Fourth Committee, 21st plenary meeting - General Assembly, 80th session

Good afternoon, colleagues. We're gonna start on time. The 21st meeting of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee is called to order. This afternoon, the committee will continue and conclude its general debate on agenda item 51, entitled Comprehensive Review of the Whole Question of Peacekeeping Operations in in all their aspects. Before I give the floor to the first speaker, I would like to remind delegations of the time limit of 10 minutes for national statements and 15 minutes when speaking on behalf of a group. However, we still have a long list of speakers with 26 delegations inscribed. For maximum utilization of our common time and to be able to hear all speakers inscribed, I therefore appeal to all speakers to deliver shorter versions of their statement and to submit the full text to estatements@un.org for posting in the UN Journal. In that regard, I would like to thank again all speakers for their cooperation this morning because we had many speeches that were shorter than the time limit. But now we go to the general debate, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria. You have the floor.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

We wish at the outset to extend our thanks to the briefers and once again pay tribute to the blue helmets for their heavy sacrifices. Our meeting today takes place at the party— at a particular juncture for UN peacekeeping, marked by multidimensional challenges. that call for renewed reflection in our approach. In this regard, we wish to underline the following. First, there is an urgent need to ensure great coherence in the UN approach towards peacekeeping operations. While the Secretary-General is preparing the review of all forms of peace operations, As requested by the General Assembly, the Security Council continues to shape realities on the ground. Those evolving dynamics, however, do not align with the spirit of fostering a more inclusive and coherent framework for peacekeeping. Therefore, there is a need to create more bridges between the Security Council and the General Assembly on the issue of peacekeeping to ensure that the perspectives of the wider UN membership are fully taken into account. Second, the debate around adaptability of the peacekeeping operations has to be clearly defined. Adaptation should be informed by a rigorous and transparent assessment defining the challenges, the cost-effectiveness, the performances, and the opportunities of improvements. What we are witnessing currently is the other way around. New peace operations are being put in place under the caveat of creativity and innovation, ignoring completely the ongoing efforts to review all forms of peace operations. Creativity and innovation cannot be at the expense of due processes and inclusiveness. The path of partnership must also be explored in this regard, in line with Chapter 8 of the UN Charter, to respond more effectively to the challenges on the ground. Third, it is essential to preserve the integrity of the review of peacekeeping operations in the middle of a shattering context for the United Nations. The expected results of the review to be submitted by the Secretary-General, the UN reform, the ongoing peacekeeping— peacebuilding architecture review, in addition to the financial difficulties facing the UN currently represent multidimensional challenges for the UN peacekeeping operations, an important tool of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security. In this regard, it is essential to define priorities and to put the different issues at stake in their proper contexts, while taking into account the financial challenges, it is important to avoid indiscriminate financial cuts and prioritize performance with the available resources.

Mr.

Chair, Algeria still believes in the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations as a tool of the international community to contribute to peace endeavors. This tool has to be preserved and further strengthen. I thank you.

Thank you very much. I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Serbia.

Serbia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to deliver the following remarks in its national capacity. Mr. Chairman, Serbia is firmly committed to maintaining peace under the auspices of the United Nations and continues to promote its participation in peacekeeping operations in accordance with that commitment. Serbia's participation in UN peacekeeping operations and the EU's common security and defence policy still represents an important pillar of my country's foreign policy. According to the recent data of the UN Secretariat, Serbia currently ranks 5th in Europe and 37th in the world out of 118 contributing states. These rankings represent an exceptional contribution to international peace considering the size of Serbia's population and its armed forces. In that regard, Serbia is among the leading European contributors per capita. Serbia's armed forces participate in 4 United Nations peacekeeping operations: UNIFIL in Lebanon, MINUSCA in Central African Republic, and smaller contingents in Amphicyprus, Cyprus, and also in the Middle East. But Serbia's most significant contribution, however, was made by its military hospital in the Central African Republic. Its contribution was recognized and highly appreciated, especially during COVID-19, by the United Nations as well as by its member states. Including MINUSCA contributors. Furthermore, in the challenging environment in Lebanon, Serbian peacekeepers have acquitted themselves very well, demonstrating readiness and professionalism in fulfilling all their tasks mandated by the Security Council. Serbia is also an important contributor to EU missions and operations within the framework of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy. By participating in one operation and 3 missions, Serbia partners with the EU and its member states in their efforts to address crises and conflicts more effectively in their surroundings. In addition, to contributing military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping operations, Serbia also supports the United Nations Secretariat in training and capacity building by hosting courses and contributing within the Triangular Partnership Program. As an important contributor, Serbia follows with great attention the challenges facing peacekeeping operations, including financial difficulties and liquidity problems. In that context, it welcomes and supports the activities of the United Nations Secretariat aimed at reforming peacekeeping operations and enhancing their effectiveness. Serbia's commitment to future peacekeeping reform was reaffirmed at the ministerial meeting held in Berlin in mid-May this year. Serbia's role in this reform process could be ranked very highly, especially as it is one of Europe's largest contributors to peacekeeping operations and the host country of Amnik. Furthermore, my country welcomes the Secretary-General's efforts within the review of the future of all forms of UN peace operations in accordance with the Pact for the Future. Serbia supports the work of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, C-34. Unfortunately, in the year marking the 60th anniversary of the committee, we have again been unable, as in 2022, to adopt the annual report. In that context, Serbia welcomes the efforts of Ambassador Michael Gort, Chairman of the Working Group of the Hall, in his quest to reach consensus on improving future C-34 engagement. It is expected that the recent decision on the engagement methodology will yield concrete results. Mr. Chairman, Serbia's interest in the consideration of peacekeeping operations has been focused on the following: 1. Creating conditions for the recruitment of high-quality military and police personnel. Only well-trained and well-equipped peacekeepers will successfully carry out their mandates. 2, supporting ever higher levels of accountability to peacekeepers, which includes better security and engagement conditions, improved medical care, and very importantly, accountability for crimes committed against My country also supports efforts to enhance accountability of peacekeepers, their discipline, and measures to prevent sexual exploitation and harassment. 3, promoting cooperation with host countries on a wide range of issues, including the implementation of SOFAs and mandate renewals. In this context, Serbia supports regular consultations among the Security Council, host countries, and TCC and PCC. As I said, Serbia is also host country of a United Nations peacekeeping operation, and in that capacity insists on the need for consistent respect of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and for a continued engagement of UNMIK in an unchanged mandate and undiminished scope. Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the host country, as well as non-interference in its internal affairs, should always be taken account into account by peacekeeping operations. And 4, supporting efforts to further the meaningful participation of women in United Nations peacekeeping operations. In concluding my statement, Mr. Chairman, allow me to express my country's profound gratitude to the peacekeepers who maintain peace under the United Nations flag across the world. They do so in today's very challenging conditions, and their self-sacrifice and commitment to building peace and stability will always be highly appreciated. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Serbia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Rwanda. You have the floor.

Mr.

Chair, thank you for giving me the floor, and let me also take this opportunity to congratulate you on the leadership of the Fourth Committee. I thank— I also thank the delegations who spoke before me. Rwanda firmly aligns itself with the NAM statement delivered by Morocco, thus this statement is issued in national capacity. Mr. Chair, we are holding this debate when, in addition to multiple challenges posed by internal and external political and security dynamics, each mission, peacekeeping missions are facing a substantial liquidity crisis that has led to major downsizing, with the risk of losing the hard-earned gains on the ground. On downsizing or implementing the liquidity crisis contingency plan, we had in mind that possibly the major political events such as elections will be prioritized and downsized forces when they are completed and when security has again normalized. But this wasn't the case we just witnessed. A mathematical action of percentage cuts some submissions, even enjoying unfair, non-transparent plans. A serious damage to the professional principles that have over time characterized multilateral peacekeeping. We wonder which model is, other than achieving less with less slogan. Mr. Chair, I'll make 4 points. First is addressing root causes. The multilateral model has from time to time dwelled on capacity to— capabilities to achieve the protection of civilians, but we believe there is no amount of capabilities, technologies, and even training to effectively protect civilians than investing in creating conducive conditions for peace through political dialogue for conflict resolution, an area that UN peacekeeping has invested less in. Engaging in dialogue by attacking root causes of conflict such as governance, corruption, social injustices, discrimination, and poverty, and the drivers of conflict is the best way forward to avoid the escalation of violent conflict, which cause mass displacement and deteriorating humanitarian situation of the already affected populations. Second is mandate. Peacekeeping missions have suffered from unrealistic mandates, resulting in a lack of trust among host nations and parties to the conflict. Which affects their effectiveness, efficiency, and the safety and security of peacekeepers, especially in the quest for a military solution to a political problem when peaceful solution is possible. It is also high time to rethink the penholdership, which has led us to the Christmas tree type of mandate serving other interests than the host nations. The question is, how do we hold a mission accountable for an unrealistic mandate?

Mr.

Chair, the new Action for Peace articulates the idea of peace enforcement should the situation dictate so. We have seen that regional and sub-regional forces are well organized to better perform this task. Hence creating the peace to keep and setting conducive conditions for multilateral peacekeeping and peacebuilding. The implementation of Resolution 2719 is paramount to achieving this goal. Can the UN set conducive conditions for partnerships to be forged? Third, Mr. President— Mr. Chair, is the mandate legality. Peacekeeping mandates must be framed with careful attention to legal considerations. This includes ensuring that operations do not, even indirectly, create associations with groups that are or should be subject to sanctions. Maintaining this legal clarity is essential to uphold both the the legitimacy and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping efforts? Why can't the mandate be subjected to legal scrutiny before approval? Fourth is community engagement. The future peacekeeping operations with reduced resources may compromise the proactiveness and the versatility of the force required for the protection of civilians. To mitigate this, Rwanda suggests meaningful outreach programs aimed at tangible works that contribute to changing the livelihood of the local community, which is an approach to civilian protection against non-physical threats while creating platforms for communication between local leaders, the community, and the peacekeepers. Experience has proved that engaging together with the local community and leadership in activities like health, hygiene, and sanitation, environmental protection, and renovating schools, etc., creates good rapport, a bond between community, local leaders, and peacekeepers, which significantly contributes to combating misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, either against some targeted groups within the community or even peacekeeping mission. The benefits of this concept are numerous. Scaling it up nationally would yield tangible results to the UN missions. Mr. Chair, I can't end my statement without reiterating Rwanda's commitment to peacekeeping and paying tribute to peacekeepers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the quest for global peace and stability. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of Rwanda.

And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Haiti.

Mr. Chairman, we applaud the work done by the Special Committee for Peacekeeping Operations, and we duly take note of the report which was drafted following the substantive session, which will be held on 17 February to 14 March 2025, as well as the report of the Secretary-General on the budget for the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations for the exercise up until 30 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, including the report of the Advisory— Independent Advisory Committee on audit matters for the Office of Internal Oversight Services. Mr. Chairman, peacekeeping operations remain one of the most practical tools at the disposal of the United Nations in supporting international peace and security, supporting member states as they carry out efforts towards stabilization, rebuilding, and restoring peace. Often under very difficult circumstances. We pay tribute— we pay tribute to the efforts of blue helmets who work on a day-to-day basis to sustain peace, often at the price of their lives. And in this regard, our delegation advocates improvement of working— for the improvement of working missions for peace operations in order to guarantee a better protection for the personnel. We call upon the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Mission Support to pool their efforts in a coordinated way in order to support peace missions carried out by the United Nations. We applaud the ability and the know-how of the department as it adapts missions on the basis of the specific needs on the ground and as it seeks to address emerging challenges to protect Those who are— those who are most vulnerable. Although peacekeeping operations are not peace positions, they remain of key importance for reduction of tensions, for conflict prevention, as well as improvement in democratic governments— governance. Mr. Chairman, Blue Helmets are symbolic of the tangible commitment of the United Nations for the advancement of peace. Their conduct, both on the ground and in their interaction with local communities, reflects the credibility and the image of the United Nations. Therefore, there is an important need for respect for norms of conduct and for accountability to remain priorities in these operations. We also reaffirm the fact that the success of these operations will be based on 3 key pillars: consent of parties, impartiality, and non-use of force except in— for legitimate defense as stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations. Mr. Chairman, I now turn to the situation in Haiti. There is no doubt that Haiti has been facing and is facing an unprecedented security crisis, which is marked by rampant presence of armed groups, endemic violence, and institutional profound instability. These challenges notwithstanding, the Haitian government has remained committed to the restoration of peace, Security and democratic stability through, inter alia, the conduct of free, inclusive elections as soon as security conditions will allow. In that vein, we applaud the decision of the Security Council for the transformation of the Multinational Security Support Mission for gang repression towards a gang repression force in accordance with Resolution 2793/2025. This decision was adopted for an initial period of 12 months. It is a reflection of the solidarity of the international community towards Haiti in its fight against insecurity and armed violence. The Haitian government favorably welcomes this resolution, which places an emphasis on cooperation between the gang repression force and national forces, specifically the Haitian National Police and the Haitian Armed Forces. This is a partnership which is geared towards enhancing national capabilities and creating the necessary conditions for the resumption of peaceful, normal economic and social life. Furthermore, the resolution stipulates support for the initiatives undertaken by the government to encourage gang members' exit and re— emphasizing the reintegration of vulnerable people and young people through the rehabilitation reintegration program. We wish to appeal to the international community for there to be technical support, financial support, and logistical support to be provided in a sustained manner for this force. Our delegation expresses our tremendous gratitude to contributing states, particularly the United States of America, for their support for the deployment of the Gang Repression Force, as well as to Kenya for its leadership at the helm of the multinational security support mission. We also welcome the spirit of cooperation of all members of the Council. and one during the resolution of— the adoption of Resolution 2793 in 2025. We thank the Standing Group of Partners for its ongoing support. Mr. Chairman, Haiti aspires towards a lasting peace and genuine stability anchored in international solidarity and in national ownership. We firmly believe that through collective commitment, we shall be in a position to support the Haitian people, particularly those who are most vulnerable, in the restoration of national dignity. We are counting on the consistent support of this Assembly and the entire United Nations to see to it that this new force shall contribute effectively and efficiently to the restoration of peace, while at the same time ensuring that errors of the past are not, uh, once again made. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Haiti.

Representative of Kenya, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Kenya welcomes the opportunity to engage in this discussion on the comprehensive review of peacekeeping in all its aspects, which comes at a time of profound transformation in global peace and security dynamics, marked by complex multidimensional conflicts, persistent asymmetrical threats, and tightening fiscal and political constraints on multilateral responses. At this pivotal moment in the evolution of peace operations, it is essential to reflect on the history, underlying principles, and achievements of the United Nations peacekeeping. For decades, UN peacekeeping operations have remained amongst the most effective multilateral instruments for preventing and mitigating armed conflict, sustaining peace, and responding to an ever-evolving spectrum of threats to international peace and security. Kenya attributes— Kenya pays tribute to every peacekeeping peacekeeper, the gallant women and men, both civilian and uniformed, serving in United Nations peacekeeping operations across the world who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We express our deep and continuing sympathy to all affected individuals, families, colleagues, friends, and member states. Their service and sacrifice are a constant reminder of our collective duty to strengthen the peacekeeping peacekeeping enterprise. Mr. Chair, peacekeeping remains one of the most visible and valuable expressions of multilateral solidarity. Over the decades, UN peacekeepers have prevented escalation, supported fragile transitions, and protected millions of civilians caught in conflict. Yet, the environment in which peacekeeping operates today is vastly different from when the first mission was deployed. Operations are now called upon to address root causes of instability, manage transitions, and operate alongside regional and bilateral initiatives, often under mandates that are ambitious but resources are limited. The prevailing financial constraints within the United Nations have necessitated drawdowns and force restructurings. This situation undermines the capacity of peacekeeping missions to fulfill their mandates and to protect both peacekeepers and the civilians they serve. The success of peace operations increasingly depends on political goodwill that fosters enhanced cooperation with most host— with the host nations and regional security mechanisms, and ensures that solutions are grounded in local reality, ownership by host communities, and build mutual trust, ultimately enabling peacekeepers to fulfill their mandates effectively. It also depends on a deep understanding of operational environments to enable context-specific missions. One of the recent innovative approaches to context-specific peace operations is the establishment of the Security Council-mandated missions exemplified by the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, which Kenya has had the privilege to lead. These missions serve as strong proof of concept for adaptive and responsive peace operations. Mr. Chair, peacekeeping cannot succeed in isolation. It must be part of a continuum that connects prevention, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. As we look ahead, Kenya proposes 5 broad priorities for the next phase of reform and implementation. First, toward a coherent and flexible mandate. Peacekeeping missions must be grounded in realistic objectives with regular strategic reviews that allow mandates to evolve alongside political realities. The Council, the Secretariat, and and field missions must work in closer concert to ensure coherence between political, humanitarian, and development instruments, from peacekeeping to peacebuilding and recovery. Second, towards stronger partnership and collaboration, where the UN and AU partnership, for example, must be institutionalized through predictable and sustainable financing arrangements consistent with Security Council Resolution 2719. We must also leverage the comparative advantages of regional and sub-regional organizations such as AGAD in mediation, early warning, and preventive diplomacy, and reinforce triangular cooperation between troop-contributing countries, the Security Council and the Secretariat. Third, towards sustainable peace and national ownership, every mission should contribute to building the national institutions that will ultimately sustain peace. Peacekeeping transitions must therefore be planned early and undertaken jointly with national authorities and other relevant stakeholders. The goal must not only be responsible withdrawal, but durable peace dividends for affected populations. Fourth, the foundation of successful future peace operations is comprehensive and forward-looking training. To this end, Kenya continues to collaborate with the UN and partner member states to strengthen peacekeeping by enhancing the training capacities of both our national contingents and peacekeepers from around the world. Such training ensures that peacekeepers are fully prepared to meet the complex challenges of modern operations. Lastly, Kenya believes that sustainable funding coupled with deeper cooperation between United Nations and regional mechanisms such as the Africa Union will be decisive in shaping the next generation of peacekeeping operations, those that are regionally anchored, nationally owned, and strategically aligned with peace building priorities. Mr. Chair, Kenya affirms its steadfast commitment to supporting peacekeeping operations and calls upon the international community to strengthen its solidarity with societies affected by conflict. Addressing the evolving challenges of modern peacekeeping, from technological advancement and resource constraints to complex political dynamics, demands a unified and forward-looking approach. It is only through collection— collective action, innovation, and sustained investment that peacekeeping missions can continue to protect civilians, uphold peace, and foster lasting stability across the globe. Kenya stands ready to work constructively with all member states to build a peacekeeping architecture that is effective, equitable, and enduring. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kenya.

Now I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Spain.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We align ourselves with the statement made by the European Union. We wish to add the following comments in our national capacity. As a country committed to the maintenance of international— of peace and international security, and a troop-contributing country, Spain supports the review underway regarding the future of the peacekeeping operations, a review that's being undertaken by the Secretary-General in line with the Pact for the Future. We support the new Agenda for Peace of the UN Secretary-General and the emphasis it places on conflict prevention. In that view, we believe it's necessary to continue considering preventive strategies and incorporating them into the design of peacekeeping The agenda— the Women, Peace and Security agenda is in essence an agenda of prevention. There are countless examples of reports that have indicated that the full, meaningful, equal and safe participation of women in peacekeeping processes, from negotiation and mediation to the maintenance of peace and rebuilding, leads to a more sustainable and inclusive peace. These same reports indicate that peace agreements last longer when women are involved. Spain consequently reiterates its full commitment to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. We marked its 25th anniversary last month. We support and champion efforts made to streamline a gender perspective into the design of peacekeeping operations. With that in mind, allow me to state that current budgetary adjustments must not affect the implementation of that agenda. We cannot allow any progress to be undone in this field, or in terms of the progress that we've built by consensus over decades. Elsewhere, the protection of civilians must remain a constant component of peacekeeping mission mandates. Particular attention must always be paid to the most vulnerable sectors of populations. Moreover, it is vital to ensure that peacekeeping operations enjoy the support of the local population and the support of the parties to a conflict. It is crucial that there be the commitment of all parties to troop safety, such as to ensure that these troops can carry out their work. Related to the above, and in view of the rising tide of disinformation, We support communication strategies being developed. They must be periodically adapted to the situation on the ground in order to raise awareness of the mission and its work. Spain believes it is pivotal to include mandates and programs related to disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration into mission mandates from the very beginning. Moreover, security sector reform components should also be integrated into these mandates alongside community violence reduction as appropriate. It is crucial to make progress with the enforcement of a zero tolerance policy in connection to misconduct on the part of peacekeeping personnel. We must increase accountability, particularly in cases of sexual exploitation and abuse. Lastly, ownership on the part of regional organizations when it comes to the deployment of peacekeeping operations serves to produce more agile and effective responses. Bolstered cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union is a good example of the above. In this connection, Resolution 2719 of the Security Council recognizes the African Union's leadership and the decisive role they play in a number of the most difficult stabilization contexts in the world, Spain is in support of the implementation of that resolution in line with the EU's position. We emphasize the need to fulfill the relevant provisions of United Nations texts, including international humanitarian law and human rights law. Chair, Spain underscores its full commitment to UN peacekeeping. We are proud of The contribution we've made to peacekeeping operations, that is a reflection of the fact that we attach the utmost importance to conflict prevention and resolution. In more specific terms, UNIFIL is the mission with the highest number of Spanish troops. A total of 689 women and men contribute to, in a very difficult theatre of operation, to reducing tensions on both sides of the Blue Line. Mr. Chair, I come to my conclusion. In line with our staunch commitment to multilateralism, Spain defends and will continue to defend the vital and pivotal role played by the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Spain. I thank you in particular for making concise statements. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman. My delegation associates itself with the declaration— with the statement delivered by the representative of the Kingdom of Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, and we wish to deliver a few remarks in our national capacity. We wish to pay tribute to all peacekeepers, and we bow before the memory of the men and women who who have lost their lives in the service of peace and security. In that vein, my delegation firmly condemns all attacks targeting United Nations personnel. We reiterate our commitment to prosecution— to persecution— prosecution of perpetrators of these crimes, as is set out in Resolution 2589 and set out in the zero tolerance policy of the Secretary-General. Peacekeeping operations are evolving in a context which is marked by profound shift in the form of threats to international peace and security. Blue Helmets are faced with new challenges, specifically disinformation, proliferation of IEDs, the militarization of new technologies, and also the issue of host country consent and hostility of local communities. This kind of an environment makes the implementation of the mandates of peacekeeping operations haphazard. As an urgent response, and there's a need for an urgent coordinated response from the international community to threats to security and breaches of peace, and for the expectations of host countries to be met. We are cognizant of these challenges and the need to deliver urgent responses, concerted and political responses, as well as strategic strategic and operational ones, we wish to invite the following: for troop-contributing countries to enhance their professionalism and equipment for personnel and uniform— deployed uniformed personnel in various missions; and for the Security Council to design mandates which are tailored to reflect each crisis situation with clear, realistic, and proportional— and mandates which are set out in proportion to the means available. There is an important need to note that the presence, a growing presence of women alongside men in peace operations, and as an appropriate response to foster greater operational effectiveness and efficiency, and for issues related to abuse, violence, and sexual harassment, and protection of civilians to be fully taken on board. Achievement of the goals under the Gender Parity Strategy for uniformed personnel is of key significance for a lasting inclusive peace. This is why we are continuing to undertake our efforts by ensuring that there be a 15% recommended rate of women for 2025 in Senegalese FPUs deployed for MINUSCO and MINUSCA. In that vein, and given the reduced staffing levels of peace missions, we believe that these withdrawal processes should not affect female uniformed personnel in order not to undermine the momentum of their deployment. We also call for transparent and proportional withdrawal of— among all troop-contributing countries. This is the only way to carry out credible reform. We support cooperation between the AU and the U.N. through the deployment of AUP support operations in order to advance peace and stability in Africa. For this reason, we called for implementation of Resolution 2719. This resolution represents the future of peace missions in Africa and also reflects the international community's commitment to adapting peace operations in order to tackle complex security-related challenges in Africa. To conclude, we advocate consolidating peacekeeping, which remains a relevant and important tool symbolic of effective multilaterals. And we reiterate our call for the prevention mediation to be uppermost priorities in seeking sustaining peace while tackling the root causes of conflict.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Senegal.

Ethiopia.

Mr.

Chair, on behalf of my delegation, I have the honor to deliver this statement on the agenda item, comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects. Ethiopia's engagement in peacekeeping operations is as old as the adoption of peacekeeping as a tool for collective security. As the global peacekeeping landscape evolves, Ethiopia continues to play a robust role in peacekeeping missions, driven by its desire to see a more secure and safer world. From the early days of UN peacekeeping to some of today's most vital operations, Ethiopian men and women have played an important role in helping navigate complex security landscape and advancing peace. Since its first participation in UN peacekeeping mission in 1951, over 180,000 Ethiopian peacekeepers have played an important role in the UN peacekeeping missions. Ethiopia, through its finest sons and daughters, continues to contribute to the combating of terrorism protection of civilians, and strengthening of host countries' institutions with discipline, professionalism, and honor.

Mr.

Chair, peacekeeping missions cannot fulfill its mandate without sufficient resources. We echo the Secretary-General's appeal for adequate, timely, and sustainable funding for peacekeeping operations. We note with grave concern the sliding back in political commitment at the global level. The ongoing reduction in troop size in UN peacekeeping missions will entail loss of the hard-won gains in the most volatile conflict situations. We reiterate the responsibility of all states to provide the United Nations with the necessary means to implement decisions of the UN Security Council. We further recall the special responsibility of permanent members of the Security Council to provide peacekeeping missions with adequate adequate budget. In the backdrop of a bold vision of the African Union to work collaboratively with the United Nations, Resolution 2719 ushered in a new chapter in continental peace support operations. The resolution provided a practical framework to address the question of adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing that has been a major challenge of African Union peace support operations. Nevertheless, the lack of progress in implementing the Council's resolution is a regrettable development that should be rectified in the spirit of the Security Council and its members respecting the resolutions they adopt by agreement. Finally, Mr. Chair, Ethiopia reaffirms its commitment to ensure that peacekeeping operations remain effective and faithful to the cardinal principles. We shall join hands to make every effort to make this critical tool of collective security effective by ensuring that the blue helmets are well-equipped, supported, and empowered in their operations. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ethiopia for a concise statement as well. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. You have the floor.

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. Mr. Chair, distinguished colleagues, at the outset, my delegation wishes to join other speakers in paying tribute to the brave peacekeepers serving in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Their dedication and sacrifice embody the highest ideals of our organization. We extend condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives while protecting the honor of the UN and serving under its flag. My delegation also associates itself with the statements delivered by Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement And by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter. Mr. Chairman, despite growing volatility worldwide, UN PKOs remain an invaluable tool for maintaining international peace and security. In this regard, the Islamic Republic of Iran underscores the crucial role of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, C-34, and reiterates full support for its work. As the only GA-mandated body reviewing all aspects of PKOs, the Committee provides strategic recommendations and clear guidance to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Its deliberations must continue to be guided by consensus, cooperation, and dialogue so that outcomes remain comprehensive and representative. Following the Summit of the Future, the international community has embarked on a transformational journey Reaffirming the leading role of the UN and its intergovernmental nature, we take note of ongoing reforms of UN peace operations and stand ready to participate actively. The Secretary-General's review must deliver strategic, action-oriented recommendations, deepen engagement with local communities, address root causes of conflict, and align with national perspectives and cultural contexts. Only through genuine and inclusive consultation where all states contribute equally can peace operations adapt to evolving challenges. Accordingly, it is imperative that C-34 is not sidelined and that no other entity assumes any part of its exclusive responsibilities. Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, peacekeeping must remain firmly anchored in the UN Charter principles: consent of the parties, impartiality, and non-use of force except in self-defense. Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of all states must be upheld. These principles safeguard the legitimacy and credibility of PKOs. Mandates must be clear, realistic, and achievable, and also must be developed through close coordination among host states, TPCCs, the Secretariat, and the Security Council, including on exit strategies. Iran believes that addressing root causes of conflict is paramount. UN peace operations must integrate this principle to ensure smooth transitions towards sustainable development and lasting peace. Peacekeeping should empower affected states not merely as recipients of protection, but as fundamental actors in defining and implementing long-term peace and development projects in full exercise of sovereignty and national priorities. Mr. Chair, TPCCs play a vital role in realizing PKO's objectives. We stress the importance of inclusive, transparent, and merit-based deployment, leaving no country behind, particularly underrepresented member states. Equitable geographical representation must be upheld in personnel selection at all levels. Strengthening legitimacy and effectiveness. Greater balance in leadership positions, both in missions and at the UN Headquarters, is also essential. Accountability and performance are equally critical. UN personnel must uphold the highest standards of conduct and discipline, as their behavior directly shapes the credibility of the organization. We strongly support the zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, particularly sexual exploitation and abuse, and call for its consistent implementation across all missions. At the same time, peacekeepers face increasing dangers— direct attacks by armed groups, mines and IEDs, occupational hazards, and dis- and misinformation campaigns that fuel hostility. We strongly condemn attacks against UNIFIL peacekeepers and call for immediate cessation of aggression against PKOs. Missions, in coordination with host states, must be enabled to investigate and prosecute crimes against peacekeepers. We request the Working Group on Accountability for Serious Crimes to brief C-34 on progress in investigations and prosecutions. On civilian protection, we affirm that the primary responsibility lies with host states. PKOs must act strictly within mandates in line with the Charter. And in support of national efforts, with full respect for national ownership and cultural diversity. In addition, preventing military intervention under the pretext of civilian protection is essential. Success depends on transparent communication and meaningful engagement with local communities and regional institutions, which strengthen trust and enhance the safety of peacekeepers. Mr. Chair, the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes its longstanding commitment to UN PKOs. Over the past 7 decades, we have contributed personnel to 7 missions worldwide, beginning with our first contingent to the Congo more than 60 years ago. Since then, 984 of our military and police personnel have served under the UN flag, and we honor the sacrifice of 4 of Iranian peacekeepers who gave their lives in service of peace. Building on this legacy, Iran stands ready to enhance contributions in logistical and operational areas, including deployment of troops, military observers, police, and civilian peacekeepers. Mr. Chair, while my delegation has been taking the floor and for the sake of saving time, it would like to briefly respond to the unfounded reference made against my country Earlier this morning at the same session by the representative of the Israeli regime. It is important to recall that the establishment of 3 United Nations peacekeeping missions in the Middle East, namely UNRWA, UNIFIL, and UNTSO, was necessitated by Israel's repeated acts of aggression in our region. The historical reality underscores that the occupation policies pursued by this regime remain at the root of numerous crises and conflicts across West Asia. In light of this, Israel is no— is in no position to level accusations against other member states, including our country. Israel's continuous and deliberate attacks against UNIFIL peacekeeping personnel, headquarters, and positions constitute grave violations of international law. Such actions must be recognized as war crimes and as clear evidence of Israel's disregard for the inviolability of the United Nations and the safety and security of its peacekeepers. Against this backdrop, it is both absurd and deeply disappointing that the authorities and representatives of this aggressor regime seek to misuse the floor of the United Nations, including this august committee, to reflect attention— to deflect attention from Israel's own daily violations of peace and security in the region. Regarding right to self-defense, and the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians and other affected people in the region who face the brutal and indiscriminate Israel's attacks, it is obvious that attempts to discredit people's aspirations and resistance have consistently been employed by the Israeli regime as a smokescreen to mask its heinous crimes. To conclude, Mr. Chair, while I categorically reject allegations against my country, my delegation believes it is high time for the international community to mobilize all supports and resources to stop Israel's crimes against civilians and UN peacekeeping missions. I thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Colombia. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Chair. Allow me to begin by duly hailing all the men and women that are part of United Nations peacekeeping operations. I wish to pay tribute to those that have lost their lives in the line of duty. Chair, Colombia welcomes this general debate on the comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping keeping operations in all their aspects. This because it involves contemplating the very essence of the principles and pillars of the United Nations. Conducting this review in the context of the 80th anniversary of the organization moreover allows us to learn from history's lessons. It makes us more inclined to identify where we got things right, to recognize mistakes, and It also provides us with momentum to look to the future and implement the necessary reforms, such as to address the new and growing challenges for peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Chair, the international arena today is marked by growing polarization and conflict. Multilateralism and the agreements that allowed us to make progress over the last 8 decades are growing weaker. Geopolitical tensions are increasing, as is, it seems, our inability to take timely action to preserve life and prevent human suffering. Chair, Colombia is a country that has always chosen the path of peace within and beyond its borders. We are a country that has enjoyed the support of the international community community in its journey to peace at various junctures in its history. We are a country which attaches huge value to the fact that this organization has the necessary tools to contribute to lasting peace— conflict prevention, mediation, and preventive diplomacy. The organization also works in peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Building. With this in mind, Colombia recognizes that peacekeeping operations are a tool with— although there is room for improvement— a tool which, rather, has been successful in mobilizing multilateral action to contribute to conflict resolution and protect civilians. My country reaffirms the pivotal role of the core principles of peacekeeping. At the same time, we underscore that peacekeeping can never replace tackling the structural root causes of conflict. Chair, Colombia acknowledges that there is a need to make changes such as to allow peacekeeping operations to be better prepared to address ever-evolving circumstances on the ground. Making these changes involves better analyzing situations and improving planning and results frameworks. And with that in mind, we recognize the progress that has been made on this front in recent years. Appropriately adjusting the peacekeeping operations also involves having sufficient and predictable resources, such as to make it possible to discharge mandates These mandates in turn must be clear, achievable, aligned with needs on the ground, and must incorporate the needs and responsibilities of host countries. Improving PKOs also involves continuing work to bolster cooperation with regional organisations, identifying comparative advantages, and achieving agreements on a case-by-case basis. These agreements must be financially and politically sustainable and meet needs on the ground. With this in mind, we view Resolution 2719 as an important opportunity to further cooperation with the African Union, as well as to strengthen the missions that have emerged from the implementation thereof. Improving PKOs also involves building trust and increasing compliance with obligations. Status of Forces agreements of states or missions must be complied with in order to ensure that operations can perform properly and discharge their mandate. We appeal for these SOFA agreements to be complied with in good faith. And lastly, Chair, it involves not abandoning political solutions and equipping the organization with the tools It needs to support peace efforts, of which there must be national ownership. For Colombia, Chair, the protection of civilians, the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda, and a human rights-based approach are crucial where conflicts are most intense. Equally, they are also crucial elements to ensure the sustainability of any peace agreement. In my country's view, these components have pride of place when it comes to the future of the UN peacekeeping operations and are an integral part of the principles that 80 years ago gave rise to this very organization. With this in mind, we emphasize that it's crucial to ensure that transitions and withdrawals begin at the early— earliest possible stage. They must consider risks to stability as well as the political context, the development and the humanitarian context and the human rights situation. Here we underscore the importance of Resolution 2594 and we recognize the value of the full and effective participation of communities, local organizations, women and young people in terms of reconfiguring a strategy, the footprint and capacity of the new presence of We reaffirm the importance, moreover, of ensuring that PKO personnel's conduct adhere to the highest possible standards, as they are the face of the organization on the ground. Civilian, military, and police personnel must be appropriately trained in human rights, the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, discrimination and xenophobia, and protection mechanisms and due process in these areas must be fully operational. My country recognizes the potential that the ethical and efficient use of technologies harbors in terms of PKO mandates. Including for safety of personnel and the protection of civilians. We recognize the progress that has been made on this front, and we call for the constant review and implementation of related safeguards, such as to mitigate risks associated with the use of these technologies. Moreover, we here express particularly grave concern at the growing disinformation surrounding peacekeeping operations. We appeal for work to ensure that alongside host countries, strategic communication initiatives be launched to counter the disinformation which imperils communities and blue helmets. Chair, making the necessary adjustments to ensure the better functioning of peacekeeping operations requires the involvement of all stakeholders: the Security Council, donor countries, host countries, PCCs and TCCs, also of the Secretariat, and there must be invaluable contributions from the civil society. Together we're stronger and together we can act with the legitimacy granted to us by dialogue and joint commitment. With that in mind, my country regrets the fact that this year the C-34 was unable to produce a consensus-based report. This in spite of the committee's role as a repository of agreed language in the field of peacekeeping operations. This situation erodes the normative and operational predictability across the system. Consequently, we appeal for the resumption of consensus. We should not undo progress that we've Made, and progress whose results are measured in terms of lives saved and protected. Chair, to conclude, as a future elected member of the Security Council, and in light of our experience with peacebuilding, Colombia is ready to work to ensure that UN peacekeeping operations continue to save lives, protecting those that most need protection, and allowing credible political processes to take place. We reiterate our willingness to work with all states to achieve that goal.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegation of Colombia.

To the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. At the outset, I wish to express my respect and gratitude to all UN peacekeepers around the world for their dedication and sacrifices in maintaining international peace and security. Today, peacekeeping operations face a complex and rapidly changing landscape marked by geopolitical tensions, financial constraints, and evolving security threats. To respond effectively, the international community must work together to strengthen an agile, tailored, and more accountable peacekeeping system. The Republic of Korea remains firmly committed to supporting this collective endeavor. First, Peacekeeping operations must be able to respond swiftly to changing circumstances and political developments on the ground. For this purpose, we believe that the Security Council should establish a mechanism to regularly reevaluate mandates and mission composition based on realities on the ground. If such reviews are conducted only during mandate renewals, renewals, missions cannot respond in an agile and timely manner to newly security and political developments. We therefore hope that regularly mandated meetings of the Security Council, as well as TCC meeting, can serve as an opportunity to hear directly from field missions so that priorities and resources can be adjusted based on their on-the-ground assessments. The Security Council Working Group on the Peacekeeping Operations could also play a role in facilitating such a reevaluation. Furthermore, missions should operate under clear strategic objectives and timelines, and progress toward these benchmarks should be systematically discussed within the same mechanism. Second, we must fully harness technological innovation to enhance the efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping missions. Amid financial constraints and growing security risks, strengthening technological capability is essential not only for efficiency but also for the protection of personnel. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial systems, telemedicine, and the smart camp models are providing valuable opportunities to improve the efficiency of mandate implementation and better protect peacekeepers in the field. The Republic of Korea has been actively supporting these innovations through Smart Camp pilot project in UNMISS. This initiative integrates AI and other emerging technologies to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of camp operations, demonstrating how digital innovation can serve as a practical enabler of a more effective peacekeeping. The Republic of Korea will continue to support the UN's broader efforts for the digital transformation of peacekeeping, ensuring that technological advances further enhance the safety of personnel, operational efficiency, and mission sustainability. Third, peacekeeping must go beyond ensuring stability. To building trust and partnership with the local communities. A people-centered approach grounded in strong community engagement is essential to achieving sustainable peace based on local ownership. Local populations are not merely recipients of peacekeeping assistance, but active partners exercising ownership of the peace process.

Process.

Peacekeepers should work closely with communities, helping to strengthen local resilience and self-reliance as the foundation for lasting peace. In South Sudan, the Korean contingent of UNMISS has carried out projects such as rice cultivation, agricultural training, and vocational education, contributing to improved livelihoods and stronger trust between peacekeepers and local communities. These experiences demonstrate that peacekeeping missions can foster an environment conducive to sustaining peace by engaging directly with the communities they serve. The Republic of Korea will continue to support people-centered peacekeeping with a strong community engagement reinforcing trust and sustainability in the field. Mr. Chair, before concluding, my delegation wishes to respond to the remarks made earlier by the representative of Democratic People's Republic of Korea. First, the UN Command, UNC, was established under UN Security Council Resolution 84 in response to the DPRK's armed attack that constituted a breach of the peace on the Korean Peninsula. Since then, it has contributed to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula for more than 7 decades. The DPRK's allegation that UNC has nothing to do with the UN is baseless. Second, the DPRK is consistently misrepresenting the cause of situation regarding ROK-US combined defense and deterrence posture. It is a response to the DPRK's ever-growing military threats. This posture constitutes a legitimate and defensive response to protect the lives and safety of our people and to contribute to regional peace and stability. Mr. Chair, coming back to today's agenda, we firmly believe that multilateralism and international cooperation remain the only viable solutions to today's complex challenges, and that UN peacekeeping continues to be one of the most critical and unique tools in this regard. As a major financial and troop contributor to the UN peacekeeping, the Republic of Korea remains committed to enhancing the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping and preparing for its future. We will continue our efforts to ensure that peacekeeping contributes to sustainable peace on the ground. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea, and then I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chairman. Peace operations remain one of the most visible meaningful and irreplaceable pillars of the United Nations system. In many conflict settings, they continue to represent the only tangible hope for communities devastated by violence, protecting civilians, enabling humanitarian assistance, and supporting the path towards lasting peace. Peace operations are still the United Nations' most cost-effective tool for the maintenance of international peace and security. Portugal has been a consistent and reliable partner of United Nations peacekeeping since 1958. Over decades, we have contributed to missions across the world, and we remain deployed today under various international frameworks in more than 20 conflict and post-conflict settings. We are also a multi-year partner of the Peacebuilding Fund. Portugal pays its peacekeeping assessments fully and on time, often in advance. And since 2019, we have voluntarily waived our right to the 20% discount. We are among the member states that have already paid in full for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, including for non-mandated periods, reaffirming our commitment to predictable and sustainable financing. Chairman, the ongoing review of peacekeeping must be ambitious, forward-looking, and inclusive. It should engage host governments, local communities, and regional partners, ensuring that peace operations are better aligned with coherent political strategies and long-term goals. The Pact for the Future, the New Agenda for Peace, the UN80 Initiative, and the UN 2.0 Transformation Agenda must collectively guide this process. This comprehensive review must also connect with PBAR, Action for Peacekeeping Plus, and the ongoing reflection on the future of peacekeeping, all converging to strengthen the relevance, the efficiency and the legitimacy of the UN field operations. Allow me to highlight 5 priorities. First, peace operations must be grounded in coherent political strategies that span the entire mission lifecycle. They must focus on prevention, the protection of civilians, and the political solutions that address the root causes of conflict. The linkage between peacekeeping and peacebuilding should be strengthened. Second, participation and trust are indispensable to sustainable peace. Meaningful inclusion of women and youth, as well as the integration of climate, environmental, and digital considerations into mission planning, are critical. Transparent communication with local populations is equally vital. Third, partnerships are the backbone of collective success. Cooperation between the UN, the African Union, and the EU must be deepened. Portugal strongly supports the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2719. Regional and sub-regional organizations must be fully integrated into planning and evaluation mechanisms, to ensure coherence and complementarity of efforts. Fourth, capacity building, performance and innovation must remain at the core of peacekeeping reform. Portugal supports initiatives on training, women's qualification, environmental performance, telemedicine and digital tools. And fifth, we must sustain the financial and political foundations of peacekeeping. Predictable, adequate, and timely financing is essential for cooperation continuity. Any drawdown or reduction in resources must be conducted in a responsible manner so as not to jeopardize the viability or effectiveness of missions on the ground. Portugal reiterates its support for the Secretary-General's efforts to stabilize the organization's liquidity situation, having present that a credible United Nations also depends on shared responsibility. Chairman, to conclude, peace operations are evolving, but their core mission remains unchanged: to save lives, protect civilians, foster stabilization, and open space for political dialogue. To succeed, they must become more integrated and data-driven and responsive to local realities, while remaining firmly anchored in the principles of the Charter. Portugal will continue to advocate for an integrated approach built on the 3 Ts— sorry, on the 3 Ps that constitute its motto for the candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for 2027-2028. These 3 Ps being prevention, partnership, and protection. As a candidate for Security Council, Portugal stands ready to contribute to strengthening collective security, advancing the effectiveness and sustainability of UN peacekeeping, and ensuring that our organization remains a symbol of solidarity and hope for those who most need it.

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway.

Chair, distinguished colleagues. Last year, in this very debate, we spoke about the challenges facing peacekeeping operations, including the safety of both peacekeepers and civilians, a strained relationship between some missions and host governments, the increased complexity of conflicts and rising geopolitical tensions. Many, if not all, of these challenges have only gotten more pressing during the past year. As we look around the world today, it is clear that we are living through a period of profound transformation and uncertainty. The contours of a new geopolitical and financial landscape are emerging, one where priorities are shifting, alliances are evolving, and the UN-led multilateral architecture is under immense pressure. Norway is a consistent partner of the UN and remains deeply committed to multilateralism and to the United Nations with its unique mandates and expertise as a cornerstone of international peace and security. We, the member states, have a difficult task ahead as we collectively must find a way forward to strengthen the impact of peacekeeping, despite fewer financial resources. Use of new technologies is a part of the answer to cost savings and improved operational abilities. Norway believes there is a need to review the financing mechanism for PKOs to allow for greater flexibility. Chair, I further wish to highlight the Women, Peace and Security agenda, which is a key factor in mission effectiveness. When women are meaningfully included in peace processes, the outcomes are more durable, more inclusive, and more just. Preventing conflict-related sexual violence should also be given special attention, as the global increase of reported cases is extremely worrying. Looking to the future of peace operations, it becomes clear that partnership will be more critical than ever. One partnership that deserves particular emphasis is the cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union. As has been noted many times, Security Council Resolution 2719 and its accompanying roadmap represent a significant, significant step forward in this regard. The challenge is to translate that framework into tangible actions and impact on the ground. Chair, we should not only talk about the future peace operation, but also focus our attention on the future of the current peacekeeping operations. A number of questions remain. How do we adapt our tasks, mandates, and operational patterns to a changing reality, new challenges, and less resources? In this regard, we are looking forward to a constructive follow-up of the Secretary-General's Peace Operations Review. Norway remains a steadfast advocate for peacekeeping approaches that prioritize restraint, uphold human rights, and place the protection of civilians at the centre of mission mandates. We believe that the use of force must always be guided by necessity, proportionality, and accountability, and that protecting civilians is not only a moral imperative, but also a strategic one. Further, missions have a better chance of succeeding when they are equipped with new technologies, rapid mobility, build trust through local networks, and leverage their impartiality to support inclusive peace processes. Chair, to conclude, I want to underscore that this is not the time to retreat from multilateralism. It is time to renew, improve, and recommit. To adapt our peace operations to new risks, from asymmetric warfare and transnational crime to cyber threats. And to ensure they remain people-centred, politically grounded, and regionally supported. Let us ensure that peace operations remain relevant, resilient, and rooted in partnerships. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Norway for the concise statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.

Thank you, Chair. UN peacekeeping operations have been essential tools for maintaining international peace and security, helping to contain conflicts, protect civilians, and create environments conducive to peace negotiations. Brazil is proud to be part of this history since UNEF I in 1956 and remains committed to strengthening these operations. The evolving political and security landscapes demand that we continuously adapt and improve our peacekeeping toolkit to meet contemporary challenges. Brazil stands ready to support this endeavor, following its long history of solid, concrete contribution with the deployment of personnel and offering capacity building and training. At the Berlin Ministerial last May, we pledged further support through over a dozen specialized courses. Brazil will continue working closely with partners in the C-34. While we regret the committee was unable to agree on a report this year, we hope to find common ground to achieve a conceptual document To remain effective, missions must adapt to evolving challenges. This requires efficient operation— operational models, skilled personnel, and strengthened cooperation between states and regional organizations. Missions should have clear objectives and indicators to measure success and ensure lessons learned are applied. Chair, the success of peace operations depends on the primacy of politics. Operations must be anchored in clear political strategies that foster dialogue and address root causes of conflict. Peacebuilding elements must be integrated throughout a mission's life cycle, addressing root causes of violence and linking political engagement, security, and development. Peace operations must be adequately resourced with predictable funding, efficient logistics, and modern capabilities. Equally important is solid political support from UN Member States, particularly Security Council members. We must better plan missions and their transitions. Orderly withdrawals ensure security and political gains, particularly under the current Secretary-General's contingency Thank you. The UN Secretary-General has called for a comprehensive emergency plan, which must prioritize personnel safety and security. Chair, success also depends on equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women. The engagement and leadership of local communities are also crucial to the effective fulfillment of mandates. Brazil supports mainstreaming gender perspectives throughout peace operations. Including specialized training courses, increased Brazilian military women's participation in peace operations, and our 2024 Handbook on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in UN Peace Operations. Lastly, peacekeeping is not the appropriate response to every challenge. Issues such as transnational organized crime, Climate emergencies and public health crises are better addressed through different tools and forums not directly related to peace and security maintenance. Peacekeeping must also operate within the framework of international law and the UN Charter, respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-intervention. Missions must uphold the guiding principles of consent, impartiality, and use of force only in self-defense. Chair, guided by these principles, Brazil reaffirms its commitment to strengthening UN peace operations as a vital tool for international peace and security. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil.

And now I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of France.

Mr. Chairman, France is committed to the maintenance of peace, and we see therein one of the key tools at the disposal of the United Nations in terms of tangible action for the advancement of peace and security. I wish to emphasize 3 points. First point, peacekeeping is one of the main concrete tools of action for the advancement of international peace and security. This has demonstrated its effectiveness and efficiency on a number of occasions— in Sierra Leone, in Cambodia, in Namibia, and in other areas. The ability of the United Nations to generate and project forces for the attainment of well-defined political goals is unique. The sharing of the financial burden provides a clear and equitable framework which should be sustained. We have a duty to leverage these assets while at the same time building partnerships with regional organizations and other international and local actors. France is particularly committed to the partnership with the African Union. We support the implementation of Resolution 2719, which governs United Nations Support for African peace operations. Turning to my second point, peacekeeping continues to demonstrate its usefulness in a number of theaters. In a difficult context and despite obstructions, MINUSCO continues to play an indispensable role in saving civilian lives lives threatened by armed groups in the east of the country. The only international force which remains present in the country, MINUSCO has both the necessary capability and legitimacy to contribute to the implementation of peace agreements at the— when the time is ripe, specifically vis-à-vis the verification of the ceasefire. MINUSCA continues to effectively and efficiently collaborate with the government of the Central African Republic and its armed forces, MINUSCA has achieved significant progress in terms of improvements to security and extension of state authority. This progress, which needs to be built upon, is benefiting the civilian population, and civilians are being protected, and it is contributing to stabilization of the region. UNIFIL has achieved significant results on the ground since the signing of the ceasefire in November of 2024. UNIFIL plays a key role in supporting the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces, who are making progress in the restoration of Lebanese state control over weapons and its authority— the establishment of Lebanese state authority over all of Lebanese soil, collaboration between the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL can and should still be improved. Turning to my third point, the United Nations should continue to position peace operations so that they can succeed. This hinges first and foremost on the granting of the necessary financial resources to that end. The importance of all members meeting financial obligations in full and on time. Operations also need to have access to appropriate equipment and technology. These are political— it is political goals which should determine the resources being allocated for missions and not the opposite. The success of peace operations also hinges on political support from the international community, specifically from the Security Council, which needs to rise to meet its responsibility. This support should dovetail with a quest for efficiencies, which needs to remain a steadfast goal, all the more necessary in light of the current budgetary context. We applaud the efforts undertaken to that end through the UNAID initiative. Mr. Chairman, prior to concluding, I wish to applaud the courage of the Blue Helmets and to pay tribute to the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The United Nations remains the principal framework for effective and efficient multilateralism, which France fully supports. We need to preserve this ambition, which is rooted in the Charter of the United Nations, and to continue to work for the advancement of international peace and security. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of France.

The word is to the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates. Prevent, manage, and resolve conflict while protecting civilians in some of the world's most fragile contexts. Peace operations remain a principal instrument in the UN's efforts to maintain international peace and security. Today's operating environment for peace operations is very complex. Nearly 95% of UN peacekeeping— peacekeepers serve In missions mandated to protect civilians, with most deployed in active conflict settings. Yeah, yeah, conflict settings. Mostly without a comprehensive political settlement. This reflects how UN peace operations are increasingly required to engage in multidimensional responses. Addressing not just security but state-building, stabilization, and the root causes of conflict. The Pact for the Future acknowledges these challenges and rightly underscores the need to adapt peace operations to better respond to existing challenges and new realities through stronger links to political solutions and more sustainable financing. These priorities echo the recommendations of the 2015 HIPO report and remain central to current peacekeeping reforms. Yet political divides, funding shortfalls, and rising host state pushback continue to undermine mission effectiveness. In light of these realities, the Security Council and the General Assembly must ensure that peace operations are equipped with mandates that are clear, realistic, agile, and adaptable, informed by the situation on the ground, and shaped through inclusive engagement with key stakeholders. Against this backdrop, Sierra Leone wishes to highlight the following. First, we recognize the important role of the C-34 and encourage the committee to continue to implement its mandate as prescribed in the General Assembly Resolution 2006 of 1965. Second, peace operations must be guided by mandates grounded in political strategies, supported by comprehensive threat assessment. In a polarized global landscape marked by geopolitical tensions, resource competition, and shifting alliances, peacekeeping must be considered as part of broader political effort aimed at sustaining sustainable peace. We also urge continued support for the Action for Peacekeeping Plus systematic and cross-cutting priorities, with a renewed emphasis on realistic mandates, strengthened political engagement, and enhanced field-level support. Second, on peace operations, UN peace operations should leverage the comparative advantages of regional and sub-regional organizations. Strategic and operational partnership, particularly in Africa, have proven essential to tailoring responses to context-specific challenges. This is why the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2719 of 2023 is a landmark feat, as it marks a significant step toward predictable and sustainable financing for African Union-led peace support operations. When regional arrangements are empowered with sufficient resources and legitimacy, they can more effectively support the full peace continuum, from conflict responses and stabilization to reconstruction and peacebuilding. Third, predictable and sustainable financing remains the livelihood of effective peace operations. No amount of mandate innovation or tactical agility can can compensate for underfunding. This is especially true for African-led peace support operations, which frequently face chronic funding gaps and excessive reliance on voluntary contributions. The adoption of UN Resolution 2719 must now be followed by strong and full implementation. Funding arrangements must be shielded from political fluctuations and driven by the needs of the missions and the civilians they protect. The UN and member states, particularly members of the Security Council, must stand behind these missions politically and financially. Fourth, both the UN and troop contribution countries should invest in enhancing the capabilities and professional competence of peacekeepers to respond to emerging threats. Technology and innovation must be harnessed to improve situational awareness, communications, and early warning capabilities. Peacekeepers must deploy with the appropriate equipment, tools, and skills to respond to modern challenges, including transnational terrorism, violent criminal activities by gangs, where the line between peacekeeping and peace enforcement is increasingly blurred. Moreover, Mr. Chair, recognizing the disproportionate Transactional justice and local peacebuilding efforts. Fifth, addressing the rising mistrust and resistance toward peace operations requires that missions operate transparently and uphold the highest standards of conduct. Accountability must be ensured not only for violations by peacekeepers, but also for crimes committed against them. Strengthening triangular cooperation among the UN, TCCs, and host states is key to advancing implementation of Resolution 2589 of 2021. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, Sierra Leone reaffirms its commitment to the UN Charter and the principles of effective, responsible, and transformative peacekeeping. We continue to contribute to shaping the future of peace operations. grounded in solidarity, partnership, and people-centered strategies. We honor the service and sacrifice of all the men and women serving under the UN flag. We remember those who have gone and extend kind thoughts to those suffering from lifelong injuries. Your service to humanity will forever be remembered. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Fiji.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Since the founding of the United Nations in 1945, the UN has stood as a beacon of hope for nations emerging from conflict, for communities shattered by violence, and for individuals yearning for stability and dignity. With this, we echo sentiments of gratitude to the panelists for the enriching presentation made yesterday to this committee. UN peacekeeping is one of the most visible and vital expressions of multilateral cooperation, where diplomacy, security, and development converge to support the fragile journey from war to peace. For Fiji, peacekeeping is a lived commitment. Fiji has a proud and distinguished history of contributing to UN peacekeeping since 1978 as a small island nation, and had contributed over 50 20,000 personnel. Since then till today, Fiji remains the highest per capita contributor for UN peacekeeping missions. Fijian peacekeepers have served in many peacekeeping missions, often in some of the most volatile threats or volatile theatres of operations. At this time, we pay tribute to all peacekeepers globally for their efforts, with special thoughts to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice Their names may not appear in history books, but their sacrifice is written into the moral architecture of our nations. They died not for conquest, but for calm. But peacekeeping is not just boots on the ground. It is about building institutions, supporting reconciliation, and laying the foundation for sustainable peace. Fiji recognizes that multilateralism, through the UN Charter, the Pact of the Future, provides critical frameworks for peace and security, with C-34 as integral in reviewing all peacekeeping mandates. Mr. Chair, with this, we have the following specific comments to make. Firstly, it is critical that the UN play a more proactive role in peacekeeping. The trend we have seen over the years is one that remains reactive. Greater collaboration and proactive scrutiny of conflict science on the ground with efficient countermeasures are essential to save lives, save costs, and de-escalate tensions. We are also aware of the UN initiative currently under consultations as presented by the panelists yesterday. The extent of the implications of the initiative on peace and security should be scrutinized closely. As for Fiji, taking into consideration the mounting global tensions, We need a holistic approach in place that not only will streamline the Organization's financial well-being and operations, but should be fair, and must not compromise peace and the essential role of peacekeeping missions. Secondly, peacekeeping must evolve. It must be agile, accountable, and responsive to the needs of those it serves. Peacekeeping missions should be reformed strengthen performance, enhance safety, and ensure that missions are fit for purpose. The challenges faced by peacekeepers are no longer limited to conventional threats. They now include cyber threats, drones, non-state militaries, and highly politicized mandates. Missions have become more complex, less defined, and often less supported. Third, in our regional context as Pacific, The Boye Declaration outlines the threats faced by the region, with climate change recognized as the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security, and well-being of our people. Fijian peacekeepers have ensured that it remains agile. Aside from peacekeeping, our troops play a critical role in coordinating comprehensive disaster rebuilding recovery efforts through the PIF, and MSG framework. Fijian Peacekeepers Training Camp, or the Blackrock Camp, provides training facilities in our region for peacekeepers ready for service, whether it's in peacekeeping or DRR efforts. Additionally, the Pacific is faced with regional security environment as a result of geopolitical competitions. In view of this challenge, Fiji, along with Pacific leaders, adopted the Declaration of the Ocean of Peace in the Pacific, declaring the Blue Pacific Continent as the Ocean of Peace. The Declaration supports rules-based international order grounded on the UN Charter, harnessing norms, rules, and principles of responsible behavior. Fourth, we wish to underscore the important role of Peacebuilding Commission, the PBC. The PBC paved the way for ensuring support for conflict-affected communities. By addressing underlying causes and facilitating recovery, the role of the PBC is indispensable in our collective efforts towards peacebuilding. Fiji launched a year ago its National Security and Defence Review Policy as a collective approach in this effort. The report findings are central for our undertaking to advance peace and security, clearly underscoring that security is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, human rights, rights, social cohesion, and economic stability. Fiji's Prime Minister, the Honourable Stephen Rambuka, is expected to address the PBC in the second week of December next month to share Fiji's experience, including the context of the Declaration of the Ocean of Peace in the Pacific. Fifth and final, during the Berlin Peacekeeping Ministerial earlier this year, Fiji pledged several commitments ranging from parity in women peacekeepers, quick reaction ready deployment force, to Level 1 field hospital, and more. We are working towards fulfilling these commitments. Mr. Chair, let me round up by saying that as a Small Island Developing State, we are concerned by the escalating tensions in most parts of the globe. We are strongly in favour of peace. Fiji remains steadfast in its peacekeeping duties and will remain so as long as its service is needed.

I thank you.

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

Mr.

Chair, Namibia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Non-Aligned Movement. We thank the UN Secretariat and the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations for their continued efforts to strengthen this indispensable instrument of multilateralism. We honor the memory of all peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Peacekeeping is not an abstract concept for Namibia. It is part of our national story. Beyond our continued engagement as a troop-contributing country, the The 1-year United Nations Transition Assistance Group, UNTAG, played a decisive role in facilitating Namibia's independence, helping us transition from conflict to peace, democracy, and stability. UNTAG was indeed a success story, and the people of Namibia, by the grace of God, have continued to build on that success. This experience underscores our conviction that UN peacekeeping operations can prevent conflict and protect populations in vulnerable situations. Namibia is therefore pleased to have participated in 10 UN peacekeeping missions, namely in Cambodia, Angola, Timor-Leste, Kosovo, Liberia, Ethiopia and Eritrea, Darfur, South Sudan, Abay, and Ivory Coast, with over 8,000 personnel deployed. In addition, Namibia has also participated in AU and SADC peace missions. Chair, Namibia reiterates its steadfast support for the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, MINURSO. We emphasize that the MINURSO's mandate must remain focused on facilitating a free and fair referendum that allows the people of Western Sahara to exercise their right to self-determination. In accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 690. Namibia calls for renewed international commitment to this process and urges all parties to cooperate fully with MINUSMA to advance a just, lasting, and mutually accepted— acceptable solution. The Pact for the Future reaffirmed the centrality of peacekeeping in sustaining international peace and security. And called for stronger partnerships, adequate resources, and inclusive approaches. Namibia believes that its commitments must now— these commitments must now translate into concrete action as peacekeeping operations face unprecedented challenges today. These include complex and dangerous environments marked by terrorism, organized crime, cyber threats, and disinformation, resource constraints and growing gaps between mandates and realities on the ground, growing distrust between host countries and the missions, and attacks on peacekeepers, which are unacceptable and must never be normalized. As we reflect on the challenges and successes of past and present operations, it is clear that we must adapt and improve our approaches. Taking into account the priorities of member states, particularly troop and police contributing countries and host countries. Namibia believes that the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions is deeply tied to clear, achievable mandates and scope and sufficient resources. In this regard, a holistic approach that integrates political, social, and economic dimensions is essential. Addressing the root causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, and human rights violations, should be central to our peacekeeping efforts. Furthermore, investing in the training of peacekeepers and host country forces is crucial for operational success. We also believe that peacekeeping must remain anchored in clear political strategies and sustained engagement with local actors, including government, civil society organizations, and community leaders, to foster trust and reconciliation. Its role should go beyond protecting civilians to creating space for durable political solutions. We strongly believe that the peaceful resolutions to conflict is the way to go. Strong partnerships with regional and sub-regional organizations are paramount, as is accountability and discipline within missions to maintain the legitimacy and credibility of our Namibia therefore reaffirms its support for the implementation of the Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping and Action for Peacekeeping initiatives, which seek to strengthen the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of UN peacekeeping. We reiterate our call for reforms that make missions more nimble, adaptable, and effective, and emphasize the need for predictable and sustainable financing. particularly for African-led peace support operations in partnership with the AU in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2719. Mr. Chair, the women, peace and security agenda must remain central, ensuring meaningful participation of women at all levels of peace and security processes. This vision is reflected in Namibia's ongoing efforts to advance women's leadership across all spheres of peace and security. In March 2010, Namibia deployed the first-ever all-female contingent of police officers to UNAMID. Moreover, when the Office of the AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security was being set up in 2014, Namibia seconded a female defense officer for several years to assist this process. The office has since had tremendous impact across the continent, further advancing the participation of women in peace processes in Africa. In addition, the current head of police in UNISWA is also a female commissioner from Namibia, the first in that position. As we continue to reflect on the progress made through the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, 25 years on, Namibia is proud to see the growing momentum and the various interlinkages around this agenda. In this context, I would like to highlight the role of the International Women's Peace Center of Namibia, established to empower women and promote gender-inclusive peacebuilding. The center advocates for women's active participation in peacekeeping and conflict resolution processes.

Processes.

By ensuring the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women, integrating women's perspectives, and fostering their roles as leaders and decision-makers, we enhance the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions and promote societal resilience in post-conflict recovery. It is in this spirit that Her Excellency Netumbona Ndyindaitwa, Namibia's first female president, endorsed the candidacy of Major General Anne-Marie Neinder, our Deputy Inspector General of Police for Administration, for the presidency of Interpol during the elections that will take place during the 93rd General Assembly from the Interpol 93rd General Assembly from 24th to 27th November of this month. She has been serving as an executive member, committee member of Interpol since 2022. Her nomination not only marks a proud, proud moment for Namibia, but also signifies the recognition of women's leadership in global security governance. With this in mind, the impact of the ongoing restructuring under the UN80 initiative should not necessarily disadvantage women staff, but there must be an adherence to the principle of parity between male and female staff members in considering any staff reductions or relocations within the peace operating space. Finally, Namibia reiterates its unwavering support for multilateralism and for strengthening UN peacekeeping as a cornerstone of global peace and security.

We stand ready to work with all member states to ensure that peacekeeping operations remain fit for purpose

I thank the distinguished representative of Namibia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United Kingdom reaffirms its strong commitment to United Nations peacekeeping as a cornerstone of international peace and security. Peacekeeping remains one of the UN's most effective tools, but it must continue to adapt to meet today's complex challenges. We are proud to be the 5th largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping and, in addition, to fund targeted reforms to improve accountability and performance. Our personnel, around 210 deployed across 7 missions, bring specialist skills and leadership. Europe, from Cyprus to South Sudan. I will make 5 points. First, we welcome the Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping and A4P+ priorities, and we continue to fund the Data Analytics Project, which facilitates an evidence-based approach to peacekeeping reform. A4 and A4P+ priorities align with our vision for missions that are agile, accountable, and anchored in clear political strategies. Mandates must be realistic and focused on supporting political solutions, not broad state-building tasks. Second, the safety and security of peacekeepers remain paramount. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize these peacekeepers who continue to work tirelessly in pursuit of peace, and especially pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in service this year. Their sacrifice reminds us of the courage and commitment that underpin every mission, and of our collective responsibility to ensure peacekeepers can operate safely and effectively. In that spirit, we underline the need to counter mis- and disinformation campaigns and uphold Status of Forces Agreements. Strategic communications in local languages, and better technology, including data analytics and early warning systems, are essential to protect both peacekeepers and civilians. We should equip missions with the latest cost-effective technology, including drones, satellite imagery, and data analytics, with the support of host nations, to improve situational awareness and protect civilians and peacekeepers alike. Third, accountability is central to trust in peacekeeping. We reiterate our zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse, and call for robust performance frameworks to address underperformance. Contingents must be held responsible for misconduct, misconduct, and financial disincentives should apply where standards are not met. Fourth, gender parity in peacekeeping is operationally critical. Women enhance community engagement, improve intelligence in security risks, including gender-based violence, and can access populations and places less accessible to men. The United Kingdom is proud to co-chair the ELSI Initiative Fund, and we have undertaken a gender barriers study to help identify and address barriers to women's deployment. We commend efforts to increase women's participation. And urge all Member States to remove barriers to deployment. Finally, predictable and sustainable financing underpins mission credibility. It remains essential that all countries pay their assessed contributions in full and on time. Without this, operations are unable to meet their mandate objectives, with abrupt drawdowns risking the reversal of hard-won gains. We also encourage continued dialogue on innovative models of peacekeeping, including how more flexible, agile and smaller UN operations might complement the work of large, multidimensional missions in the future. Chair, the UK stands ready to work with all partners to ensure peacekeeping remains fit for purpose, delivering on its promise to protect civilians, uphold human rights and support lasting peace. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. At the outset, I wish to extend our thanks to the USGs for their comprehensive briefings yesterday. We wish to align ourselves with the statement made by the Kingdom of Morocco on behalf of NAM. We also wish to make the following remarks in our national capacity. Safeguarding international peace and security is chief amongst the United Nations Charter objectives. Peacekeeping operations is one of the most important tools at the disposal of the United Nations to shoulder this responsibility, alleviate tensions, and and build an environment conducive to conflict settlement. Syria, for the past decades, has hosted 2 peacekeeping forces, namely the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, UNDOF, and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization, UNSO. We have built an important and significant relationship And we reiterate our commitment to provide all forms of support to both forces so that they discharge their duties. And we have provided all necessary facilitations, including through facilitating the movement of personnel. And we've— shortly after the collapse of the former regime, appointed a focal point in the Ministry of Defense. We commend the central role undertaken by UNDOF, namely in the monitoring of Israeli breaches and violations of the Disengagement Agreement of 1974 through relevant Secretary-General reports to the Security Council. We underline the importance of ensuring that UNDOF continues to discharge its duties. We express our utmost concern Over the impact of financing reduction on the capacity of UNRWA to discharge its duties, and we call for adequate resources to be provided to ensure that the mission completes its mandate without reduction nor disruption. Mr. Chair, the Israeli occupying authorities pursue their aggressive practices against the Syrian people by continuously violating the disengagement agreement signed in 1974. In the past 11 months, the occupying forces have conducted incursions in the buffer zone, which constitutes the area of operation of ONDOF. It has established 10 positions therein. It has also conducted incursions in the wider area in the south and established checkpoints, cracking down on Syrian civilians. It has also cleared agricultural land, natural reserves, and forests. It also seized the majority of water catchments and dams, thereby threatening water security in the area, jeopardizing livelihoods of local communities, and putting the stability and security of the southern region and the region or the wider region insecure, at risk. The Israeli occupying forces have thereby trampled on and voided the purpose of the peacekeeping forces. We categorically reject any pretext used by the Israeli occupying authorities to justify these aggressive practices. Israel is accountable for these violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. We call upon the United Nations to undertake decisive steps to put an end to Israeli practices, to prevent their recurrence, and to compel the occupying forces to withdraw from Syrian territories, including the occupied Golan Heights, as well as the area of recent incursions, to prevent any interference in our domestic affairs. Syria has maintained that it constituted no threat to any party whatsoever, as it prioritizes the peaceful settlement of conflicts and diplomacy, and not confrontation, in order to find solutions to any genuine security concern for Syria and Israel, and therefore it has partook in serious talks with Israel with the facilities of the United States, which we thank for its constructive role. However, Israeli ongoing practices and attempts to impose de facto policies in the buffer zone will only lead further— or lead to further tension and undermine opportunities for peace. In this regard, we wish to point out the recent visit of USG for Peace Operations, Mr. Lacroix, to Syria earlier this year. He met both the President of the Republic and Minister of Defense. And following the visit, in a press release, he reiterated that the Syrian government expressed its readiness to support UNDOF.

Thank you.

And to retake full control over the territory or the area of operation of ONDOF and deploy military and security forces in accordance with the disengagement agreement. I also reiterated that reinstatement of Syrian security presence in the region will be of utmost importance. Therefore, we call upon the United Nations to support our request as soon as possible. Mr. Chair, Peacekeeping operations can never supplant a permanent solution, namely addressing root causes of the conflict in the Middle East. This is due to the ongoing Israeli occupation of Arab territories, including the occupied Syrian Golan. And for peacekeeping personnel to return peacefully to their homes and families after the immense sacrifices they have conceded. We call upon the United Nations to put pressure to bear upon Israel, exhausting all means available to put an end to their occupation and their practices, in addition to their aggression against countries and peoples of the region. I thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Thank you, distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for giving us the floor. Mr. Chair, ladies and gentlemen, at the outset, we wish to align ourselves with the statement made by the Kingdom of Morocco on behalf of NAM. Mr. Chair, allow me to deliver the statement of the, um, Arab Republic of Egypt on this very important item. This meeting is held while— or amidst rising tensions and conflicts, which requires concerted efforts to ensure the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations and their capacity to support sustainable political solutions. Peacekeeping operations are not a means in and of themselves; they are a tool. To ensure national reconciliation and dialogue for a political track. The success of such operations is attributed to addressing root causes of conflicts, in addition to the strengthening of national ownership of peacekeeping operations, as well as supporting regional partnerships, namely with the African Union. We reiterate our commitment to the fundamental principles of peacekeeping. Namely consent of parties, neutrality, and the use of force solely in self-defense and protection of civilians in accordance with the mandate. Any attempt to undermine the credibility of peacekeeping operations is a genuine threat. Mr. Chair, amid the current review of peacekeeping operations within the United Nations, we stress that such a review must be aimed at analyzing the effectiveness of the peacekeeping operations and not to reduce their mandate as well as their financial resources. Performance must be improved by listening to police and troop-contributing countries and by understanding idiosyncrasies of local context and supporting political solutions owned and led by local communities. We reiterate our utmost concern over the austerity measures undertaken impacting various peacekeeping operations, including the reduction of human and logistical resources, as well as the postponement of the deployment of various forces. Such reductions, even if they are understood amid the current crisis, carry risks that jeopardize the security of peacekeeping They also put at risk the achievements that we've made— the hard-won gains that we've made in the past years. Equitability must be ensured in the selection of personnel in this regard. We are proud to be one of the top troop-contributing countries across the world, and We've also partaken in training and capacity building, including through the Cairo Center for Conflict Settlement and Peacebuilding and Keeping . We continue to call for strengthened participation of women in peacekeeping operations to ensure that trust is built with local communities for effective implementation of the mandate. The provision of sustainable and Predictable funding for peacekeeping operations is not a luxury; it is a necessity. We call for strengthened joint financial mechanisms with regional organizations, namely the AU, in line with relevant Security Council resolutions, namely Resolution 2719. In conclusion, we reiterate our steadfast commitment to supporting the PKOs and strengthening their effectiveness. To foster international peace and security and ensure justice amongst peoples.

Representative of Egypt, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of The Gambia.

You have the floor.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, since this is my first time taking the floor, allow me to to congratulate you on your role as chair of this meeting and to assure you of our delegation's full cooperation. At the outset, The Gambia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished delegate of Morocco on behalf of the NAM and wishes to make the following remarks in our capacity. Mr. Chair, we meet at a time of profound challenges international peace and security, with peacekeeping facing increasing difficulties amid heightened geopolitical tensions, emerging conflicts, and limited conditions to address them effectively. For 8 decades, the United Nations peacekeeping operations have stood as one of the most practical and visible tools to translate war into peace, transitioning into reality. While many success stories have been achieved, the challenges of peacekeeping have grown significantly. In this connection, The Gambia reiterates the extraordinary threats to peace and stability that our world faces today, demanding more or less of multilateralism and renewed commitment from all member states to support the United Nations in fulfilling its peace and security mandate in a robust, achievable, and realistic way. Mr. Chair, The Gambia underscores the critical importance of ensuring the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers, the Blue Berets, who operate in some of the most volatile and high-risk environments. We are deeply concerned about the increasing threats to their lives, including targeted attacks, improvised explosive devices, and other acts of violence. Protecting peacekeepers is not only a moral and legal obligation under the international law, including the Convention on the Safety of the United Nations and Associated Personnel, but also essential to the credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations missions. The Gambia calls on all parties in conflict zones, as well as Member States and the United Nations Secretariat, to take all necessary measures to uphold the safety, security, and well-being of peacekeepers, including through enhanced training, equipment, and intelligence sharing, and strict adherence to Status of Forces Agreement. We pay heartfelt tribute to the brave peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of peace. We honor their memory and remain committed to ensuring that their mission ensuring that their mission for peace is not in vain. We remain concerned about the deteriorating relationship between host states and the Security Council, which have eroded consent and cooperation in some field missions. We therefore encourage the Council to increase engagement with host countries in the drafting of mission mandates to ensure mutual trust and a strong sense of ownership. It is equally important to set realistic expectations, counter misinformation, and foster better understanding between peacekeeping missions and the local communities. Host countries, for their part, must fully respect their obligations under the Status of Forces Agreement to ensure that peacekeepers can operate in an environment conducive to the effective implementation of their mandates. Furthermore, we recognize the increasing presence of women peacekeepers, which has led to stronger community engagement and also improve overall mission performance. In this regard, The Gambia has accelerated efforts to enhance female participation by mainstreaming gender perspective across its military and police deployments. Today, women represent 35% of our military observers and staff officers, and we continue to work with partners to expand training capacity, capacity-building opportunities for our female officers in areas requiring specialized skills. Mr. Chair, The Gambia calls for stronger collaboration between the United Nations Secretariat and the African Union Commission to promote effective partnership in addressing peace and security challenges on the African continent. In line with the relevant Security Council resolutions, we reiterate the importance of securing predictable and sustainable financing for African Union-led peacekeeping support operations, recognizing the AU's role as a first responder in many of Africa's most complex crises. We also emphasized the need to enhance capacity-building opportunities for African Union personnel to strengthen the effectiveness, professionalism, and impact of these operations. We reaffirmed our strong support and commitment to the United Nations peacekeeping operations and will continue to prioritize our role as a troop and police contributing country. We remain committed to the Secretariat's Action for Peacekeeping initiative and AA4+, which continue to sustain the momentum in enhancing peacekeeping and improving the performance of our peacekeepers through expanded training opportunities. The Gambia stands ready, Mr. Chair, to work with all partners to strengthen international peace and security, support United Nations peacekeeping operations, and advance effective, inclusive, and sustainable peacekeeping. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, while we fully welcome the review of all forms of future UN peacekeeping operations, we underscore the importance of ensuring that the process remains consultative, inclusive, and deliberate. A no-rush approach that values diverse perspectives will be key to fostering ownership and legitimacy of the outcome. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of The Gambia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait. You have the floor.

Mr.

Chair, at the outset, we wish to express our appreciation to the PKOs for the efforts made and their participation in safeguarding international peace and security. We commend the laudable efforts made by the Arab Republic of Egypt and the friendly Republic of Slovenia as co-facilitators of the review of the United Nations peacekeeping structure for 2025. We reiterate our full support to the United Nations efforts to safeguard international peace and security through peacekeeping operations, and this commitment was represented by our hosting of the United Nations Iraq Kuwait observation mission until 2003. This is an expression of our commitment to peacekeeping operations as a symbol for multilateralism and an effective preventive tool that assists countries to make headway from war and conflicts to sustainable peace. Amid the current tensions, we reiterate our support to the UNAT initiative, taking into account the need to provide sustainable funding and build technical capacities and strengthen upskilling and training, in addition to the need to prioritize the safety and security of peacekeeping personnel in line with the principles of international humanitarian law.

Mr.

Chair, the Pact for the Future is a laudable opportunity to strengthen complementarity amongst the 3 pillars of the United Nations: peace, development, and human rights. The State of Kuwait believes in the importance of rendering peacekeeping operations more comprehensive and more diverse by ensuring the empowerment of women, youth, and local communities alike. The State of Kuwait once again again stresses the declaration of the extraordinary summit of the Arab Group, the Summit of Palestine, held in March 2025, calling for the dispatchment of an international peacekeeping force on occupied Palestinian territory in Gaza and the West Bank in accordance with a resolution by the Security Council amid ongoing aggression by the Israeli occupying forces against Lebanon. We strongly condemn such aggression that constitutes a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State of Lebanon. It is also a violation of the— of international resolutions, namely Security Council Resolution 1701.

Mr.

Chair, the State of Kuwait believes that the success of the comprehensive review of peacekeeping operations hinges on our capacity to translate political will and practical measures that ensure the United Nations' continuous capacity to address the challenges of the future so that they are— so that the United Nations is at a greater proximity of local communities to achieve sustainable peace and security. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Distinguished Representative of Kuwait. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Holy See. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United Nations peacekeeping operations continue to embody the international community's commitment to protecting the vulnerable and supporting communities emerging from conflict. At a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and attempts to undermine multilateralism, peacekeeping serves as a reminder that the pursuit of peace is a shared responsibility. Despite facing challenges, its positive impact on stabilizing fragile settings, protecting civilians, and facilitating political transitions is undeniable and merits renewed support. Mr. Chair, like any other endeavor, Peacekeeping has had its moments of success, as well as painful setbacks, some of which demanded deep institutional reflection and renewal. These experiences have strengthened the United Nations' understanding of the potential and limits of such operations. Nevertheless, despite the progress made, today's missions are operating in circumstances of unprecedented complexity. Complexity. The spread of misinformation and disinformation, regional and transnational threats, and the ever-increasing presence of armed non-state actors are all transforming the environments in which peacekeepers find themselves operating. Furthermore, the growing use of emerging technologies by non-state actors endangers both the Thank you. My delegation emphasizes the urgent need to ensure that peacekeeping mandates are clear, realistic, and adequately supported. It is essential to adapt the mission structures, strengthen the capacity of peace operations to protect civilians, and ensure that peacekeeping is more deeply integrated into comprehensive political, humanitarian and development strategies. The ongoing Comprehensive Review of Peacekeeping Operations offers a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the shared responsibility and guarantee that those responsible for safeguarding peace have the necessary resources to address the challenges they face.

Mr.

Chair, the increasing number of attacks on United Nations peacekeepers is a matter of grave concern. Every life lost is a stark reminder of the risks borne by those serving in the field and of the shared obligation to ensure their safety. My delegation pays heartfelt tribute to all peacekeepers, especially those who have lost their lives in serving peace, and they are sure of our prayers.

Mr.

Chair, allow me to conclude with the words of Pope Leo. I quote, war does not solve problems. On the contrary, it amplifies them and inflicts deep wounds on the history of peoples which take generations to heal. No armed victory can compensate for the pain of mothers, the fear of children, or stolen futures. May diplomacy silence the weapons. May nations chart their futures with works of peace, not with violence and bloodstained conflicts. End of quote. May this call inspire us to strengthen our commitment to diplomacy and multilateral cooperation, and to protect every human life so that peace may take root and endure. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Holy See. Colleagues, we have heard the last speaker in the general debate. I have been informed that the exercise of the right of reply has been requested. I would like to remind delegations of the maximum of 2 interventions, with the first intervention limited to 5 minutes and the second to 3 minutes. I now call on the representative of Türkiye for a right of reply.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for giving me the floor. I take the floor to respond to certain unfounded remarks made earlier concerning the Cyprus issue. The UN records clearly show that in response to the widespread and systematic attacks against the Turkish Cypriot people, the Security Council decided to deploy a peacekeeping force on the island in 1964. This alone demonstrates that Cyprus issue did not originate in 1974, contrary to the misleading narrative often advanced by some. Despite the presence of UNFICYP, the attacks against the Turkish Cypriots continued between 1964 and 1965. The reasons that compelled Türkiye as a guarantor power to undertake its intervention in 1974, in accordance with the Treaty of Guarantee of 1960, are well known and thoroughly documented. These include the 11-year-long atrocities targeting the Turkish Cypriots, the destruction of partnership states by the Greek Cypriot side, and the coup d'état of 15 July 1974. Which sought to annex the island to Greece. It was Türkiye's intervention that prevented further violence and safeguarded the Turkish Cypriot people.

Mr.

Chair, we do not wish to take further time of the Fourth Committee with this matter. I will not be taking the floor again. The baseless allegations raised by a previous speaker will be duly addressed by their counterpart, the Office of the Turkish Cypriot Representative, which regrettably remains absent from this discussion due to the continued unlawful occupation of their seats.

Thank you.

I thank you. I now call on the representative of Israel for a right of reply. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

In response to the Iranian representative's remarks, I'm obliged to respond. Firstly, my predecessor this committee was not spreading accusations. She was stating facts. The Iranian regime continues to facilitate the proliferation of weapons to its proxies across the Middle East, including Hezbollah. Iran has supplied Hezbollah with thousands of rockets, missiles, and small arms, as well as provided them with financial and training support. It was only last month, on October 7th, 2025, in Tehran, that the leader of Hezbollah, Na'im Qasemi, publicly thanked Iran for their support, praising the attack his terror organization launched at my country on October 8th, 2023. Regarding the PKOs surrounding Israel, I would recommend my Iranian colleague to brush up on his history, since those mandates followed wars that were forced upon Israel. By strengthening its proxies' capabilities, who operate within UNIFIL's area of operation, Iran is actively choosing to undermine UN peacekeeping efforts and the safety and security of peacekeeping personnel. And finally, Iran's destabilizing ideology is not confined to mere rhetorics, but seeks to create a tangible threat to security in the region as they embed themselves into territory and infrastructure through their proxies in the region and beyond, such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Islamic Jihad. By doing so, they actively violate UN arms embargoes and Security Council resolutions, promoting instability, chaos, suppression, and terror. We call on the international community to adopt adequate and timely measures to curb the actions of the Iranian regime and hold them accountable.

Mr.

Chair, in regard to Syria's remarks, Israel is committed to the disengagement agreement and regional stability. Nonetheless, the ongoing developments within Syria's territory led Israel to take temporary defensive measures. The latest SG report on UNDOF demonstrates the need for Israel's continued temporary presence the area. The findings assess that the security situation in some areas of the Bravo side remains tense and volatile, with continued military activity and localized violence, including compromising the safety and security of UNRWA personnel. Israel reaffirms that IDF presence in the region is— permits solely an imminent security threat and its provision until stability is restored.

I thank you.

Thank you.

I thank you. And then now, calling the representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. My delegation is compelled to respond to a statement made by the ROK. The UN Command in the ROK is illegal from its inception as far as Security Council Resolution 84 is concerned. It was forcibly adopted without the presence of the then Soviet Union, a permanent member of the Security Council. It is an flagrant violation of paragraph 3, Article 27, which stipulates that decisions of the Security Council on all other matters shall be made by an affirmative vote of 9 members, including the concurring votes of, of the permanent members. Moreover, there was no indication of the UN Command in the Security Council resolution. However, the United States arbitrarily revised the phrase Unified Command into the UN Command when it submitted a report on the activities of the command to the Security Council in July 1950. The UN Command in the ROK is neither a subsidiary body of the United Nations nor is covered by the UN budget. Moreover, it is not the United Nations but the US which has the power to appoint the commander. On June 21st, 1994, the then UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, in his letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK, recognized that, I quote, the United Nations Security Council did not establish the unified command as a subsidiary organ under its control and that it came to be placed under the authority of the United States. On December 21st, 1998, the then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan made it clear in his letter to the President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK. I quote, none of my predecessors predecessors have granted any authorization to any state to make the use of the name of the UN, unquote. On September 17th, 2018, at the Security Council meeting, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs said, I quote, notwithstanding its name, the United Nations Command is not the United Nations operation or body, nor does it come under the command and control of the United Nations. Furthermore, it was not established as a subsidiary organ of the Security Council and is not funded through the United Nations budget. As such, there are no reporting lines between the United Nations Command and the United Nations Secretariat, unquote. The above facts attest to the illegality of the UN Command, which has no relevance to the UN. The US has been reviving the military functions of the UN Commands one by one in line with its geopolitical purposes. At present, the US-ROK joint military drills under the fait accompli nuclear attack scenario are becoming all the more provocative and aggressive with the highest records ever in history, thus raising the risk of nuclear conflict on the Korean Peninsula. Moreover, those US-led nuclear war rehearsals are being turned into de facto multinational military drills involving even armed forces of member states of the UN Command. As a matter of fact, the US is seeking to enhance war potentials of the UN Command and develop the institutional framework for deployment of the armed forces of the member states of the command in contingency of the Korean Peninsula. The revival and expansion of the UN Command is a prelude to the establishment of the Asian version of NATO, which will result in pushing the Asia-Pacific region deeper into a new Cold War, far from easing military tensions on the Korean Peninsula and beyond. All in all, the UN command in the ROK is never contributing to peace on the Korean Peninsula. On the contrary, it is a war-oriented entity which disrupts peace and security in the Korean Peninsula and beyond. At the 30th Plenary Session of the General Assembly in 1975, 2 resolutions on on the dissolution of the UN Command and withdrawal of the US troops from ROK was adopted. The illegal and aggressive UN Command should be dissolved without further delay, and it is imperative for ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.

Thank you very much. I call on the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran for a right of reply. You have the floor.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, for giving my delegation the floor to exercise its right of reply to the baseless allegations made by the Israeli regime against my country. Mr. Chair, distinguished colleagues, once again we have witnessed a futile attempt by the Israeli delegation to conceal this regime's longstanding crimes illegal occupation and atrocities against innocent people by resorting to propaganda designed to obscure its ill nature. This tactic is not only directed against resistance groups of peoples under occupation and aggression, but also against those who stand in solidarity with them worldwide, including my country. Let us be clear: the apartheid regime cannot pretend to be the victim of this conflict. The resistance of peoples under occupation is a legitimate response to illegal occupation and aggression. Responsibility for the continuation of hostilities and hatred in the region lies solely with the Israeli regime, which has triggered, sustained, and aggravated the situation through unprecedented crimes against civilians, including women and children. The policy pursued by Iran in the question of Palestine is fully consistent with international law and the Charter of the United Nations. The actions and decisions by people under occupation or aggression are exclusively taken by themselves and grounded in their inherent right to self-determination and their country's self-defense, and is a response to more than 7 decades of oppressive occupation and repeated crimes committed by the Israeli regime, atrocities that have been documented in numerous UN resolutions and legal opinions of competent international tribunals, however consistently ignored by the occupying power. Accordingly, my country not only rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations but actively combats it. My delegation categorically rejects the baseless allegations made by the apartheid regime of Israel against the peace-loving nation of Iran, accusing it of supporting terrorism. In reality, Iran has been one of the greatest victims of terrorism, particularly in recent years, much of it committed or supported by Israel and its allies. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, while categorically reject all accusations against our country, my delegation believes that the time has come for the international community to take all necessary measures to hold the Israeli regime accountable for its crimes against humanity, including its responsibility for the loss of peacekeepers' lives in PKOs as operations that have been required in response to its illegal actions in the occupied territories. I thank you.

I thank you. Next on my list, I have Cyprus, for a right of reply. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I'm obliged to exercise the right of reply in respect to the groundless allegations made by the Turkish delegation.

My delegation rejects these allegations in toto.

I want to stress the importance of according respect to all members in this hall and addressing them with their official name. Cyprus is a United Nations member state, the only recognized state on the island under international law and Security Council Resolutions 541 of 1983 and 550 of 1984, in which the Security Council calls upon all states to respect the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. The international community has no doubts: the Republic of Cyprus represents and will continue to represent the whole of Cyprus and all Cypriots. It is both regrettable and provocative that Türkiye continues its attempt to distort historical reality, especially with respect to its invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and its ongoing illegal occupation, continuing to express a position that blatantly contradicts Security Council resolutions and is inconsistent with international law and the UN Charter.

I must refute the claims made here today regarding the Treaty of Guarantee.

Nothing in this treaty can be construed as allowing or legitimizing the use of force by one state against another. That would be a violation of the UN Charter, which clearly prescribes the circumstances and conditions under which the Security Council can authorize the use of force, as well as the principle that legal consequences exist in respect of the validity of treaties that are in conflict with peremptory norms of general international law.

I thank you.

I thank you. Next on my list, I have the Republic of Korea. You have the floor for a right of reply.

Thank you, Chair, for giving me the floor. As the claim raised by the DPRK is beyond the scope of today's agenda, my delegation would not reiterate our position, just to point out that the claim is unfounded and misleading. Just 2 points. First, regarding the reference to the UN General Assembly resolution, We recall that 2 resolutions on the Korean issue were adopted at the session, and resorting to only one certain provision, just one resolution out of context, misrepresents the fact. Second, I would like to point out that it is the DPRK that has continued to develop its unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolution. In this situation, as our security is threatened, the US is maintaining ROK-US combined defense and deterrence posture, including the conduct of combined training and exercise. I thank you.

I thank you. And I now have on my list the Syrian Arab Republic. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The representative of Israel this morning stated that the Israeli presence in the separation zone was temporary, but temporary until when? No one knows. And limited to what extent? No one can answer that either. And the representative of Israel said that this presence is a defensive measure. And we're wondering, defensive against whom?

No one.

Against a threat that doesn't exist. There's the 1974 agreement. If that agreement is implemented by Israel, if it were, there would be sufficient guarantees for Israel and for Syria in the Separation zone. Well, whichever line— side of the line we're talking about, Alpha or Bravo, but Israel attacks civilians and I haven't yet referred to all of these measures. There are abductions of farmer folk, Syrian shepherds. Their livelihoods are undermined. Israel controls their water resources. in addition to natural reserves, very longstanding reserves. What's the link between these measures and defense? And what's the— what's Israel's goal? Thank you.

Thank you. This was the last right of reply. The committee has thus concluded at this stage the consideration of agenda item Thank you. I take this opportunity to thank all delegations for delivering concise statements today so that we were able to finish the list of speakers in the general debate. The committee will reconvene tomorrow at 10 AM in this conference room to consider agenda item 52 entitled Comprehensive Review of Special Political Missions. We will first hear a briefing by the Secretariat tomorrow Followed by an interactive dialogue, and then we will move to the general debate on SPMs, followed by the action on the draft resolution. The meeting is adjourned.