29 May: International Day of UN Peacekeepers
Since 2003, the United Nations (UN) celebrates May 29 as the “International Day of UN Peacekeepers” honoring the work of all people involved in one of the many peacekeeping missions around the world. The UN Department for Peace Operations (DPO) alone currently deploys nearly 90,000 peacekeepers – comprising of military, civilian and police personnel – in 12 missions. Added to it, the UN Department for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) is responsable for another more than 20 political missions and regional offices to foster peace. Putting into account all the international organizations deploying peacekeeping missions, amongst them the European Union, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), NATO or African Union, well over 150,000 men and women are currently on duty for peace. ZIF presently seconds 158 civilian peace experts in missions all over the globe. We herewith want to express our gratitude and respect and thank them (and all their colleagues) for their daily commitment in challenging times and environments.
The theme of this year’s “International Day of UN Peacekeepers” is #YouthPeaceSecurity, emphasizing the valuable contributions of young people aged 18 to 29 in international peacekeeping missions. The UN is working to further incorporate youth and youth groups in their mission efforts, thereby acknowledging the key role of young generations in building lasting peace and justice. Another focus point of this year’s Day are the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and how they affect international peacekeeping efforts.
“The pandemic has shown us how closely connected and dependent the world actually is”, says Almut Wieland-Karimi, Executive Director of the Center for International Peace Operations. “Managing the many challenges the world is facing will only be achieved by coming together as a strong international community. That’s why I’m especially happy about the many dedicated peacekeepers working to implement their mission’s mandates, oftentimes under difficult circumstances. I want to thank them for their tireless commitment to building peace around the world.”
Along the lines of the „International Day of UN Peacekeepers”, the German Government, represented by the Federal ministries of Exterior, Defence and Interior together with ZIF, celebrates an annual National “Day of Peacekeeping” since 2013. This year, it takes place on June 23 in order to honor the work of German military, civilian and police personnel in international peacekeeping missions.