Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,?
Mr. Dennis Francis,?
at the Opening Session of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations
20 February 2024?
[As Delivered]
Excellencies
Elected members of the bureau
Distinguished Delegates,
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Let me begin by expressing my appreciation for the opportunity to address the first meeting of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations?today.
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I extend my warm congratulations to the Chair and to the other Bureau members on your deserved election to lead the work of this truly Special Committee.
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I am delighted to note that the Committee adopted a substantive report of its work last year, and I remain optimistic about achieving a positive outcome of deliberations this session.
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Excellencies,
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Peacekeeping remains a primary tool of the United Nations in protecting civilian populations; averting the festering of hostilities; preventing violence and human rights abuses; and bolstering security in some of the most challenging places in our world.
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In many ways, peacekeepers embody the literal meaning of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Charter’s pledge: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.
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But this does not come without a price.
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I would be remiss not to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of peacekeepers, the men and women who often venture into areas torn by conflict where others hesitate ¨C at great personal risk.
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Many have paid the ultimate price. In fact, 4,345?Peacekeepers have lost their lives since the inception of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ peacekeeping operations.
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Excellencies,
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Keeping and nurturing peace remains a concerted global endeavor, with every member of the C34 playing a crucial role ¨C be it as host country, troop, police and financial contributor, or capacity-builder, trainer, and equipment supplier.
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Now, the mantle falls upon you in this room ¨C diplomats, experts, and negotiators ¨C to play your part.
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Your role as members of the C34 ¨C charged with an in-depth review of peacekeeping operations ¨C holds immense significance.
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In executing your mandate, it is crucial to recognize and empower all those who are involved in peacekeeping ¨C with particular emphasis on women, in line with Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000).
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You are better positioned to shape a sustainable and long-term trajectory of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ peacekeeping efforts ¨C and to determine how to ensure their alignment with the ambitious vision outlined in the New Agenda for Peace.
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I, therefore, applaud the committee for its proposals and recommendations in its last report (A/77/19) regarding “the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women at all levels and stages of conflict prevention, peace processes, and political solutions to conflict¡±.
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I must emphasize here that, it is crucial to also channel adequate resources into strengthening pre-deployment readiness, and to focus on enhancing the capabilities of peacekeepers ¨C aiming for excellence in their responsibilities.
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Such measures are vital to safeguard civilians against violence and reinforce our shared obligation to guarantee that all peacekeeping missions are provided with the necessary support ¨C including adequate funding ¨C to fulfill their mandates.
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Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
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As we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peace in today¡¯s fractured world, let us reflect on the lessons history has taught us ¨C including humanity¡¯s remarkable ability to adapt and innovate in the face of adversity.
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Indeed, the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P)?and the subsequent Action for Peacekeeping Plus (A4P+)?initiatives stand as testaments to our collective resolve and ingenuity.
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Yet, I echo the Secretary-General’s sentiments in his New Agenda for Peace. The present moment requires that we seriously reflect on the future trajectory of peacekeeping.
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The evolving peacekeeping landscape ¨C marked by geopolitical tensions, escalating conflict, and the swift emergence of new challenges, technologies, and threats ¨C demands a nuanced and comprehensive response on our part to secure international peace and security.
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In your responsibility to conduct a “comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects¡±, now is the time to set aside differences and focus instead on reaching a consensus.
In these moments, find resolve by remembering the human element of peacekeeping: the?78,677?personnel, their families, and the millions of people they protect and serve worldwide.
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As the President of the General Assembly, I offer my full support in this critical endeavor.
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Thank you.