Informal meeting of the plenary to hear a briefing by the Secretary-General on peace operations - General Assembly, 80th session

Good afternoon to those of you who have been still on holidays during the interactive dialogue. Welcome back after the short this time summer break. Good afternoon. I call to order the informal meeting of the plenary to hear a briefing by the Secretary-General on the report of the review on the future of all forms of UN peace operations. I will now make a statement as the President of the General Assembly. Excellencies, Mr. Secretary General, thank you for joining this review and to all the USGs with you on the future of all forms of United Nations peace operations. Let me also extend my gratitude to the Department of Peace Operations and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs for jointly leading the extensive consultations that have informed this review. And of course, to recognize the leadership of the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, who, in presenting this report, is responding directly to the request of Member States as outlined in the Pact for the Future. Since the first United Nations peace operation was established in 1948, 71 peacekeeping operations have been deployed alongside 40 special political missions. This speaks to the importance this institution has always placed on peace and security and in our charter committed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. Peacekeeping and more broadly peace operations have undoubtedly saved hundreds of thousands of lives and helped better the lives of millions more. Consider the violence that did not occur. The women who were unafraid to walk home because peacekeepers were deployed. The children who were able to attend school because long simmering tensions calmed. Unfortunately, the war or crisis that never happened because of these peace operations, because of peacekeeping, rarely makes the headlines. But it saves thousands of people's lives. After all, this peacebuilding is baked into the DNA of this institution for exactly that reason, to prevent further atrocity, which was famously built not to bring us to heaven, but to save us from hell. That said, decades of peace operation have not been without challenges or controversies, and these tools can never be cut and paste. There's no one-size-fits-all. Our tools must be adaptable to circumstances, responsive to context, and capable of evolving as conditions on the ground change. That imperative is only becoming more urgent. We are witnessing the largest number of conflicts since 1945, while the past five years alone have accounted for more conflict related death than the entire 20 year period preceding 2021. And it's not only the scale of conflict that is changing, but its nature is highlighted in your in the Secretary General's report. Technologies are evolving and transforming the conduct of warfare, respect for and adherence to international law and international humanitarian law is coming under increasing strain. And resources for sustainable development and human rights, essential foundation for lasting peace, are being cut. At the same time, serious funding shortfalls and liquidity crises are placing further pressure on our ability to deliver effective peace operation when and where they are needed most so children can walk to school safely. It is against this backdrop that our peace operation must continue to evolve. Today's review and the Secretary General's report are therefore an opportunity to ensure that the instruments are at our disposal, they remain fit for the purpose, that we consistently review, evaluate and strengthen them so that we can better prevent conflict and respond more effectively and efficiently when crises emerge. Colleagues, excellencies, just days ago, two UN peacekeepers were killed in the line of duty, working to protect the people of South Sudan. Too many have lost their lives in the fight for peace. As we undertake this review, let us work together to ensure that peace operations evolve to better protect all people, civilian and UN peacekeepers alike. And above all, let us ensure that the tools of peace continue to evolve with the challenges they are designed to meet, while remaining firmly anchored in the principles and purposes of the United Nations. I thank you. And it's an honour to give now the floor to the Secretary General, His Excellency Antonio Guterres.

Please.

Madam President, with your permission, I will make some introductory remarks. And then after the interventions of Member States, I will ask my colleagues Rosemary Di Carlo and Jean-Pierre Lacroix, that are the main authors of the review, to respond to any questions or points raised by the Member States. Madam President, Excellencies, United Nations peace operations are a critical form of multilateral action. They help defuse crises, stop conflict, sustain ceasefires and protect civilians. In lands stained by bloodshed, they create space for dialogue and open pathways to peace. By supporting peace processes, advancing the implementation of negotiated settlements accompanying complex political transitions and laying the foundations for long term recovery. EU missions have helped consolidate peace from Cambodia to El Salvador, from Timor Leste to the Central African Republic and beyond. Our work on the border dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria is another case in point. Through good offices and peacemaking, we helped the parties find common ground on how to implement the ruling of the International Court of Justice. Later, we deployed a special political mission that helped demarcate the boundary and ultimately end the border dispute. Our approaches to peace operations have evolved over the past eight decades as conflict changed, possibilities for collective action fluctuated. Now, they must adapt again to dramatic new realities. Geopolitics is in flux. Power is more diffuse and world views are more diverse. New poles of influence are emerging and new lines of contestation are taking shape. We are witnessing a resurgence of conflict between states and an intensification of internal conflicts, now increasingly internationalised, more protected and harder to resolve. The number of conflicts is at the highest level since 1945. And the human cost is mounting, with more battle-related deaths in the last five years than in the 25 before. Meanwhile, the nature of conflict is rapidly changing. We see the increasing military use of drones and the looming prospect of autonomous lethal weapons powered by artificial intelligence, the growing involvement of transnational criminal networks, a wider range of state and non state actors getting their hands on deadly technologies, the renewed threat of nuclear weapons, the frequent targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and the mounting sense of impunity as parties violate international law and states ignore their Charter obligations. At the same time, comprehensive peace agreements are less common. The share of conflicts settled through a peace agreement is the lowest in decades. Excellencies, these developments present new challenges and place new demands on United Nations peace operations. Over the past three decades, Our missions were deployed primarily to support conflict parties in reaching and implementing a comprehensive peace agreement after a civil war. But today, such frameworks are increasingly rare, harder to achieve and more fragile. All too often, we see political negotiations stall, violence flaring up, civilians attacked and peace operations targeted. While missions are asked to contain the consequences of conflict, the parties themselves face little pressure to resolve it, and sometimes external actors even contribute to the continuation of conflicts, as we see in Sudan. Geopolitical polarisation has eroded consensus about when to deploy peace operations, what they should and should not do, and what constitutes success. Member States increasingly differ not only on how to respond to threats to peace, but on how those threats should be understood in the first place. This can result in mandates that lack sufficient clarity and missions that lack unified support. We have also seen peacekeeping budgets slashed and the number of peacekeeping troops and police officers greatly reduced. In the Pact for the Future, Member States called on me to conduct a review on the future of all forms of UN peace operations and how they can adapt to enable more agile and tailored responses to existing, emerging and future peace and security challenges. The report of that review has now been circulated to all Member States, and I am pleased to share some comments today on its findings and recommendations. The review draws on extensive consultations with Member States, our missions, the wider United Nations system, regional partners and civil society. Throughout these discussions, we heard a crystal clear refrain UN peace operations are indispensable tools for maintaining international peace and security, but to be more effective, they must adapt to new realities. The review considers, for the first time, the full spectrum of United Nations peace operations. And this includes a diverse set of special political missions. The small office of a special envoy working to broker peace in Sudan, a regional office with a preventive diplomacy mandate helping address cross-boundary threats in Central Asia, sanctions panels providing the Security Council with information on compliance to measures it imposes, such as against ISIL, Daesh or Al Qaeda, a mission with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to rid Syria of these senseless tools of terror, and a broadly mandated mission seeking to promote political unity and a road map to peace in Libya. It also addresses different types of peacekeeping operations. missions monitoring ceasefires on the separation of conflict parties, from Cyprus to the Middle East, and multidimensional operations working to ensure stability, support political processes and protect civilians, as in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or South Sudan. This spectrum is rich and adaptable. It provides a wide set of tools for the Security Council to draw from as it confronts each situation. The review recalls the lessons of our past work, our previous reviews and our reform processes. It reaffirms the principles and considerations that guide UN peace operations across diverse settings. These include clearly defined outcomes, pursuit of political solutions, stronger partnership with host states, impartiality and respect for the Charter and international law, shared responsibility among Member States, closer cooperation with regional organisations, and the whole of UN response to help sustain peace. The review also highlights the need for agile, tailored responses, and crucially, It calls for a reset in how we think about the end use of peace operations. Let me outline what this reset requires. First, a sharper focus on peacemaking. That means renewed emphasis on preventive diplomacy, peacemaking, and the pacific settlement of disputes. And it means strengthening the good offices of the Secretary-General, her or his envoys, and the Secretariat. We have seen in Colombia, for example, our good offices engagement supported the peace process, helped usher in the peace agreement, and paved the way for a dedicated special political mission to support the parties with its implementation. All of our peace operations and the political processes they are designed to support require the strong and unified backing of UN Member States. The Secretariat, in turn, must actively work to bridge differences and support the Security Council and Member States in building a greater common understanding of the challenges and the options available to address them. Peacemaking is a core task of most peace operations, but it is not the work of missions alone. We must make better use of the expertise and capacities we already have at headquarters and deploy them to support peace processes and open political space. For example, as part of my UNAT initiative, our special political missions supporting the Geneva international discussions and the Cyprus Good Offices work have been reconfigured to achieve a leaner and more cost effective structure with more direct support from headquarters. We must also make fuller use of our special political missions with regional mandates and consider how to expand the existing network of regional offices and envoys. Their presence can engage early, work closely with regional organizations, and help prevent disputes from escalating into wider conflicts, including between states. But let's be honest, no peace operation and no political process supported by the United Nations can succeed without solid and cohesive support from Member States. Second, stronger partnerships with host states. Peace cannot be brought in from abroad. It must be built from the ground up through close cooperation with host states. Peace operations can only be effective if their mandates support the national actors who ultimately hold the key to sustainable peace. The review outlines ways to strengthen these partnerships, including through structural consultations among the Security Council, host states, troop and police contributing countries and the Secretariat. Together, we must build a shared vision of what each mission can achieve throughout its life cycle. Third, focused and adaptable mandates. It's time to match our ambitions with reality. Peace operations should be focused on areas where they hold a clear comparative advantage, particularly politics and security, and where mandated, the protection of civilians. Missions must also remain responsive to realities on the ground. When circumstances change significantly, mandates must evolve accordingly. The Secretariat has an important role to play in helping the Security Council ensure missions are adaptable. This includes providing regular and frank assessments of how missions are delivering on their mandates, proposing options for better aligning their mandates with realities on the ground, and presenting transition plans and exit strategies where appropriate. This must be planned early and updated regularly to ensure that gains are consolidated. I am encouraged by progress made in prioritising mandates, and I thank the Security Council for its efforts on this front. But let me be clear. Peacekeeping operations should only be deployed when a peace agreement, or at least a robust ceasefire, is in place. We cannot keep peace when there is no peace to keep. And so forth, a clear division of labor. Helping societies move from war to peace is one of the toughest tasks we face. It requires the full and sustained engagement of the wider United Nations system and international community. And it requires peace operations to work hand in hand with the broader UN country team drawing on each entity's strengths and avoiding duplications. In certain cases, mandated tasks can be better delivered by agencies, funds and programmes with the relevant expertise and presence. This networked approach builds on my UNIT report, Shifting Paradigms, United to Deliver, in calling for other UN entities, where possible, to lead programmatic work for which they are best equipped. Beyond improving mandate delivery, this will make mission transitions smoother and more sustainable, for example, when mandated tasks need to be handed over to the host state and to the UN country team. Fifth, more agile operations. To be truly agile, peace operations must be supported by flexible administrative frameworks, clear chains of command, and stronger planning and operational processes. and they must preserve one of our greatest strengths, a skilled, diverse global workforce. That means protecting the progress we have made and accelerating the meaningful participation of women across all aspects of UN peace operations. Sixth, greater cost efficiency and accountability. Responsible stewardship of resources is essential, but delivering on our commitment to efficiency and effectiveness across all peace operations requires a sharper focus on impact and results. We must continue to hold all personnel fully accountable for their conduct and performance at all times and without exception. The world's most vulnerable people have placed their trust in the United Nations. We must keep earning that trust every day and never betray it. Seventh, readiness and technological capability. Mandate States have made it clear they expect the UN to act swiftly and deploy tailored response across the full spectrum of peace operations. Our readiness to deliver requires sustained collective investments in our civilian and specialized uniformed capacities. We must preserve and maintain the UN hard-won experience and expertise and capabilities in the service of peace. We must also strengthen the preparedness and resilience of our missions by closing our technology and capability gaps, exploring options for more mobile missions configurations, and insisting on the safety and security of our field personnel. I commend the dedication and courage of all who have served in UN peace operations. I honour our dear colleagues who have given their lives in the pursuit of peace. And I welcome the wide co-sponsorship and unanimous adoption of Security Council Resolution 2823. Attacks against UN peacekeepers must stop and perpetrators must be held to account. No impunity, no exceptions. Our civilian staff too often work under significant threats. Just last week, we marked the anniversary of the Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad. in which 22 staff serving in our special political mission in Iraq were killed in 2003, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in our work for peace. Finally, stronger global regional partnerships. The review recognises that we support and operate within a much larger ecosystem of actors, each with distinct mandates and comparative advantages. Effective networked multilateralism depends on strong partnerships, and the United Nations-African Union partnership is a prime example. Security Council resolution 2719 established a framework for predictable financing of AU-led peace support operations authorised by the Council through assessed contributions. It is essential for Council members to reach agreement on materialising this landmark commitment. And in some circumstances, peace enforcement operations led by regional organisations or coalitions of the willing might be justified. Under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, peace enforcement may involve a range of coercive measures, including military force, undertaken with the authorisation of the Security Council to maintain or restore international peace and security. Unlike UN peace operations, Enforcement action does not necessarily require the strategic consent of the conflict parties. But all such efforts should be embedded in a comprehensive approach that prioritises political solutions, addresses conflict drivers and grievances, and is anchored in a national commitment towards durable peace. There must be full compliance with the UN Charter and international humanitarian and human rights law, and accountability to the Security Council. Without safeguards, securitized responses could reinforce the very dynamics they seek to overcome. The Secretariat is ready to support these safeguards and provide the necessary expertise and political technical assistance. Regarding peace enforcement operations, in some circumstances, UN missions can provide a range of support building on our past experiences.

Madam President, Excellencies, the United Nations Charter provides the foundation for collective action. Over decades, Member States have built and adapted a diverse array of peace operations to meet evolving challenges. However, peace operations are above all political instruments. Their success depends on how well their mandates are suited to meeting the needs on the ground, the will of the parties, and the level of political support from the Security Council and member states. Lasting impact requires that member states, the United Nations, the host country, and international partners work together. in a spirit of shared responsibility and common purpose. I urge Member States to draw upon this review as they consider options for adapting United Nations peace operations, to advance its recommendations in relevant intergovernmental bodies, and to invest in peace. Excellencies, I express my sincere gratitude to Member States for supporting this review process, and I thank you for helping to make UN peace operations more effective, cost-efficient, and more impactful. We must adapt to a changing world, and together we must find the will and the resources to forge pathways to peace. Thank you.

Merci beaucoup. I thank the Secretary General for his report. As indicated in my letter dated August 24th, 2026, there's no pre-established list of speakers for this meeting. Delegations wishing to take the floor are invited to press the microphone button. I wish to remind delegation that speaking time shall be limited to three minutes for delegation speaking in their national capacity and five minutes for statements made on behalf of a group of states. Delegations speaking on behalf of groups are invited to approach the list of speakers table and will be given priority. To assist delegations in managing their time, a countdown clock will be displayed on the screen. Please be advised that these time limits will be strictly enforced, including through the use of an automatic microphone cut off when the allotted time has expired. I thank you for your cooperation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, followed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Pakistan.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, I have the honor to deliver the statements on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Allow me at the outset to thank you, Mr. Secretary General, for your briefing and for your report on the review on the future of all forms of United Nations peace operations, as well as for the extensive consultations undertaken with member states throughout this review. The movement takes note of the recommendations and commitments contained in the report and is studying them carefully. As peacekeeping faces numerous challenges, our work remains vital for the people we, the United Nations, serve and also for our valiant troops and personnel on the ground who spare no efforts, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice for the United Nations flag. The movement whose members contribute the vast majority of the United Nations peacekeepers pays tribute to their courage and dedication. It is therefore imperative to keep in mind the true essence of our mission and remind ourselves that we are working towards an objective far greater than political interest. Peacekeeping is about the safety, stability and well-being of people in vulnerable situations, and our collective efforts must not sway away from these goals. Mr. Secretary General, the movement reaffirms that the United Nations peacekeeping must continue to be guided by its basic principles, the consent of the parties, impartiality, and the non-use of force except in self-defense and in the defense of the mandate. In this regard, we welcome the report's reaffirmation and the primacy of political solutions and recognize the importance of preserving the gains made in previous years regarding peacekeeping-related concepts. These concepts, which have been the results of many years of long and constructive consultations, represent the hard work and collective wisdom of Member States striving for the betterment of peacekeeping operations. It is essential that we do not lose sight of these valuable agreements, which have formed the foundation of our ongoing work. The progress we have made must be protected and built upon. Maintaining these gains is key to ensuring the continued effectiveness and most importantly, the credibility of the peacekeeping efforts. Any follow-up to this review must continue to be Member State driven, transparent and inclusive. As the most representative body and the sole body in charge of policy making on peacekeeping operations, the C-34 is relevant more than any time. The Special Committee remains the only United Nations forum mandated to review the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects and the only platform through which Member States, especially troop and police contributing countries, as well as host States, can actively contribute to the discussions on peacekeeping-related issues. Mr. Secretary-General, The movement underlines that mandates must be clear, focused, realistic and achievable, and matched with adequate and predictable resources, and that the pursuit of cost efficiency must never come at the expense of mandate delivery or of the safety and security of peacekeepers. We further welcome the emphasis on closing the technology gap on accountability for crimes against peacekeeping peacekeepers in line with the resolution 2589 of 2021 and 2823 of 2026 and on strengthened partnerships with regional arrangements and the chapter eight of the charter, including the full operationalization of resolution 2719 of 2023. as well as the call to address the historical injustice against Africa and improve the representation of the Global South. To conclude, the movement stands ready to engage constructively in the consideration of this report and the implementation of its outcomes, guided by the spirit of collective action, cooperation, consensus, and compromise in the interest of the nations we serve. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you for convening this briefing. And thank you, Mr. Secretary General, for presenting the report on the review on the future of United Nations peace operations. The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the report and we would like to highlight the following three points in line with the input we provided in the review process. First, we welcome the reaffirmation of the protection of civilians at the center of peace operations and the report's emphasis on the rule of law and accountability. We also welcome the reaffirmation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, which is essential for ensuring lasting peace. More focus and efficiency must not mean that protection of civilians, gender expertise and human rights capacity are reduced. For the Kingdom of the Netherlands, these are core priorities, not optional add-ons. Second, the peace operation should be deployed in support of clear political processes with strong and sustained support of the Security Council. In addition, peace operations should give local communities, including local civil society, a stronger role in shaping and implementing programs that affect them. Third, on financing and enabling peace operations. We welcome more focused and realistic mandates and predictable financing. All member states must pay their assessed contributions in full and in time. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is committed to continue doing its part in this regard. We must ensure that budgetary pressures never compromise the safety and duty of care of United Nations personnel. We also agree with the report that we need a better division of labour between peace operations and the wider UN system. A coherent and integrated approach is needed to maximise collective impact. Madam President, this report is an important resource for the necessary process of adaptation and reform for peace operations for further consideration and discussion involving member states and other stakeholders, including relevant think tanks, civil society, and academia. The Kingdom of the Netherlands remains committed to making United Nations peace operations more effective and fit for the future. I thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan, followed by Sierra Leone and the Russian Federation.

Thank you, Madam President. Pakistan aligns itself with the statement delivered by Morocco on behalf of the non-aligned movement. And as a longstanding and great supporter of peacekeeping, Pakistan thanks the Secretary-General for presenting his much awaited report. It comes at an important moment where conflicts are numerous and more complex and the UN is being asked to do more in the backdrop of shrinking resources, rising expectations and the need for continuing reform. Pakistan believes that peacekeeping remains most visible and vital instrument with the UN for maintenance of international peace and security. While not a substitute for political processes, in many situations these operations help create the conditions in which political solutions can be pursued, such as supporting ceasefires, protecting civilians, and monitoring fragile environments. While we will have detailed comments on the report, let me share some preliminary views. We welcome the report's emphasis on peacekeeping. Peacemaking prevention and pacific settlement of disputes. This is fully consistent with the charter and the resolution 2788. Peacekeeping and peacemaking should be seen as a mutually reinforcing element where political processes are stalled. The SG's good offices, the council's proactive engagement and other diplomatic efforts must be used with greater urgency. to revive political momentum towards peaceful settlement. The report is wide-ranging and it will require careful consideration. Its recommendations should be understood primarily in the spirit of more effective UN engagement, not to be interpreted selectively that would weaken the mandated missions. Reform must strengthen peace operations, not hollow them out. Efficiency, should be improved and duplication reduced. But cost cutting must not become the central logic of reform because peacekeeping is a global public good. It requires adequate resources and sustained political backing by the council and the wider membership. And peace operations are a collective responsibility so that would require future consultations in close coordination with the council, general assembly, C34, the secretariat, host countries and TCCs and PCCs. Pakistan also welcomes the report's recognition of accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, including through the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2823. We will effectively and actively participate in the review process.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone.

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, Secretary-General, Excellencies, Sierra Leone aligns with the statement delivered by Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. We thank the Secretary-General for his report and for the breadth of consultation. that inform it. As we offer our preliminary views, we speak as a country whose peace was consolidated in partnership with the United Nations. Hosting UNAMSL and thereafter UNIPSIL taught us a lesson central to this review. The value of UN's peace operation toolbox lies not in any single instrument, but in their sequencing. A peacekeeping operation succeeded by an integrated peacebuilding office and then by a resident United Nations presence that stayed the course. That lesson argues for a holistic approach, one that takes the reset and new realities into account. Special political missions, good offices engagement, regional offices and envoys are not lesser tools awaiting the deployment of troops. They are frequently the more appropriate and invariably the more affordable response. We therefore support expanding that network and affirm the primacy of peacemaking. No security response can substitute for political solution. Madam President, resolution 2719 remains the single most consequential innovation in this field in a generation. It is not a concession to Africa. It is an application of Chapter 8 that gives practical meaning to a shared responsibility. Resolution 2719 must be implemented fully in good faith and case by case as agreed. The difficulties surrounding AUSSOM illustrate the price of hesitation and we encourage the Secretary-General to use his good offices to build the consensus required. Nowhere is this more urgent than in the Sahel, where terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime press southwards towards the coastal West African state. The ECOWAS Standby Force is part of the region's answer, and it requires United Nations support in planning, logistics, training, and predictable financing. On mandate, we welcome clear political end states, measurable objectives, regular strategic reviews, and reconfiguration options for the Security Council. Mandates should be adapted at renewal, not rollover, and shaped with host states and troop and police contributing countries. Exit strategies must be planned from the onset. On financing, we must be candid. The liquidity crisis that compelled the partition of thousands of peacekeepers last autumn was not an act of nature.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone. Just to raise your awareness again, three minutes in your national capacity. You see also the red light and the timer. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation, followed by Rwanda and Australia.

Madam President, we wish to thank the Secretary-General for the briefing on the review of the future peace operations of the United Nations. A thorough analysis of this document, which was circulated over the past few days, will require additional time, and the stringent time limitation will prevent us today from having a full-fledged discussion of this text. We would like to share our initial impressions from this report. We share the frank assessments of the contemporary geopolitical landscape, including the categorical recognition by the Secretary-General of the fact that there is a multilateral, multipolar world, and there is a growth of new centers of force. External intervention is one of the key factors for the protracted nature of conflicts, double standards in matters of application of international law, and the shifting focus of donors' attention assistance for military purposes and military-related expenditures. We concur with the authors of the report about the fact that technical solutions cannot provide responses or solutions to the political issues, which unfortunately frequently pollute the atmosphere of this distinguished organization. Only an accurate diagnosis will help to remedy the difficult situation that the UN peacekeeping operations are currently facing. mired in. We welcome the fact that this realistic approach was also reflected in a number of key recommendations. We will highlight the call to focus mandates of peace operations on facilitating political solutions and facilitating the establishment of conditions for this, while at the same time delegating secondary tasks to specialized United Nations structures. The time for cyclopean United Nations presences which attempt to supplant states is something which should be in the dustbin of history, consigned to the past. The extension of mandates of peacekeeping presences, as was readily noted in the review, needs to be used to adapt priorities of missions to reflect shifting conditions. We believe it is counterproductive to attempt to populate PKO states with specific national priorities, which have nothing to do with situations on the ground and frequently with the issue of maintaining international peace and security. And in this connection, it is important that the authors of the report recognize the key significance of host state consent and call for fully taking into account the host state views. One of the key reasons for the difficulties which many UN presences presently are encountering is the incorrect view of host states, host states being viewed as objects for imposing alien standards in various areas. Host states are equitable sovereign nations which require specific support. The microphone has been cut off.

The United Nations representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Rwanda.

Thank you, Madam President. Rwanda thanks the Secretary-General and the two departments for this informed important review that we are considering today. The review confirms what we increasingly see in practice. The conflict environment has changed faster than our institutional response. Conflicts are more fragmented and increasingly regional. Non-state armed groups are more capable, technology is changing battlefields, misinformation and disinformation and hate speech are adding new layers and complexity to conflicts. As a troop and police contributing country, Rwanda sees these challenges directly. political solutions, realistic mandates, inadequate flexibility, flexible tools, regional partnerships and protection of civilians are all important. But these issues are not new. The question is what we do different now. One area where this question is particularly important is transitions. Madam President and colleagues, as Peace operations drawdown responsibilities do not disappear, they shift. Peacekeepers are asked to operate in increasingly complex, dangerous environments with greater expectations and tighter resources. After drawdown, UN country teams are expected to support national institutions, consolidate peace, sustain development gains, and prevent a return to conflict. In both cases, responsibilities are increasing while resources and capabilities and capacities are under pressure. We cannot continue to ask peacekeepers and UN country teams to do more with less when the consequences of capacity gaps are ultimately become effect and affect the people we intend to protect. At the same time, adequate resources cannot mean a blank check. We need value for money, clear priorities and performance, accountability while taking operational realities on the ground into account. We should neither under-resource demanding mandates nor continue funding approaches that do not deliver for people. Madam President, as we consider a way forward, we should also build on what has already been learned This review comes 11 years after the 2015, and therefore we need to learn from our lessons and build a stronger future together. I thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Rwanda. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia, followed by Switzerland and Austria.

Thank you, President, and thank you, Secretary-General, very much indeed for that briefing. At the outset, I want to pay tribute to the Ethiopian peacekeepers killed and those injured in South Sudan earlier this week. We echo the call for a prompt and thorough investigation in line with resolution 2823. This attack only underscores why today's discussion is so important. And I make four points. First, Australia agrees that the United Nations must prioritise peacemaking. Conflict prevention is at the heart of the United Nations mission and peacekeeping plays a critical role. At a time when ambitious UN reform is essential, prevention is the most effective and cost-effective approach. We welcome the commitment to utilize the Secretary-General's good offices and proactively use all available peace-making tools. We also agree that the United Nations should sharpen its advisory role in mandate design and assessment. Second, we welcome the focus on partnerships and readiness. Australia works closely with our regional partners on peacekeeping through practical training and strategic airlift. Last month in Fiji, we co-hosted a regional dialogue on the future of peace operations and protection of civilians. The forum highlighted a key message for reform to succeed, we must listen and better integrate lessons from the field and troop and police contributing countries. We look forward to the study on key capabilities for military and police and stand ready to share our expertise. Third, Australia stresses the need for greater efficiencies in peacekeeping. We must accelerate the safe and responsible deployment of emerging technologies and improve early warning capacity. Finally, we prioritize the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers. That's why Australia led international efforts to protect aid workers through the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, and it's why we will continue to ensure that protection is central to the planning, mandating, and resourcing of peacekeeping operations. We encourage all member states to reflect on the report and look forward to building its recommendations into action. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

Madam President, Secretary General, Switzerland thanks the Secretary General for the publication of this report in accordance with the Pact for the Future, as well as for his briefing today. This is the beginning of the consideration of this report at a preliminary stage. We reaffirm the importance of peace operations of the United Nations and encourage the Security Council and the Secretary-General to make use of the full range of available instruments in the field of peace operations. We welcome the guidelines set out in the report, which reflect several of the proposals put forward by Switzerland during the consultation phase. This is exemplified by the recommendation to prioritize peacebuilding, preventive diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes. We also welcome the fact that the protection dimension retains a central importance in the report. The losses incurred in this area in the context of the contingency measures should remain temporary. Finally, we welcome the recommendation in favour of more focused and flexible mandates. Secretary General, allow me to conclude with a question. Following the publication of this report, could you share the Secretariat's reflections on the roadmap for the implementation of the recommendations? Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Switzerland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria, followed by France and China.

Madam President, Austria welcomes the review on the future of all peace operations as an important contribution to adapting United Nations peace operations to a rapidly changing international security environment. We also thank the Secretary-General for his informative briefing. As the future of UN peace operations remains one of Austria's core priorities, we particularly appreciate the attention given to this important issue at this critical juncture. For Austria, this review is also an important opportunity to translate the commitments we made in the Pact for the Future into action. The Pact's mandate for this review was a priority for us. Now, we as member states and the secretariat have a responsibility to build on this process and ensure that the review contributes to concrete improvements. As a troop contributing country and longstanding supporter of UN peace operations, Austria fully supports efforts to ensure that peace operations remain effective and responsive to the realities on the ground. One of our particular priorities in this regard is the protection of civilians. We welcome the review's clear recognition that, at a time of historically high levels of violence against civilians, more must be done to protect civilian populations. Finally, effective peacekeeping depends on partnerships built on trust, thorough and integrated mission planning, and sustained political engagement. Special attention must also be given to an orderly transition in the drawdown phase of UN peace operations in order to avoid a relapse into conflict. Austria will remain a steadfast partner in this regard and fully supports the Secretary-General's call for renewed commitment to the role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security. As we prepare to assume our responsibilities on the Security Council in 2027, Austria is carefully reviewing and analysing the Secretary-General's report. We look forward to working closely with Council members, troop and police contributing countries, host countries, regional organizations and the Secretariat to turn the review into meaningful action and to ensure that UN peace operations remain effective, credible and fit for purpose. And I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Austria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Secretary General, for this very, uh, expected report and for the department that made this possible. And we'd like to pay tribute to all those serving the purposes of peace under blue helmets and other services of the United Nations. We're going through difficult years. The Secretary General has said that conflicts are worse than ever before. The warring parties ever willing to engage in war. attacks against UN staff deployed on the ground, as we saw recently in South Sudan, and this is unacceptable. At the same time, resources are thinner on the ground and we're seeing a political polarisation of the United Nations. and that is worse than it's ever been before and that makes the work even more difficult. It's too early to give our view on the report that you have just presented, which is dense and goes into a great deal of depth, but my delegation would like to make three preliminary comments. First of all, it's vital for the UN and for the world that peacekeeping continue and it's not because it's become more difficult that we have to throw in the towel. It is because it is more difficult that we have to encourage a movement to strengthen UN action for international peace and security. Secondly, any effective action must be based on the consent of Member States, on the work of Member States and the commitment of the troop contributing countries, and we have to pay particular tribute to them. Thirdly, in this context of restrictions and constraints, we have to continue to concentrate mandates on the central focus of the mandate, which is restoring and maintaining international peace and security. Secretary General, in the upcoming weeks and months delegations will look in detail at this report and it will be dealt with in the Security Council soon and we will take the opportunity to propose an additional initial consultation on this report. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of France. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

Madam President, I thank Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing on the review of UN peace operations and appreciate the Secretariat for its work in preparing the report. Today, amid growing turbulence in the international landscape and recurring conflicts and hot spot issues, We feel more keenly than ever the weighty responsibility to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind. UN peace operations must become more timely and effective. I wish to make five points. First, strengthen the authority and the capacity of the Security Council. The Council bears primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. It should promote consultation on an equal footing, build broad consensus, and provide clear and consistent political guidance for peace operations. We should oppose unilateral actions and sanctions that bypass the Council, as well as attempts to force through draft resolutions on which there are major divisions. Second, focus on core mandates and political objectives. Peacekeeping is a means, not an end. and must serve the broader goal of political solutions. Mission mandates should be clear, focused and pragmatic, with conditions on the ground guiding their dynamic adjustments and orderly transition. Third, effectively ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers. China strongly condemns the attack against UNMISS, deeply mourns the the Ethiopian peacekeepers killed in the attack and extends sympathy to the injured. It's important to fully implement relevant council resolutions, strengthen peacekeeping risk monitoring and prevention, and deploy new technologies to improve security. Fourth, comprehensively improve efficiency and effectiveness. We support deeper administrative and management reform at the UN and encourage a culture of efficiency for a leaner and a more effective organization. Fifth, strengthen synergy of operations. The Secretary-General's good offices and the coordinating role of regional offices should be fully used. Strategic cooperation between the UN and regional organizations such as the AU should be strengthened to improve the effectiveness of operations. President, China has always been a steadfast force for world peace. President Xi Jinping has put forward the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, offering China's proposals for addressing the global peace and security deficit and reforming and improving the global governance system. China stands ready to work with all parties to ensure that peace operations uphold their core principles while pursuing innovation, greater quality, efficiency, effectiveness, and making a greater contribution to lasting world peace, stability, and prosperity. Thank you, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of China, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa, followed by Egypt, then Haiti.

We welcome the convening of the meeting of the General Assembly to receive the much anticipated briefing by the Secretary-General on the review of the future all forms of UN peace operation. mandated by the Pact of the Future and building on all previous and ongoing processes. We align with the statement delivered by Morocco on behalf of nine allied movement. As a major troop and police contributor over the years and as a country whose transition to democracy was supported by UN observer mission, we affirm the continued relevance of UN peace operation as peacekeeping missions are impacted by changing nature of conflict, we shall remain steadfast in the quest to improve peacekeeping operation as a tool fulfilling the chapter mandate of UN of maintaining international peace and security. Madam President, in this respect, it remained vital that the mandate of all peace operation be commensurate with request and priority of the host countries given the specifics of each context. This will go a long way in maximizing the success of peace operation in ensuring that the agreed mandates are realistic and attainable within a given period. It is also fundamental to strengthen close cooperation between UN and regional organization in line with chapter eight of UN charter. Thus, partnership with African Union, must move from promise to implementation. UN Security Council Resolution 2719/2023 was a breakthrough in ensuring that Africa's attempt to carry the burden of peace operation on its own continent is met with necessary support of all member states. We therefore welcome the SG's emphasis on this model. Madam President, in conclusion, South Africa supports SG5 themes by stressing that the future of peace operation will be decided not in New York, but by whether we are able to address the root causes under development, inequality, illegal exploitation of resources, and non-implementation of council resolution, including Palestine and Western Sahara. The review must lead to action-oriented reform that strengthen multilateralism, not diminish it. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt, followed by Haiti, then Ethiopia.

Thank you, Madam President. Egypt aligns itself with the statement made by the non-aligned movement, and wish to thank the Secretary General for the presentation of his report on the review of peace operations, which we are still studying in detail and we look forward to engaging constructively on its findings and recommendations, namely within the C-34. At first reading, however, we particularly welcome the emphasis placed on adapting peace operations to the realities of today's geopolitical environment, including the growing complexity of conflicts, the increasing threats facing peacekeepers, and the financial constraints confronting the organization. These realities require us to envisage a new generation of peace operation that might not resemble the ones we have in place today, neither in operational nor in capabilities terms. In this sense, we also welcome the emphasis on enhancing technological capabilities, improving data analysis, communications, situational awareness, and ensuring that peacekeepers are equipped with the tools necessary to operate safely and effectively in increasingly challenging environments. From Egypt's perspective, it will also be essential that our collective efforts continue to reinforce national ownership and strengthen the capacities of host countries and its national institutions. In this regard, we believe that peacebuilding components should be integrated in mission planning. In addition, effective coordination between peace operations, resident coordinators, United Nations country teams, and other relevant actors will be critical to ensuring early and smooth transitions. the SG stressed this point very clearly in his introductory remarks. And we believe that this aspect is instrumental in ensuring success of the future generation of UN peace operations. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Egypt, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Haiti or Haiti.

Thank you.

Madam President. Madam President, first and foremost, I wish to thank the Secretary-General for the presentation of the report, which contained a great deal of information. I wish to take this opportunity to specifically thank the Secretary-General for the significant attention that has been dedicated to the situation in Haiti. It is with great sadness that I would refer to the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, notwithstanding the tireless efforts that have been undertaken by the Haitian security forces with support from the Gang Suppression Force. Over the course of the weekend, armed gangs perpetrated a massacre in Cess-Cave. not far from Pinky, which is located in that area. Some 60 people were murdered, including many children. And the situation once again attests to the need for the international community to redouble its efforts in order to accelerate the redeployment of the body in order to achieve the 5,000 person level that has been established. I wish to thank countries including Cote d'Ivoire, Mongolia, who have already signed agreements Haiti for this effort. More than ever before, Haiti needs support from the international community. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Haiti, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia, followed by Portugal, then Germany.

Thank you, Madam President. Mr. Secretary General, allow me to start by paying tribute to the fallen Ethiopian peacekeepers deployed with UNMISS to protect lives. In the strongest terms possible, we condemn the attack on Ethiopian blue helmets whose service and sacrifice in the cause of peace and collective security will endure. We extend our deepest condolences to their families and colleagues, and wish full recovery to all peacekeepers who were injured during the incident. My delegation notes with appreciation the Secretary-General's report. As a troop contributing country, we believe that this review adds value to United Nations peacekeeping operations in the current challenging security environment. My delegation also aligns itself with the statement of the Non-Aligned Movement delivered by the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of Morocco. Madam President, Mr. Secretary-General, it is alarming to learn from the report that the past five years accounted for more battle-related deaths than the entire 20-year period prior to 2021, with far-reaching consequences. Ethiopia, as an ardent supporter of peace and collective security, attaches great importance to the United Nations peace operations. We demonstrated our commitment in taking part among the first UN peace operations and played a vital role in helping fellow countries resolve conflicts. Ethiopia has rich experience in this regard. For troop and police contributing countries, including my own, the safety and security of personnel should be given the paramount importance it deserves. Personnel security needs to be considered in all aspects from mission conception and mandate formulation to deployment operations and transition. Endorsing the review's emphasis on making United Nations peace operations more flexible, agile, and adaptable to the specific circumstances of each conflict, we maintain the view that such ambitious mandates must be supported by adequate resources and realistic expectations. The deployment of troops increasing increasingly occurs in high-risk environments where armed groups, terrorism, asymmetric threats, improvised explosive devices and new technologies pose significant dangers. Peacekeepers cannot be expected to deliver on ambitious tasks when denied access to adequate capabilities, equipment, intelligence, medical support, aviation and clarity in their rules of engagement. Therefore, meaningful participation of troop and police contributing countries is important. The reduction or withdrawal of personnel should be based on and guided by realities on the ground and the ability of...

I thank the distinguished representative of Ethiopia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal.

Thank you, Madam President, and allow me to thank Mr. Secretary General for his informative briefing on this ambitious report. Peace operations remain one of the most United Nations distinctive instruments, but they cannot stand still while conflicts change around them. We welcome the call for a reset, more agile operations, more focused mandates, above all, stronger political purpose. As a preliminary reaction, I will highlight three points to which my countries attach particular importance. First, prevention and primacy of politics. Peace operations cannot substitute for political solutions, nor should the Council wait for crisis to become war before it acts. We particularly welcome the call for greater use of the tools already provided by the Charter. Fact-finding, Council visits, preventive diplomacy and the Secretary-General's good offices can help us establish a common understanding of emerging threats and identify political entry points before positions harden. Second, mandates must become genuinely strategic and adaptable. clear political objectives, realistic priorities, adequate resources, and a credible path towards transition. Mandate renewals should be opportunities to ask what is working, what is not, and what must change. But greater focus not lead to the weakening of essential capacities. The protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel must remain central to peace operations, along with safeguards for the protection of human rights and promotion of full, equal and meaningful participation of women and youth. Transitions must be planned from the outset with the host country and the wider UN system. The PBC, the wider UN system and international financial institutions all have a role in protecting hard-won gains. Third, the future will increasingly require partnerships. Portugal strongly supports deeper cooperation with regional and sub-regional organizations, particularly the African Union. Resolution 2719 offers an important new framework. We should now be ready to make it work. But partnership cannot mean outsourcing political responsibility. Whether the Council mandates UN operations, regional, forces or parallel configurations, the primacy of politics must remain clear. So must compliance with international law, protection, civilians, human rights and accountability. Madam President, Portugal will support peace operations that are lighter where possible, stronger where necessary, and always politically grounded. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany, followed by India and the Republic of Korea.

Thank you very much, Madam President. Let me in this room as well extend condolences to Ethiopia for the lives lost with the UN peacekeepers. Secretary-General, I would like to thank you and your team for the comprehensive review you have undertaken as tasked. the pact for the future we very much welcome its clear-eyed diagnosis of the current geopolitical environment and your emphasis on the central importance of peacemaking of prevention and of the search for political solutions all of them at the core of the un's R rather than an end of a process we consider the review a milestone on the way and We take it as an invitation for all of us, member states, the secretariat, and all UN institutions, including the Security Council, to follow up and to implement a forward-leaning vision for the future of peace operations. We're very grateful for the specific recommendations, including many of them that were already discussed last year at the peacekeeping ministerial in Berlin. And I would like to highlight just a very few of them, some that actually ask us as member states to act. through the Security Council, as General Assembly, or individually, including providing clear and structured focused mandates, providing fully trained and equipped troops, effectively cooperating with peace operations as host states, and of course, very importantly, paying all assessed contributions in full and on time to end the untenable disruption of mission delivery and reimbursement of TCC and PCC countries. We also very much support the recommendations directed at the UN system. such as defining future key capabilities for military and police, enhancing peacekeeping readiness and resilience, and improving the division of labor between UN peace operations and the wider system. We believe this is particularly important, for example, for institutional host state support and capacity building. Let me assure you, Germany is ready to contribute to a meaningful follow up, and we encourage the Secretariat to actively seek member state support and commitment for the implementations of the recommendations of the review, and we look forward to hearing more from the Secretariat on the follow-up architecture and concrete steps. And in turn, I would like to reaffirm Germany's continued political, operational, and financial support for UN peace operations, including in a leading role as a contributor of extra-budgetary funding. Having said all this, we look forward to continued engagement with the Secretariat to move indeed from paper to practice and towards implementation because this lies at the heart of what the UN is all about and it's a character building capacity that the United Nations have. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Germany, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India, followed by the Republic of Korea, then Ukraine.

Thank you, Madam President, for giving me the floor. We align with the statement given on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and thank the Secretary-General for this report. Mr. Secretary-General, as I begin We pay homage to the fallen Ethiopian Blue Helmets whom we recently lost in South Sudan, reminding us the cost our troops pay for peace. As peacekeeping confronts a confluence of political, operational, and technological complexities, we must evolve strategically with a process which must be a member-state driven process built on consensus among all stakeholders, especially the troop and police contributing countries. We note the release of the long-awaited report and we wish to highlight the following key points in our national capacity which will remain our focus areas as we deeply analyze this report further. Firstly, mandates must be matched to resources. A peacekeeping mission cannot be asked to deliver on tasks for which it has neither the troops, the equipment, nor the funding. And any future reform must correct this recurring mismatch. Second, the safety and security of peacekeepers must remain paramount. Our personnel operate in increasingly hostile environments and future readiness must translate into better force protection on the ground and not merely in doctrine. Third, a clear understanding of ground realities is indispensable. Mandates conceived at headquarters must be tested against conditions in the field, drawing on operational experience of troop and police contributing countries. Fourth, wider consultations is essential at every stage. Troop and police contributing countries must be substantively engaged in mandate formulation and review, and not merely briefed after decisions are taken. Fifth, future-ready peacekeeping means being better equipped, technologically enabled, realistically mandated, and focused on core objectives, rather than being burdened with expansive non-core tasks that dilute operational effectiveness on ground. Sixth, India strongly supports and will continue to support the role of women peacekeepers, as reflected in our pioneering deployment of the all-women foreign police unit and the female engagement teams on ground. Mr. Secretary-General, for India, participation in UN peace operations reflects our capacity and our willingness to shoulder a greater role in contributing to global peace as a responsible power, and we'll continue to engage constructively as peacekeeping evolves. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of India, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea, who will then be followed by Japan and Croatia.

Thank you, Madam President. I also thank Secretary-General for the briefing. We believe the review provides clear direction for making UN peace operation more politically focused, flexible, result-oriented, and cost-effective. The next challenge will be to turn these recommendations into concrete and workable changes. Let me offer a few preliminary observations. In a spirit of pragmatism, our task is not to attempt everything, but to do well what we can do. First, a network approach and partnership. Collaboration with non-UN-led operations is now critical. but it demands greater forethought about where comparative advantage lies and a firmly principled approach anchored in charter, international law and human rights standards. Second, division of labor. We support peace operations focusing on their core political and security functions with programmatic tasks carried by other UN entities. Such transition or delegation must come with adequate personnel, expertise and resources so that critical functions such as peacebuilding do not fall through the cracks. Stronger bridges across the humanitarian development and peace, HDP nexus, will therefore be essential. Third, accountability for result. The gaps between expectation and result, and between mandates and resources are to some extent design problems and therefore fixable. Mandates should be set clear and achievable end goals based on earnest resource estimate. Measurable result and stronger accountability for implementations are indispensable. At the same time, we must invest in capacity building to address these issues. Fourth, digital transformation. This should go beyond simply introducing new equipment. New technologies, including AI and data analytics, should be integrated into the way peace operations plan, make decisions, deliver their mandates. Korea will support this shift, building on our Smart Camp initiative and expanding the use of AI to make peace operations safer, smarter, and more effective. These are only a few among many important issues raised in the review. As the recommendations are further advanced, we look forward to actively engaging in follow-up discussions among Member States and other stakeholders. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan, followed by Croatia, then Cuba.

Thank you, Madam President. I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. Japan welcomes the awaited release of the review. While further examination of the review is needed, I wish to reemphasize some critical element that will help ensure that UN peace operations continue to serve as an effective tool for promoting international peace and security in an increasingly complex and uncertain global landscape. first and foremost is the safety and security of personnel. I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the families of the two Ethiopian peacekeepers who lost their lives this week while bravely serving in UNAMID. We mourn the loss of all peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in missions around the world. Crimes against peacekeepers are unacceptable, and robust training and capacity building are essential. Japan remains committed to working closely with the Secretariat and troop and police contributing countries to strengthen the capabilities of peacekeepers, including those deployed in AU peace support operations. Japan also emphasizes the importance of holistic approach to peace operations, viewing Peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding as a peace continuum. All forms of peace operations must have a shared strategic vision towards the long-term stability of host nations. In this regard, securing the HDP nexus is vital to prevent capacity or funding gaps during mission transitions. While I understand that the review tries to address the points I have just underscored, There need to be active discussions between the Secretariat and the Member States to salary examine the issues at hand. Beyond that, the true challenges lies in how we can effectively translate these discussions into concrete actions to address the identified problems and this process must continue under the next Secretary General. This is our continuous collective efforts for the future of peace operations. Japan is committed to play its role in fostering the discussions in the follow-up of the review, as well as the recommendations agreed by the C-34. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Croatia, followed by Cuba, then Kenya.

Thank you for convening the timely meeting and we thank the Secretary-General for his report and briefing. Let me also extend condolences to Ethiopia for peacekeepers lives lost. Croatia has been actively engaged in this process from the outset through our support during the pact for the future negotiations and during consultations including our written submission. We are pleased to see many of our proposals reflected in the report. We consider the report a timely and forward-looking assessment of how the organization must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. It rightly underscores the need for nationally owned political solutions supported by coherent and sustained international engagement. The recommendations provide a clear pathway to make peace operations more nimble, targeted, and effective. We are still studying the report, and these are our preliminary views. First, mandates must become more focused and adaptable with the Security Council agreeing on realistic and time-bound objectives.

Regular mandate reviews should adjust priorities based on evolving conditions supported by frank and evidence-based analysis from the Secretariat.

Second, a structured political compact with host states should be established for each mission, clarifying mutual expectations on strategic purpose, capabilities, and the use of essential technologies. Third, adequate, predictable and timely financing is indispensable for effective peacekeeping. Ensuring that assessed contributions are paid in full and on time and that missions have the resources needed to operate safely and efficiently is essential for sustaining political processes and maintaining the credibility of UN peace operations. Fourth, investments in mission agility and technology must be accelerated. Peacekeepers cannot operate effectively without modern situational awareness tools, adequate protection equipment, and the ability to counter emerging threats. Fifth, a stronger division of labor across the UN system is needed. Delegating programmatic tasks to agencies, funds, and programs, while missions focus on political and security functions will enhance coherence and ensure smoother transitions.

Finally, renewed commitment by all of us to the charter,

to the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to supporting peace operations is paramount. Only through such collective resolve can we operationalize these recommendations and ensure that UN

peace operations remain fit for purpose in this new geopolitical era.

Croatia will remain active in this process.

I thank you, Madam Vice President.

I thank the representative of Croatia and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Madam President, we thank you for convening this meeting and we would like to thank the Secretary General for presenting his report on the future of all kinds of peace operations of the United Nations, which we are continuing to study in detail. By way of preliminary remarks, we share the concerns of the rapporteur With regard to the international situation at the moment, lack of multilateralism, selective use of norms that govern relations between states, the continued violations of international law, including international humanitarian law, the United Nations Charter, and the growing threats to international peace and security. military expenditure is given priority to the detriment of essential resources to achieve the SDGs, as is reflected in the report. In this context, we would highlight the main responsibility of the United Nations to maintain international peace and security. The General Assembly is the most representative body and plays a primary role in defining political concepts and strategies with regard to the maintenance of that peace. The C24 is the Forum for exhaustively examining the issue of peacekeeping operations in all its aspects, including measures to improve their management by the organisation. With regard to the use of new technologies in peacekeeping operations, we believe that they should be used on a case by case basis, strictly observing the principles of the UN Charter and, in particular, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States. We agree with the need to further develop effective rules on security to protect participants in these operations and also to ensure medical care for those deployed. We also express our condolences to the two Ethiopian Blue Helmets that lost their lives recently. These are very complex peace operations. But we must also get to the root causes of the conflicts. These operations cannot be an end in themselves, but a temporary measure to create a security framework that will make it possible to apply a long term strategy for the economic and social development of that country which is sustainable. In conclusion, we'd be interested to know what the next steps are with regard to the implementation of the report presented today and its recommendations. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya, followed by Kyrgyzstan.

My delegation expresses deep appreciation to the Secretary-General for the invaluable and insightful brief on the review of the future of all forms of United peace operations. Kenya reiterates that United Nations peacekeeping remains a cornerstone of international peace and security and an indispensable multilateral instrument for preventing and mitigating conflict, protecting civilians, and supporting societies on the path of conflict and lasting peace. Over the decades, peacekeeping has evolved, responding to changing conflicts, drawing on civilian, police, and military expertise, as well as fostering partnership to promote peace, good governance, and stability. Today, however, the peace operation faces an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving operational environment. As I highlighted in the Secretary General's report, peacekeepers are deployed in volatile settings where little peace exists to maintain and confront increasingly adaptive adversaries. Asymmetric threats, drones, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies are reshaping conflict and creating new risks to the safety and effectiveness of the mission. This reality called for a fundamental rethink of how operations are designed, supported, and implemented. Kenya therefore emphasizes the need for peace operations to remain agile, adaptable, and fit for purpose. Digital transformation should be central to this effort, enabling missions to harness emerging technologies, strengthen information and decision making, as well as develop digitally aware and data literate workforce while anticipating and mitigating associated risk. At the same time, the effectiveness of peacekeeping depends on the conducive political environment and public confidence. Based on the primacy of politics, excessive politicization can constrain mandate implementation. Misinformation and disinformation across traditional and new media can further distort public perception and overshadow the important contribution of peacekeepers. Adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing is equally essential. Persistent resource constraint leave mission under-resourced and can compromise the safety of the peacekeepers and the civilians. We therefore call on member states to meet their financial obligations and ensure that peacekeeping operations have the resources necessary to fulfill their mandates. Kenya also welcomes the growing role of regional led Security Council mandated peace operations in addressing complex security challenges. We underscore the urgent need to operationalize the resolution 2719 and establish a reliable, predictable and sustainable financing for such operations. In conclusion, we remain firmly committed to UN peacekeeping And through collective action, innovation, and sustained investment, we can ensure that peacekeeping remains an effective instrument for protecting civilians, advancing peace, and fostering lasting stability. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kenya, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan.

Thank you, Madam President, Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies. I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and comprehensive report on the future of United Nations peace operations. Let me begin by addressing the tragic incident in South Sudan, where UNMIS patrol was attacked by armed individuals. Two Ethiopian peacekeepers were killed and seven others were injured. We strongly condemn this attack and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the fallen peacekeepers. We wish the injured a swift recovery. This tragedy underscores why the safety and security of peacekeepers must remain a collective priority. As co-sponsor of Security Council Resolution 2823, Kyrgyzstan reiterates the need for the prompt identification and prosecutions of perpetrators, as well as thorough investigations into attacks against peacekeepers. Looking ahead, We see the need for renewed focus on peacemaking and preventive diplomacy, stronger partnerships with host states, focus and adaptable mandates, early transition planning, greater operational readiness and accountability, and closer regional cooperation. This work must remain member state-led. Any adaptation must preserve consent, impartiality, and the non-use of force except in self-defense and defense of the mandate. Institutional reform and technology cannot substitute for political will. As a contributor of military and police personnel, Kyrgyzstan will continue to support effective and accountable United Nations peace operations. This success should ultimately be measured by whether the advanced political settlements protect civilians and contribute to sustainable nationality on peace. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Fiji, followed by Angola, then Ukraine.

Thank you, Madam President. At the outset, I would like to pay tribute to the fallen peacekeepers of Ethiopia. The Government of the Republic of Fiji thanks the President and the General Assembly for the opportunity to provide comments on the Secretary-General's report on the future of all forms of United Nations peace operations. Fiji welcomes this timely and important report, which comes at a moment when conflicts are becoming more complex, contracted, and difficult to resolve. and when the need for the effective, principled and well-resourced peace operations remains as urgent as ever. Fiji aligns itself with the message of the report. Peace operations must remain anchored in political solutions, the consent and cooperation of host states, impartiality and respect for international law. We also agree that mandates must be clear, focused, adaptable and matched by realistic resources and capabilities. In increasingly dangerous operating environments, peacekeepers must be equipped with the tools, training and technology necessary to protect themselves, support mandate implementation and contribute meaningfully to the protection of civilians. For Fiji, peacekeeping is not only a contribution to international peace and security, it is a longstanding national commitment. For decades, Fijian military and police personnel have served with dedication, courage, and humility in United Nations missions around the world. Our experience has reinforced the importance of strong partnerships among the Security Council, the Secretariat, host states, troops and political contributing countries, regional organizations, and affected communities. Fiji therefore supports efforts to strengthen the effectiveness, agility, and accountability of peace operations, including through improved readiness, better situational awareness, responsible use of new technologies. Fiji also welcomes the report's emphasis on strengthen partnerships with regional organizations, and support for regional peace efforts. In conclusion, Fiji reaffirms its steadfast commitment to United Nations peacekeeping and to the collective effort to make peace operations more effective, credible, and fit for purpose. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Fiji and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Angola.

Madam President, thank you for giving me the floor. Angola thanks the President of the General Assembly for convening this meeting and the Secretary-General for presenting its reports on the future of United Nations peace operations prepared pursuant to Action 21 of the Pact for the Future. Angola recognizes that the current international environment marked by geopolitical fragmentation, the proliferation of conflicts, and erosion of respect for international law, requires peace operations that are more agile, flexible, effective, and responsive to realities on the ground. However, technical and institutional reforms, while essential, cannot substitute the political will required to address this challenging reality. The success of peace operations depends on clear and realistic mandates, adequate Predictable and sustainable financing is also essential. The safety and security of peacekeepers must remain our top priority. Peace operation must support and never replace nationally led political processes. Effective cooperation is another key component to build sustainable peace, including cooperation among Security Council, the secretariats, and troop and police contributing countries. Angola underscores the importance of the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention, peace building, and national ownership. As part of its regional effort to contribute to preventive diplomacy, the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Strengthening Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa is taking place in Angola on 29th and 30th of August. In this context, We reiterate the need for further strengthening the strategic partnership between the United Nations and the African Union in accordance with chapter seven of the charter of United Nations and Security Council Resolution 2719, including through appropriate financing arrangement for African Union-led peace support operation authorized by Security Council. Angola stands ready to engage constructively in the discussion of the recommendation and finding contained in the Secretary-General's reports, and would like to ask for further information on the next steps. The reform process should result in a peace operation system that is more coherent, accountable, and capable of protecting population, supporting durable political processes, and responding effectively to the needs and conflicts affect the countries. Angola, in conclusion, presents its deepest condolences to Somalia for the loss of the two peacekeepers in line of duty and wish quick recovery for those injured. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Angola, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine, who will be followed by the observer for the African Union and the observer for the International Organization of La Francophonie.

Madam Vice President, let me begin by thanking President Annalena Baerbock for convening this crucial discussion and Secretary General Antonio Guterres for presenting this comprehensive review. As you know, Ukraine has been one of the biggest contributors to the UN peacekeeping operations during the last decades. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine in 2014, as well as the full-scale military invasion in 2022, have made it impossible, unfortunately. Our soldiers must now defend our homeland. But as a country that continues to defend itself against this aggression, Ukraine does appreciate the importance of effective UN tools and conflict prevention, conflict management, and the maintenance of international peace and security. In this regard, we welcome the Secretary-General's efforts to ensure that UN peacekeeping operations remain fit for purpose in a rapidly changing security environment. As we are discussing the future of UN peace operations, we should not forget that one of the Secretary-General's

previous reports on this very subject established a very clear safeguard

for their integrity. Those states parties repeatedly listed for grave violations against children or conflict-related sexual violence should not be accepted for participation in UN peacekeeping operations. That policy was subsequently endorsed by the UN Security Council. Today, the credibility of that policy is being tested Let me remind the Assembly that Russian armed forces have been blacklisted for grave violations against children for four consecutive years. Let me repeat, four consecutive years. Moreover, this year the Russian army was also blacklisted for patterns of conflict-related sexual violence. Yet, Russian personnel continue to serve under the UN flag. We cannot seriously debate how to make peacekeeping stronger while disregarding safeguards designed to protect its integrity. A blue helmet cannot become a privilege enjoyed irrespective of the conduct of the forces behind it. We therefore call upon the UN Secretary-General to take all necessary steps regarding Russia's continued participation in UN peacekeeping operations. There shall be no impunity. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ukraine, and I give the floor to the distinguished observer of the African Union.

Madam President, I thank the PGA for convening this meeting and the Secretary-General for his report and briefing. I welcome the presence of the Chief of Staff and USGs. Most of the UN peacekeepers serve in Africa and most of the operations under review touch our continent. We express condolences to Ethiopia and to pay tribute to all peacekeepers. I would like to make few remarks from the perspective of the African Union Commission. The AU Commission welcomes the report's treatment of the global regional partnership The Secretary-General is right that resolution 2719 was more than a financial instrument. It renewed the interpretation of chapter eight of the charter and the commitment of member states to share responsibility for international peace and security. We particularly welcome the recommendation that the Security Council act proactively, case by case, in authorizing support for African Union-led peace support operations. The task now is implementation, The joint AU UN roadmap in this regard is advancing. Where mandated operations are in transition, the report's own warning applies with particular force. The abrupt or premature withdrawal of support risks undoing hard-won gains. Orderly and predictable successor arrangements must be found. We welcome the report's insistence on the primacy of politics and that peacekeeping as a core work of this organization. This week, our AU assembly convenes an extraordinary session in Luanda, Angola, devoted to strengthening the continent's mechanism for conflict prevention and resolution. As well, the wider United Nations system must carry pragmatic, programmatic delivery and predictable resources for peacebuilding. Peacebuilding is not only the path out of missions invested early in prevention, it reduces the need for them as member states recognized by consensus in the 2025 PBAR review. Mandates must be matched with resources. The African Union carries its share, including capitalization of peace of the peace fund. Finally, we welcome the Secretary-General's statement that adapting peace operations to a changed world requires a more representative Security Council addressing the historical injustice of Africa. The African Union stands ready to work with all member states as this report moves into intergovernmental consideration with the women, peace and security and youth, peace and security agendas integrated all through. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished observer of the African Union, and I now give the floor to the distinguished observer of the International Organization of La Francophonie.

Madam President, we would like to thank the Secretary-General for presenting his report, and we express our thanks for the quality of the consultation held as the report was being drafted. The Francophonie is fully committed to these consultations in order to reaffirm our attachment to the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations, the strengthening of French speakers in these missions and strengthening French in these missions when the context so requires, in the interests of respecting various cultures. We very much appreciate that the report several times echoes the Rabat Declaration adopted last May during the second ministerial conference on the maintenance of peace in French-speaking countries and the primacy of political solutions and the importance of clear and realistic mandates and the the strengthening of developing strategic operational partnerships. All of those things are essential pillars of the French vision for peacekeeping operations. We very much appreciate the deepening partnerships with regional organizations and non-UN organizations as well. That should enable us to take advantage of the comparative advantage of each of these players with a clear distribution of roles as well as mechanisms that are adapted in terms of coordination and mobility. In this regard, we would call for a full implementation and operationalisation of Resolution 2719 of the Security Council. The International Organisation of Francophonie also welcomes the attention that has been paid to the transition and continuity of peace building after the withdrawal of a peacekeeping operation. The modalities for this continuity should be explained further, particularly as they relate to regional organisations and international organisations in the area of prevention, mediation and governance, the rule of law and national capacity building. The OIF would also like to stress another important thing multilingualism must be recognised as a general operational capacity, speaking the language used in the country of deployment. and having intercultural skills helps to improve knowledge of the area and helps relations with the population and coordination within the mission and more broadly helps promote ownership of the peace process. Finally, we would encourage a more structured relationship with regard to when missions are being conceived and implemented with the local population. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished observer of the International Organization of La Francophonie. We have heard the last speaker for this meeting. And so I now give the floor to the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lecoart, and the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo.

Madam President, I would like to thank all Member States for their statements, which I won't attempt to summarise. There were a lot of important things that have been said in the review and that were mentioned by various speakers today. There were questions, however, about follow up. for this study and on that I'd just like to make a couple of comments and the first and I think this is the most fundamental is that just as the process that led to the preparation of the review was a collaborative and inclusive process and I'd like to thank the very many Member States that referred to that part of the process Equally, our intention is to have the same approach when it comes to follow-up of the review because nothing can be done without our Member States, the troop contributing countries, the police contributing countries, the members of the Security Council, the C-34 members, and also our financial contributors. Some speakers referred to the C-34 and I can tell you that's something, the sentiment that I also share. The C-34 plays a very important role in its capacity as the organ which adopts guidelines on the most important matters relating to peacekeeping and I believe that the C-34 should play an important role as well in the follow-up and implementation of this review and of course it will be up to member states to determine exactly how this should be done in practice. Of course, a number of recommendations in the review pointed to the practices of certain organs such as the Security Council for example and the issue related to the mandate and to the priorities that are contained in those mandates. This is a question of Security Council practice. I would also stress here the importance of unified political support of the Security Council that was stressed in the report, not just for the operations themselves but also for the political process through which these missions are created. This is fundamental. It is also a practical issue for Member States and the Security Council. To be more specific now, a number of recommendations contained in the review are linked to work that is already underway under action for peacekeeping and action for peacekeeping impact and also in other initiatives, for example, the digital transformation in peacekeeping and also the security of peacekeepers and the work that we have been doing on drones and the threat that they represent. But again, this is work that is being done and cannot be done without close cooperation with Member States. And of course, that is what guarantees their success. Now, a number of new processes will are going to begin some have already begun a couple of examples the review mentions in paragraph 62a the launching of a study on key capacities for the military and police that are necessary for operations this review is going to begin shortly. We're already in the process of pulling together the team that will lead this. And once again, this is something that will be very collaborative and inclusive with member states because, of course, it's member states that provide us with the capacity that we're talking about. In the same paragraph, 62a, of the report, it mentions the importance of strengthening flexibility in force generation and force capacity and staff capacity, increasing the number and category of contributors. And this is work that we have begun, of course, with the Support Office, Department for Peacekeeping Support. Those are a couple of things that I wanted to say with regard to the implementation of this review and you can count on the Department of Peace Operations to address this new phase in a very cooperative and inclusive spirit with our Member States. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Excellencies, thank you so much for your comments today. Thanks to many of you who made contributions to the report. We carried out quite an extensive consultation process before the drafting, and we intend to continue these consultations. I do want to thank you also for your citizens, our UN colleagues who work in SPMs and PKOs. many of whom risked their lives in the cause of peace, and my condolences to the government and people of Ethiopia for their recent loss. But without them, we could not do this work. Going forward, yes, we will continue our consultations. We will be consulting with member states, with regional organizations, civil society on the recommendations, as we did before we started the drafting. We will also find opportunities to follow up with you. We'll send you information about ways that we can meet and talk further about the recommendations going forward. It's very important that we work together. After all, it is your organization and it is all of our colleagues and your citizens who are trying to carry this forward. So thank you again and we will be in touch shortly.

I thank the Secretary-General, Chief of Cabinet, USG's and their team for their participation in this meeting today. I thank all delegations for their participation. This informal meeting of the plenary is now concluded. The meeting is now adjourned.