Remarks delivered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, on the occasion of UN Peacekeeping Ministerial

It is with a grateful heart to God that I welcome your Excellencies, distinguished delegates on behalf of the Government and the good people of Ghana to our capital city of Accra, with the proverbial greeting “AKWAABA”.

As we gather in this convivial setting to break the ice and fraternize with all participating delegations, I wish to express the appreciation of the Government and people of Ghana for the confidence, the UN Secretary-General, and all member States of the special Committee on Peacekeeping, reposed in Ghana to host the 5th UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting in Accra, which is the first in the continent of Africa.

With the commitment and dedication of all parties, excellent logistical arrangements have been put in place to ensure that the 2023 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting would not only be the pioneer in Africa but set the tone for other African countries in future.

Allow me to underscore my appreciation for the dedication and tireless efforts of all involved in organizing and facilitating this Ministerial Meeting. Our gathering is a testament to the meticulous planning, commitment to excellence, and spirit of cooperation that has defined every aspect of our resolve to host this event.

Excellencies,

The Ministerial Meeting is a platform for the exchange of innovative approaches, best practices, and lessons learned in the field of peacekeeping. The wealth of knowledge to be shared by participating nations will not only deepen our collective understanding, but also provide a solid foundation for developing comprehensive strategies to address contemporary peacekeeping and security challenges.

The challenges we face demand sustained commitment and collaboration. I urge each participant to translate the insights gained and the commitments made during our time together here into tangible actions that would contribute to global peace and security.

It is my hope that our time together during the technical sessions of the Ministerial Meeting would be marked by a rich tapestry of ideas, perspectives, and collaborative efforts, as well as the continuous collective commitment by all member states geared towards the strengthening of the UN Peacekeeping operations, in line with the Secretary-General’s action on peacekeeping together with the A4P+ members.

Throughout the Ministerial Meeting, my expectation is that the depth of our discussions, the diversity of viewpoints and pledges made would be underpinned by the strength that arises from our unity in addressing the multifaceted challenges that define our global landscape today.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I look forward to the insightful contributions, thoughtful analyses, and robust spirit that would characterize the deliberations of each delegation.

This afternoon’s gathering serves not only as a celebration of our collective commitment but also as an opportunity to establish bonds of friendship during this meeting period. The relationships established here would be instrumental in fostering ongoing collaboration and solidarity among nations committed to a shared vision of a more peaceful and secured world.

Before I conclude let me take this opportunity to invite you to explore some of the historic sites in Accra, such as the iconic Black Star Square, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and many places in city. Accra is a city of many parts waiting to be explored. December in GH is now the number one events and entertainment season in Africa. I urge you all to try the very many delicious Ghanaian cuisines in your free times, while you are here.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I express my profound gratitude to all who have played a pivotal role in making this Ministerial Meeting a resounding success. May the friendships formed, and the collaborative spirit witnessed here serve as a lasting testament to our shared commitment to a world characterized by peace, cooperation, and prosperity.

May our gathering in Accra be a continuation of the positive momentum we have collectively generated.

Thank you for your kind attention.