The caretaker Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, highlighted the importance of UN peacekeeping in a world facing persistent conflicts and complex challenges. During his speech at the 2023 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Preparatory Meeting on the safety and security of peacekeepers, he emphasized the practical demonstration of the international community’s commitment to preserving lives and fostering lasting peace through the active presence of UN peacekeepers in conflict zones.
Ensuring a safe and secure environment for the UN peacekeepers, who tirelessly maintain peace around the globe, should be the topmost priority. Foreign Minister Jilani stressed the significance of legal frameworks and adequate accountability mechanisms in ensuring the safety of peacekeepers.
In his speech, he emphasized the need for holding accountable those who harm or threaten UN peacekeepers. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of providing the best care for peacekeepers, including mental health support, standardized training, first aid provisions, and enhanced medical facilities.
The foreign minister also addressed the challenges faced by peacekeepers, such as language barriers, administrative obstacles, and the threat posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). He urged for intensifying pre-deployment training, equipping peacekeepers with cutting-edge technology, and enhancing their capabilities to counter the IED threat.
Leveraging technology was deemed vital for the safety and security of peacekeepers. The Strategy for the Digital Transformation of UN Peacekeeping was highlighted as an important tool for enhancing situational awareness, countering disinformation, and optimizing the use of technology to empower peacekeepers in making informed decisions and fulfilling their mandates more effectively.
Foreign Minister Jilani emphasized the need for adaptability and diversification in the commitment to UN peacekeeping. He expressed pride in Pakistan’s contribution of over 4,000 troops to ongoing UN peacekeeping missions and called for attention to be paid to the realm of peacebuilding. He proposed the creation of an Institute for Peacebuilding in collaboration with the UN Secretariat and international partners, which could provide specialized training, research, and expertise in the complex field of peacebuilding.
Furthermore, the foreign minister urged finance contributing partners to embrace a more equitable distribution of the burdens associated with peacekeeping missions. He emphasized that transparency in financial commitments and decision-making processes was key to building trust and enhancing mission efficacy.
The Foreign Minister also recognized the significance of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), a peacekeeping mission established in 1949. He highlighted the challenges faced by UNMOGIP personnel due to non-cooperation of one party and called for proactive measures to address safety and security gaps.
Lastly, Foreign Minister Jilani expressed Pakistan’s constant efforts to enhance the presence of female peacekeepers in its contingents. He emphasized the unique perspectives and skills that women bring to peacekeeping, which are instrumental in fostering trust and building relationships with local communities. Creating an empowering environment for women peacekeepers and ensuring their safety and security were deemed essential.
In conclusion, the Foreign Minister’s speech reaffirmed the indispensable role of UN peacekeeping in maintaining global peace and security. He emphasized the importance of addressing challenges, leveraging technology, promoting transparency, and empowering peacekeepers to fulfill their mandates effectively. Moreover, he highlighted the significance of peacebuilding and the inclusion of women in peacekeeping efforts.