UN Peacekeeping Adapting To New Global Realities - Ban Ki-Moon

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- United Nations (UN) peacekeeping is adapting to new global realities including asymmetric threats in some of the world's most challenging environments, said its Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. He said the UN had modernised its operations, introduced new technologies, broadened its base of contributors and strengthened its partnerships with regional organisations. "At the same time, demands far outpace resources. We need better funding, training and equipment. Our troops and police must carry out even more complex mandates while being held to the highest standards of conduct," he said Thursday in his message for the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, on Friday. He said the UN needed developed countries to resume their historically influential role as contributors of troops and required stronger political support from the member sates that were responsible for authorising, financing and contributing troops and police to the missions. "To explore how best to meet these challenges, I appointed a High-Level Independent Panel to assess the state of UN peace operations today - both peacekeeping and special political missions - and the emerging needs of the future," he said. He said this would be the first major review since 2000 and he looked forward to a bold and comprehensive set of recommendations. "This year's International Day of UN Peacekeepers falls during the 70th anniversary of the UN, offering a chance to honour the invaluable contribution of the Blue Helmets to the proud history of the organisation. "I applaud the more than 107,000 uniformed peacekeepers from 122 troop- and police-contributing countries now serving in 16 missions. "In its 70 years, the United Nations has established 71 peacekeeping operations. More than one million people have served as peacekeepers, helping countries gained independence, supporting historic elections, protecting civilians, disarming hundreds of thousands of ex-combatants, establishing the rule of law, promoting human rights and creating the conditions for refugees and displaced persons to return home. We should all be proud of these accomplishments," he said. --BERNAMA