2023 International Day of UN Peacekeepers statement by the UN Resident Coordinator

It is always a great honor to join Ghana and the rest of the world, on behalf of the UN in Ghana, to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

We thank the Government of Ghana and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in particular, and all other partners, including the Security Services for the critical roles they play in ensuring the effective planning and execution of this solemn occasion every year in remembrance of the dedication and service of Ghanaian peacekeepers across the world. It is impressive and should be applauded.

Hon. Minister, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen…

Today, we honor the men and women who have dedicated their lives to upholding peace and security around the world and to reflect on their invaluable contributions. We also remember and pay tribute to those who have fallen along the way while keeping the peace – may the good Lord rest their souls in eternal peace.  We recollect United Nations peacekeeping efforts and celebrate 75 years of one of the most effective tools the UN has for assisting countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace, and in response to some of today’s most difficult global peace and security challenges.  Yes, we can all say that UN peacekeeping has had an undisputable influence on the state of our world, past and present. From the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in the Middle East, the United Nations is currently leading 12 peacekeeping operations throughout the world. A true testament to multilateralism at its best!

This year we mark 75 years of peacekeeping and for this, the chosen theme is “Peace begins with me” - laying emphasis on peacekeepers, past and present, and the communities they serve. The tangible difference made in the lives of millions of people caught up in conflict by peacekeeping is central to discussions around peacekeeping because the service and sacrifice made by peacekeepers cannot be monetized. Some have paid the ultimate price by giving their lives in the cause of peace under the UN flag. The legacy of these peacekeepers should inspire us to take action, recognizing the fact that “peace begins with you, me and us.”  

This theme is the same as a year-long campaign launched earlier in the year by the Department of Peace Operations to recognize peacekeepers’ high level of professionalism, dedication and courage and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. It is a powerful reminder that peace is not the sole effort of international organisations and the governments; To attain peace, we need the collective effort of all.  Hence, we boldly say “Peace begins with me”. The SG’s new agenda for peace makes prevention of conflicts a universal priority and responsibility of Member states of the United Nations. This is a shift from the strategies of the past which limited prevention and sustaining peace to countries affected by or coming out of conflict. It makes peace an individual responsibility in a world increasingly threatened by wars and conflict. Peace indeed begins with me, with you, with all of us.

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen…

Ghana has played a catalytic role in peacekeeping operations, setting an inspiring example for nations around the world. Since its first involvement in United Nations peacekeeping missions in the 1960s, Ghana has demonstrated unwavering commitment, providing troops, police officers, and civilian personnel to numerous operations across different continents. Out of the 122 contributing countries, Ghana ranks number 7 with 2756 peacekeepers as of February 2023. Just earlier this month, 700 Ghanaian peacekeepers, including 68 women, were awarded the prestigious United Nations medal for their commitment to shaping a more peaceful and prosperous future for the people of the world’s youngest nation. One of the most remarkable achievements of the Ghanaian peacekeepers was their response to the catastrophic breach of the dyke surrounding the Bentiu, Unity State in South Sudan’s internally displaced person’s camp last year.

On the note of women in peacekeeping, let us remember that Ghana tops the global league table with the highest number of women peacekeepers. Ayekoo Ghana. I would also like to single out and commend Captain Cecilia Erzuah of Ghana who served as a peacekeeper with the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA)  for receiving the 2022 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her advocacy role on gender equality and community engagement to better understand and address community concerns. To re-echo the UN Secretary-General message during the award ceremony on Friday, 25 May,  “Captain Erzuah is a stellar example of what engagement is all about: building trust and bringing everyone to the table – irrespective of rank, gender and age…” adding that such inclusive communication skills help UN peacekeeping defuse tensions, promote women’s participation and break gender stereotypes, and advance peace.” This award rightfully reflects the immerse contributions of women peacekeepers, and Ghana is once more setting the pace. Ayekoo to all Ghanaian peacekeepers, past and present.

I am also excited to note that in December this year, Ghana will be hosting the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial, a moment when Member States come together on a ministerial level in a collective effort to strengthen the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations and their impact on the communities they serve. It will be the first on this continent ever. Another feather in Ghana’s hat. This year’s Ministerial will focus on the protection of civilians, strategic communications, safety and security, the mental health of peacekeepers, and women in peacekeeping. Thank you, Ghana, for accepting to host this meeting.  Be rest assured that the United Nations in Ghana will lend its support for the successful hosting of this event come December. Ghana’s leadership on peace and extends well beyond peace-keeping, making valuable contributions at the global level through its role on the Peace and Security Council, through the Africa Union and especially in the sub-region with efforts such as the Accra Initiative. We commend you, we applaud you and we ask that you continue to do so.

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen…

The efforts for peace comes at a price. Whilst in the line of duty, WOII John Angmor Nartey, who served with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) paid the ultimate sacrifice. He is among the 103 peacekeepers honoured posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjold medal on 25 May during an official event in New York. I am humbled to pay tribute to WOII Nartey. May his soul rest in peace and may his family and nation be consoled. 

At this time, permit me to share with you the message of UN Secretary-General António Guterres for this year’s International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. 

[QUOTE BEGINS]

United Nations peacekeepers are the beating heart of our commitment to a more peaceful world. For 75 years, they have supported people and communities rocked by conflict and upheaval across the globe.   

Today, on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, we honour their extraordinary contributions to international peace and security.  

Since 1948, more than two million peacekeepers have served in 71 missions, helping countries navigate the difficult path from war to peace.

They are also critical to the protection of civilians caught up in the chaos of these deadly conflicts, providing a lifeline of hope and help in some of the most dangerous contexts imaginable.

In carrying out this essential work, many peacekeepers have paid the ultimate price. More than 4,200 peacekeepers have lost their lives serving under the UN flag. We stand in sympathy and solidarity with their families, friends and colleagues, and will forever be inspired by their selfless devotion to the cause of peace.

Today, more than 87,000 peacekeepers from 125 countries serve in 12 operations. They face rising global tensions and divides, stagnating peace processes, and more complex conflicts.

Despite these obstacles, and working with a wide range of partners, peacekeepers persevere.

To people living under the shadow of conflict, our teams of Blue Helmets represent hope.” [END OF QUOTE]

As peacekeepers support humanity, let us always support and recognize them.   On this milestone anniversary of acknowledging efforts and contributions of peacekeepers, it is important to acknowledge the critical role of each one of us in ensuring peace. Without peace, all other goals—from focusing on youth and women's needs, to addressing climate change and water, energy, and food security - will be impossible to achieve. We all have a duty towards upholding the peace we are enjoying.

To conclude; the UN reaffirms to continue being a reliable partner in the agenda for peacekeeping and once again commends role of Ghanaian peacekeepers. I call on everyone; man, woman, young and old, to join the global movement for peace. Let us become the catalyst for peace and change makers. Achieving peace is a goal for all.