UK Commits to Collaborate with UN for Enhanced Peace Operations Amidst Future Challenges

At the outset, it is imperative to pay tribute to the blue helmets who dedicate themselves daily to safeguarding international peace and security. We also honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in this noble endeavour.

The safety and security of peacekeepers is of paramount importance, and we commend the unanimous adoption of Security Council resolution 2823 earlier this year, aimed at enhancing accountability for attacks against personnel engaged in UN peacekeeping operations.

Acknowledging the Evolving Landscape of Peacekeeping

We wholeheartedly welcome the release of the Secretary-General’s Review concerning the future of all forms of UN peacekeeping operations. Peace operations remain one of the United Nations’ most effective instruments for preserving international peace and security. However, the landscape in which they function is undergoing rapid transformation.

Conflicts are evolving in complexity, becoming more internationalised and increasingly influenced by advancements in technology. For peacekeeping operations to retain their efficacy, they must continue to adapt in response to these changes.

The Primacy of Politics in Peacekeeping Missions

Firstly, we greatly appreciate the Review’s focus on the primacy of politics. Peacekeeping operations yield the best results when they align with a clear political strategy, realistic objectives, and a credible pathway to peace. Missions should be conceived with credible exit strategies from the outset, while also possessing the flexibility to adjust to changing circumstances, ensuring that they leave behind conditions conducive to enduring peace.

Enhancing the Focus and Performance of Peace Operations

Secondly, we support the Review’s call for the establishment of more focused, adaptable, and high-performing peace operations. Peacekeeping should concentrate on the specific tasks they are uniquely equipped to handle, particularly in the political and security domains, while steering clear of redundant efforts within the broader UN system.

It is vital that mandates are prioritised and that there is stronger alignment between mandates, resources, and political objectives. Performance remains central to the success of missions, necessitating that both uniformed and civilian personnel are adequately trained, well-equipped, and held accountable for their responsibilities. Additionally, it is crucial to uphold the highest standards of conduct, including a strict zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse.

The involvement of women is also essential for the effectiveness of missions. This extends beyond mere representation; it enhances operational performance, fosters better engagement with communities, and contributes to more effective peace processes. As co-chair of the Elsie Initiative Fund in 2025, the United Kingdom took pride in advocating for the removal of barriers to women’s participation in UN peacekeeping, and we urge ongoing progress in this regard.

Equipping Peacekeepers for Modern Challenges

Thirdly, peacekeeping operations must be adequately equipped to address the realities of today’s operational environment. Missions should have access to the necessary technologies, capabilities, and training to operate safely and effectively. They must also be prepared to navigate an increasingly intricate information landscape, which includes confronting the rising challenges presented by misinformation and disinformation in conflict settings.

We remain concerned about restrictions imposed by certain host states on the use of essential equipment. Such limitations diminish situational awareness, impede the delivery of mandates, and curtail missions’ ability to respond effectively to evolving threats. Furthermore, we reiterate that assessed contributions should be paid in full and punctually, without conditions attached. Effective peacekeeping relies on predictable and sustainable financing.

Commitment to Strengthening Peacekeeping Efforts

President, the challenges confronting peacekeeping are evolving. Nevertheless, the necessity for effective peacekeeping has not waned. The United Kingdom is prepared to collaborate closely with the Secretary-General, the Secretariat, and fellow Member States to ensure that UN peace operations remain adaptable, efficient, and equipped to meet the challenges that lie ahead.