed at directly fighting Hamas. So far there has been no attempt to deploy the groups against the militants. Instead, he said, Israel is using the gangs and the looting to present GHF 'as the only alternative to provide food to Palestinians,' since its supplies get in while the UN's don't. Israel wants the GHF to replace the UN-led aid system because it claims Hamas has been siphoning off large amounts of supplies. The UN denies that significant amounts have been taken by Hamas. Israel has also said it aims to move all Palestinians in Gaza to a 'sterile zone' in the south, around the food hubs, while it fights Hamas elsewhere. The UN and aid groups have rejected that as using food as a tool for forced displacement. The Abu Shabab group has issued videos online urging Palestinians to move to tent camps in Rafah. Israel barred all food and other supplies from entering Gaza for 2 1/2 months , pending the start of GHF – a blockade that has brought the population to the brink of famine. GHF started distributing food boxes on May 26 at three hubs guarded by private contractors inside Israeli military zones. Israel has let in some trucks of aid for the UN to distribute. But the UN says it has been able to get little of it into the hands of Palestinians because of Israeli military restrictions, including requiring its trucks to use roads where looters are known to operate. 'It's Israel's way of telling the UN, if you want to try to bring aid into Gaza, good luck with this,' said Shehada. 'We will force you to go through a road where everything you brought will be looted.' Magdy and Keath reported from Cairo Julia Frankel, Sam Mednick, Samy Magdy And Lee Keath, The Associated Press
Winnipeg Free Press
18 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
UN ambassador travels to Peguis to learn about repeated floods
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Global News
a day ago
- Global News
Germany's Merz says he's confident Trump is committed to NATO
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