UN preparatory peacekeeping moot in capital today

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, in partnership with the Republic of Korea, would co-host the Third United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Preparatory Meeting at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad from 15–16 April 2025.

The Foreign Office in a statement said that this Preparatory Meeting would bring together global stakeholders under the theme “Towards a Safer and More Effective Peacekeeping: Use of Technology and Integrated Approach.”

The meeting would set the stage for the upcoming UN Peacekeeping Ministerialin Berlin, Germany (13–14 May 2025)—the UN’s flagship biennial gathering of foreign and defence ministers focused on strengthening peacekeeping operations.

“Senior dignitaries from the Government of Pakistan, along with top UN officials including Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, and Atul Khare, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support, will attend the Islamabad meeting,” the FO said.

The two-day meeting in Islamabad would feature a series of panel discussions focusing on the future of peacekeeping, including discussions on various sub-themes to deliberate upon evolving challenges to peacekeeping operations; the role of technology for making the future of peacekeeping safer and more effective; countering threats to the safety and security of peacekeepers using technology; the role of regional and cross-regional organisations in supporting United Nations peace operations; the effective performance of peacekeepers; and an integrated approach for sustainable and durable peace. It would provide an opportunity to highlight Pakistan’s commitment to the UN peacekeeping as a leading troop-contributing country. Over the years, Pakistan has deployed 235,000 peacekeepers in 48 UN missions. As many as 181 Pakistani peacekeepers paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of international peace and security.

“Pakistan’s hosting of the Preparatory Meeting will signify its continued commitment to UN Peacekeeping and its tangible contribution to the collective promotion of peace and security envisaged in the UN Charter,” added the statement. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Commonwealth Secretary General Shirley Botchwey.

“He congratulated her on taking office and conveyed best wishes to her on behalf of Pakistan. He also invited her to visit Pakistan at her earliest convenience. The secretary general thanked DPM/FM and Pakistan for the consistent support that she has received for her election as the secretary general. She said that she is looking forward to visit Pakistan in the near future,” the FO said. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, former Ghanaian minister for foreign affairs and regional integration, assumed office as Commonwealth secretary general this month, pledging to advance the values of the Commonwealth Charter at a time of growing global tensions and shifting alliances. Botchwey succeeds Patricia Scotland, whose nine-year term ended in March.

According to the Commonwealth, Botchwey is the first African woman – the second African overall – to lead the association of 56 countries, which make up a third of the world’s population and more than a quarter of the UN membership.

Speaking at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters the secretary general acknowledged the scale of the challenges confronting the world.

“The world we woke up to today is unlike any we have seen in our lifetimes. The consequences of lower economic growth, increased defence expenditures, and a frayed multilateralism will affect our pockets directly, increase unemployment and poverty, reduce social protection and weaken our resilience to shocks. The value of our Commonwealth stands in bold relief, in a time like this. For over 75 years, the Commonwealth has been a unique and powerful force for good. Now we must seize the moment to realise the transformation our societies seek,” she said.