Slovenia, along with Bangladesh, Italy, Germany and the Republic of Korea, organized a side event on the environmental impact of UN Peace Operations. The event offered a platform to shape new pledges and commitments in preparation for the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin. As underscored by distinguished speakers, sustainability and ‘greening the Blue’ lead to improved safety and security for the Blue Helmets, greater operational resilience, the protection of water and a positive legacy for local communities.

Peacekeeping represents a significant share of the UN’s overall emissions, accounting for 87 % of the UN Secretariat’s greenhouse gas emissions and 48 % of the entire UN system’s emissions. Therefore, interest in the environmental impact of UN peace operations has steadily grown over the years. 

Given that peace operations are often deployed in remote and conflict-affected areas where infrastructure is often inadequate or damaged, UN missions must predominantly be self-sufficient, particularly in terms of energy, water and waste management. All of this contributes to their significant environmental footprint. Without effective management, the carbon footprint can pose risks to personnel, local communities, ecosystems and the reputation of the UN as a whole.

“Slovenia believes that sound environmental management and positive contributions to local communities build better, more resilient and more respected UN Peace Operations,” Ambassador Samuel Žbogar, the Chair of the event, underlined. He added that the prevention of environmental risks, contamination or disease must be at the forefront of planning and implementation of the peacekeeping mandates.

Colonel Robert Šipec presented the Ministry of Defense’s efforts to measure emissions and develop a long-term strategy to increase climate resilience. Among the key goals, he highlighted the modernization of infrastructure into zero-emission buildings, the installation of photovoltaic cells and geothermal pumps on suitable structures, research and testing of alternative fuels, including hydrogen, and the transition to electric vehicles, including the world’s first certified electric aircraft (Velis Electro), used by the Slovenian Armed Forces.

The Colonel further emphasized the digitalization of remote management, including planning tools such as digital models and digital twins, while pointing out challenges related to standardization and interoperability, particularly in multinational missions.

Slovenia’s experience, driven by a vision to develop a zero-emission camp by 2050, underscores the central role of partnerships between defense and civil stakeholders (SiENE). Among specific innovations, the Slovenian Armed Forces are testing a plug-in hybrid diesel generator, water purification devices, waste-to-fuel conversion systems, electric motors and sleds, as well as a self-sufficient living unit called Model+.

Under-Secretary General for Operational Support, Mr. Atul Khare, emphasized that environmental management, including recycling and renewable energy resources, directly contributes to the safety and security of peacekeepers. He stated: “Environmental practices, beyond improving environmental management, actually contribute to operational resilience and safety and security of men and women on the ground, deployed in remote, conflict-affected situations.”

Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the DRC and Head of MONUSCO, Ms. Bintou Keita, addressed the audience via video message. She highlighted environmental management as an integral part of UN mandates: “I believe we can achieve mandated tasks, while protecting both local communities and the environment in the peacekeeping mission.” She stressed the broader agenda, stating, “our work is not just about MONUSCO; it is about the people we serve and the legacy we leave behind.”

In conclusion, peace operations of the future will likely be conducted in increasingly complex political and operational conditions, including hybrid threats and climate change. Their operational resilience is therefore essential as well as the implementation of resource-efficient practices.

Access the full discussion here: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1o/k1os3i2k8q

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