Today, the UN Security Council held its first open debate under Slovenia’s Presidency, titled Strengthening UN Peacekeeping: Reflections for the Future. In addition to the Council members, more than 60 UN Member States participated in the debate. The Council was briefed by the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix; the President and CEO of the International Crisis Group, Dr Comfort Ero; and the President and CEO of the International Peace Institute, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.

Given the high number of ongoing conflicts and civilian casualties, as well as the added pressures of climate change and water insecurity on communities, Slovenia called for UN peacekeeping to be fit for purpose and capable of adapting to the evolving nature of global conflicts.

The purpose of this open debate, which is one of several organized by Slovenia in September, was to explore how the Security Council can improve its unified political support for peace operations in fulfilling their mandates and ensure their safe operation. The discussion provided an opportunity for the Council to reflect on how to foster trust and rally support for UN peace operations.

“UN peace operations are the cornerstone of our collective efforts to maintain international peace and security. Peacekeepers not only work to protect civilians and facilitate political processes, they have an indispensable role in promoting human rights, strengthening the rule of law and organizing democratic elections. However, peacekeeping missions cannot be fully effective without our united collective support. With the highest number of ongoing conflicts, UN peacekeeping more than ever needs the Council’s united support,” stressed Tanja Fajon, Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, during the debate from Ljubljana.

Peacekeeping assists host countries in navigating the difficult path from conflict to peace

The transition to sustainable peace is much more than the mere cessation of hostilities. It does not end with the signing of a peace agreement or the conclusion of a peacekeeping mission. Through effective peacekeeping and forward-looking peacebuilding, we can pave the way to lasting peace.

In light of numerous new and emerging challenges, it is crucial that this mechanism continues to evolve and adapt to new realities. The UN Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace has called upon the Security Council to reflect on the limits and future of peacekeeping in order to make it more effective and prepared to face new challenges in the ever-changing conflict environment. This led Slovenia to organize this timely open debate, providing the wider UN membership with the opportunity to express their views. 

The Council’s lack of unity affects UN peacekeeping

To ensure that peacekeeping missions can effectively perform their mandated tasks and foster conditions conducive to a political solution to armed conflict, it is essential that the Security Council provides full and consistent political support. However, the increasing lack of unity within the Security Council in approving or extending peacekeeping mandates has reinforced the perception that the Council’s support for UN missions has weakened in recent years.

“As the world faces a crisis of trust, UN peacekeeping missions are being increasingly undermined or exposed by the lack of a unified voice and shared vision within the Security Council. To overcome its divisions and present a united front in maintaining global peace and security, we must rebuild trust,” stressed Ambassador Samuel Žbogar, the Council’s President for the month of September, in his national capacity. To bridge the differences within the Council, “we must go back to basics and find the political will to recommit to our promise to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,” he added.

The vital role of regional organizations and a gender-responsive approach

Slovenia emphasized that the Council can enhance the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions by defining clear strategic objectives and improving coordination. Prioritizing and sequencing mandates will ensure that missions are realistic and capable of successfully fulfilling their goals.

Additionally, Slovenia highlighted the critical role of regional organizations in peacekeeping, as they foster close partnerships with host states and have a deeper understanding of local dynamics. “They play a vital role in creating an environment conducive to the safe and effective engagement of peacekeeping operations,” Ambassador Žbogar underlined.

The Ambassador concluded by calling for the integration of gender perspectives into all aspects of peace operations, and the creation of opportunities for women and youth to participate in peacebuilding and economic recovery. UN peacekeeping should promote greater community engagement, inclusive political processes, accountability and transparency.

Joint press stakeout on climate, peace and security and UN peacekeeping operations

Prior to the open debate, the Council members supporting the joint pledges on climate, peace and security (France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States) reminded the public of the urgency of incorporating climate security into the UN peacekeeping framework.

“For UN peacekeeping operations to successfully fulfil their indispensable mandates, climate change considerations must be integrated into their risk assessments, monitoring, planning, reporting and mandate implementation,” they emphasized.

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