Fourth Committee, 20th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 81st session

Thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues, good afternoon. If we may please start the meeting. The 20th meeting of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee is called to order. This afternoon, the Committee will continue its general debate on agenda item 49, entitled “Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects.” Before I give the floor to the first speaker today, 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. We still have a long list of speakers, and for maximum utilization of our time and to hear as many speakers as possible, I strongly appeal to all delegations to deliver shorter versions of their statements and to submit the full text to eStatements@un.org for posting in the UN Journal. And with this, I would like to now hand the floor to the first speaker on my list, that being the Russian Federation, on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations. You have the floor.

Madam Chair, the Russian Federation has the honour to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations. Madam Chair, UN peacekeeping operations, despite all the challenges they face today, continue to be one of the key tools for maintaining international peace and security. We pay tribute to all those Blue Helmets who sacrificed their lives in the name of the highest goal of saving other people's lives. We emphasize the fundamental value of the three basic principles of peacekeeping: consent of the parties, impartiality, and the non-use of force, except in self-defense and in defense of a mandate. We stress that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without addressing the structural drivers and root causes of conflict. We also ought to insist that we remain gravely concerned that acts of aggression, External interference, neo-colonial practices, and the imposition of unilateral coercive measures continue to undermine peace, sovereignty, and development, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. We reaffirm that peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts must be free from any form of political conditionality, tutelage, or interference, and must instead be based on international solidarity, cooperation, and genuine partnership. We draw attention to the Secretary General's review of the future of all peace operations. We believe that the recommendations presented in it must be carefully developed during fully-fledged consultations with Member States. We would like to remind you that the main platform for developing the key approaches to peacekeeping remains the Special Committee of the UN General Assembly. which working methods are based on the principle of consensus. We note with concern the growing number of attacks on peacekeepers in recent years. We express our firm commitment to the safety and security of blue helmets, and strongly condemn any attacks against peacekeepers. We demand a thorough investigation of all such cases and holding those responsible accountable, regardless of their nationality or status. We also renew our support for the policy of zero tolerance and condemnation of sexual and any other type of exploitation and abuse by the United Nations personnel throughout the system, as well as by non-United Nations forces serving under a mandate approved by the Security Council, within the framework of UN peacekeeping operations and other international forces deployed in the field. We advocate the development of strategic partnership relations between peacekeeping missions and host States, based on respect for their sovereignty and independence. We reject attempts to use peacekeeping operations to impose external ideological frameworks and interfere in the internal affairs of States. We emphasize that assistance in the development of States’ institutions should be based mainly on the request of the host state. We also stress that the role of UN peacekeeping operations should be focused on the affected state, which should be viewed not as victims in need of protection, but as a fundamental actor in defining and implementing a long-term peace and development project. in exercise of their sovereignty and in accordance with their respective national plans, priorities and strategies. Madam Chair, we would like to remind you that the main tasks of peacekeeping operations are related to politics and security. In the context of the ongoing liquidity crisis, it is necessary to take long overdue decisions to transfer tasks that are not core for peacekeepers, including human rights monitoring, assessment of climate risks, and promoting the women's and youth agendas to the relevant UN programmes and funds based on the requests from host States. These freed-up resources will help mitigate the painful consequences of the recent reductions in troops, which have negatively affected the ability of missions to fulfil their mandate. We call for continued efforts to be made by relevant UN departments to strengthen equitable geographical representation in UN peacekeeping personnel at all levels, including leadership, inter alia, by facilitating the participation of interested Member States with limited or no current contribution to peacekeeping personnel, while maintaining the highest standards of qualifications, skills and performance. We note that the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2719 was an important milestone in the alignment of the UN and the African Union in the field of peacekeeping. We advocate for the transition to the practical implementation of the resolution's potential, based on consensus among the Africans themselves, the support of the Council, and the unequivocal consent of host states. We recognize the important role of cooperation in the field of UN peacekeeping with relevant regional and subregional organizations that have a unique understanding of regional specifics based on Chapter VIII of the UN Charter. We call for an expansion of the practice of peacekeeping missions using joint communications with host states, which helps to strengthen trust in peacekeepers and reduces the space for the dissemination of unreliable information in the public domain. We emphasize the importance of carefully taking into account the fair criticism of the local population and authorities regarding the activities of the mission, in order to use this feedback to improve the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. Madam Chair, in conclusion, we would like to express the hope that the upcoming UN Secretary-General will pay special attention in his work to the issue of preserving the important role and achievements of UN peacekeeping, and will carefully consult with Member States on all possible reform measures in this area. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation for his statement and for also keeping the statement relatively short for a group. I would like now to hand the floor to the next speaker on my list, being South Africa.

Thank you, madam Chairperson. South Africa aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Kingdom of Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. At the outset, Teppes and our delegation would like to pay tribute to the Blue Helmets throughout the world who have paid the ultimate price in service to the cause of peace. We recognize the real and dangerous costs of keeping the peace in these challenging times of increasingly sophisticated asymmetrical conflicts, fragmented geopolitics, and advances in emerging technologies. The use of technologically advanced weaponry necessitates that the UN enhance the capabilities of its peacekeeping missions to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers as a priority, but it should also leverage its use to prevent and combat misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech. We further deplore attacks against peacekeepers that resulted in the loss of lives, as was the case in Lebanon and South Sudan this year, and call upon Member States to ensure accountability for attacks against keepers, including through the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2589 of 2021. Chairperson, South Africa was pleased to co-sponsor Security Council resolution 2823 on the safety and security of peacekeepers, which, among others, established a senior focal point in the UN Secretariat on accountability for crimes against personnel serving peacekeeping operations. We look forward to an engagement on enhancing the use of existing mechanisms. We reaffirm, in the context of mission reconfigurations and drawdowns, as is currently the case with peacekeeping missions in the Western Sahara and in Lebanon at the end of December this year, that the safe and orderly withdrawal of personnel is of paramount importance. Although in the case of Western Sahara, the conditions are less than ideal, given the abrupt nature of the termination of the mission. We urge that measures be put in place to prevent security gaps and regression in the progress achieved in stabilizing the region. It is for this reason that we underline the critical role of UN’s peacebuilding architecture, particularly the Peacebuilding Commission, in supporting the transition processes. Chairperson, as peacekeeping missions continue to be challenged by the changing nature of conflict, we should remain steadfast in our quest to improve peacekeeping operations as a tool for fulfilling the mandate of the UN Charter to maintain peace. It is vital that mandates of peacekeeping mission match the requests from host states and are responsive to local contexts and realities. Consultations with host states, both during the elaboration of mandates and implementation thereof, would maximize the success of peace operations by ensuring that the agreed mandates are realistic, attainable within a given period, and adaptable. Needless to say, the centrality of a political process together with a commitment and political will of all parties to the conflict, is critical to the restoration as well as the maintenance of peace. In this context, we also call for the involvement of troop-contributing and police-contributing countries in the elaboration of peacekeeping mandates and underscore the need for mandates to be adequately resourced. Madam Chair, this year marks the review of the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2719, which is yet to be fully implemented. In this regard, we appreciate the update provided by UN Under-Secretary-General Atul Karre on a stakeholder roundtable organized between the UN and AU in Brindisi earlier this year. on the modalities for the implementation of resolution 2719, and take note of the assessment of the continental logistic base located in Douala, Cameroon. We call for the full implementation of the resolution 2719 and for close cooperation between the UN and regional organizations, in particular the AU, in line with chapter 8 of the UN Charter. Chairperson, the international community marks the 26th anniversary of the adoption of UNSC Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security this year. We remain concerned about the regression in the implementation of the resolution and call for renewed commitment and practical measures for the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation and leadership of women in peace processes given their unique contribution anchored in the Secretary-General's gender parity strategy. The participation and leadership of women will strengthen peacekeeping efforts and support efforts to end sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as sexual harassment. South Africa is committed to the highest standards of conduct and has zero tolerance for such actions. We continue to call for a commitment to the implementation of resolution 1325 to strengthen these peacekeeping missions. As we look to the future, we welcome the co-hosting of the Ministerial Pledging Conference by Indonesia and the Netherlands during 2027. We also look forward for an engagement on the Secretary-General’s report on the review of all UN peace operations pursuant to Action 21 of the Pact of the Future, which South Africa contributed towards, as well as the continued implementation of the latest iteration of the action for peacekeeping implementation strategy. As I conclude, Chairperson, South Africa remains concerned about the growing instability and the recent increase in conflict. Yet, our commitment to the multilateral system is unwavering, as is our belief in the three pillars of the UN Charter. We stand ready to support the peacekeeping efforts of the United Nations and regional organization for a better world. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa for her statement, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica.

Madam Chair, at a time where the UN peacekeeping is facing the greatest pressure of its history, Costa Rica reaffirms its commitment to this essential instrument of multilateral instrument and to the principles of the Charter that underpin it and to the staff that make it possible. Costa Rica highlights the presentation in August of the report of the Secretary General and his vision for the future of peace operations before the General Assembly. It opens an opportunity for us to think about adapting these instruments to current challenges. We share his call to renew the emphasis on preventive diplomacy and to establishing peace, and to settling disputes. Peace operations do not substitute political solutions, but rather they should support them. Peace is only lasting when it prevents conflict and when it strengthens what has been achieved and the capacity for mediation of the organization. This should be a priority for whoever takes up the role of SG in 2027. Allow me to highlight four priorities. Firstly, Costa Rica underscores the importance of alliances. United Nations cannot hold up peace operations on its own, even more so at a time where there is a simultaneous reduction of resources and staff. We welcome the deepening of coordination with regional and sub-regional organizations, in particular through the application of Resolution 2719 of 2023 of the Security Council. and broadening of the Triangular Alliances program. This coordination should be more structured and predictable. It should be underpinned by joint planning and should be extended throughout the life cycle of missions. Secondly, Costa Rica reaffirms its commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. And participation, full, equal, secure, and meaningful participation of women is not just a question of equity. It strengthens the operational efficacy, it broadens the capacity of missions in terms of its relations with local communities, and it contributes to more lasting peace agreements. Reconfiguration of missions should not lead to setbacks in this area. We encourage the safeguarding of what has been achieved in the area of participation of women in terms of planning transitions, strengthening data gathering about the roles that they play, including leadership, and ensuring accountability for mission leadership. And thirdly, Costa Rica gives priority to peacekeeping. The withdrawal of a mission does not put an end to the international commitment. Any operation should be deployed with a viable transition plan, and it should be planned from the outset with the host country and TCCs and PCCs, as well as other forces in the country. A sustainable transition means that we should support the security institutions and the rule of law, ensure coherence with the architecture of peacebuilding, and it should have adequate and predictable financing, always under the principle of national ownership. Costa Rica advocates for transitions that preserve the achievements and that reduce the risk of conflict. For my country, democracy is absolutely fundamental to building pluralist societies that are able to overcome their differences through dialogue. In this spirit, Costa Rica expresses its readiness to cooperate with the relevant bodies of the United Nations in order to share their experience in the area of strengthening capacity building for electoral processes and other democratic processes. Fourthly, Costa Rica calls for the full abidance by international humanitarian law and international law, including support for victims. and peacekeeping staff. This is crucial for peacekeeping operations, and this should be preserved during reductions and transitions, including through effective actions to put an end to violence and conflict-related abuse. staff acts against them could constitute grave violations of international law. Costa Rica advocates for an approach that is focused on people, and those who serve on peacekeeping missions should also be at the center of all decisions. Madam Chair, Costa Rica concludes by paying tribute to the hundreds of thousands of people who are deployed in peacekeeping operations. fulfill a role in very fragile environment, and they do it every day on behalf of us all. What we owe them is not just gratitude. We owe them alliances to share their burden, resources to help them fulfill their mandate, and full equity for everybody serving. of rights should extend to those who are defending these rights. Peacekeeping continues to be one of the most fundamental expressions of multilateralism. Costa Rica reaffirms its conviction that the reform should rather strengthen, rather than weaken, the framework that underpins this. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Costa Rica for his statement, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Morocco and Indonesia on behalf of Non-Aligned Movement and ASEAN respectively. Malaysia remains steadfast in its long-standing commitment to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Since 1960, Malaysia has participated in over 38 peacekeeping operations, deploying approximately 40,000 personnel from the Malaysian Armed Forces and Royal Malaysian Police. Currently, 542 Malaysian peacekeepers serve in various UN missions. The largest contingent is deployed in Southern Lebanon under the UNIFIL, comprising 509 Malaysian personnel serving alongside 21 personnel from Royal Brunei Armed Forces. More than six decades of service reflects Malaysia's enduring commitment to international peace and security. Malaysia reaffirms that United Nations peacekeeping operations must continue to be guided by its basic principles: concern of the parties, impartiality, and the non-use of force except in self-defence and in defence of the mandate. Upholding these principles is essential to maintaining the effectiveness and credibility of peacekeeping operation. Malaysia further underlines that mandate must be clear, focused, realistic, and achievable, and supported by adequate and predictable resources. In this regard, Malaysia welcome the Secretary General 2026 report on the review of the future of all form of United Nations peace operation, which emphasizes the primacy of political solutions, realistic and adaptable mandates, peacekeeper safety and security, capability development, technological adaptation, and stronger partnership. Madam Chair, despite the many challenges facing United Nations peacekeeping, its work remains vital to the people we serve. We pay tribute to the courage and dedication of peacekeepers on the ground, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving under the UN flag. To ensure the continued relevance and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations, Malaysia wishes to underline four points. First, the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers are paramount and non-negotiable. Malaysia is deeply concerned about the threats and attacks faced by peacekeepers in conflict zones. Mission must be provided with adequate resources to fulfill their mandate effectively and safely. As the Malaysia Battalion, MALBAT, prepares to repatriate its personnel and contingent on equipment following the end of UNIFIL's mandate on 31st December 2026, Malaysia emphasizes that the safety and security of peacekeepers must remain central at every stage of the orderly drawdown and withdrawal process. Second, training plays a critical role in strengthening the effectiveness, professionalism, and safety of United Nations peacekeepers. High-quality training, supported by appropriate equipment, enhances preparedness, interoperability, and performance in the field. Knowledge sharing and cooperation among peacekeeping training institutions further strengthen this effort. In this regard, The Malaysia Peacekeeping Centre continues to serve as a leading regional institution for peacekeeping training and capacity building. Third, advanced technology, equipment, and appropriate weaponry can enhance peacekeepers' effectiveness, protection, and deterrence against hostile actors. Institutional framework and policies must evolve alongside this advance to ensure their effective use in line with peacekeeping principles and mission mandates. Fourth, the Women, Peace, and Security agenda must continue to be advanced. Women peacekeepers strengthen engagement and build trust with local communities, particularly women and children. Their contribution across diverse roles enhance the effectiveness, credibility, and inclusivity of peacekeeping mission. In line with the mid-term review of Malaysia Defence White Paper, Malaysia will continue to increase the deployment and meaningful participation of women in current and future peacekeeping mission. In conclusion, Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to United Nations peacekeeping efforts. We stand ready to continue working closely with all partners to strengthen our collective commitment to international peace and security, and remain steadfast in our dedication to this noble endeavour. We owe it ourselves and our stakeholders to ensure that peacekeeping remains effective and able to respond adequately to new and evolving challenges. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Malaysia for his statement, and I would like now to hand the floor to His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Philippines. Ambassador, you have the floor.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. The Philippines aligns itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of ASEAN and Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, and wish to provide the following points in our national capacity. The Philippines reaffirms its steadfast support for UN peacekeeping, one of the organization’s most credible and indispensable instruments for maintaining international peace and security. We honor all peacekeepers around the world who serve under challenging conditions worldwide. The Philippines has contributed to UN peacekeeping operations for over six decades. Since 1963, we have deployed over 14,000 troops in 21 UN peacekeeping and special political missions. For communities affected by conflict, peacekeeping represents more than a mandate. It is a tangible expression of the international community's commitment to protect civilians, uphold stability, and support the pursuit of lasting peace. Yet, mounting economic and political pressures are placing peacekeeping under increasing strain. Reduced mission presence weakens deterrence and drastically exacerbates the situation for vulnerable populations, while disinformation, emerging technologies, and asymmetric threats further complicate environments that peacekeepers operate in. These challenges demand smarter, more coherent, and more sustainable peacekeeping. This requires not only agile and technologically capable forces, but also decisive political engagement, realistic mandates supported by adequate and predictable resources, and stronger cooperation with host countries and regional and sub-regional organizations. We commend the Secretariat's continued efforts to strengthen high-readiness capabilities through the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System. ensuring that pledged capabilities remain fit for increasingly complex operational demands. While the protection of civilians, especially women and children, must remain paramount, the safety and security of peacekeepers must also be ensured. We cannot expect them to fulfil demanding mandates without sufficient personnel, equipment, and resources. We also strongly support women's full, equal, and meaningful participation in peacekeeping, especially in uniformed roles, and the integration of gender perspectives across all aspects of peacekeeping. Women currently constitute 35% of the Philippines' deployed troops, reflecting our commitment to more inclusive and effective peace operations. The Philippines reaffirms its readiness to expand its contributions to UN peace operations, including through non-traditional means and specialized capabilities in response to evolving operational needs. Madam Chair, budget decisions are not merely financial exercises. They have real human consequences. The Philippines therefore emphasizes the need to assess their operational impact and ensure that decisions by member states are informed by realities on the ground. Equally, all member states must fulfill their financial obligations to the organization in a timely manner. We must preserve and strengthen core peacekeeping capabilities, especially in conflict prevention, political engagement, and rapid deployment. Missions must also make the best possible use of available resources through greater operational integration and coordination. Madam Chair, peacekeeping cannot resolve every conflict, but when supported by political will, adequate resources, and collective commitment, it can save lives and create the conditions for peace. The Philippines remains a reliable partner and committed contributor in ensuring that UN peacekeeping remains credible, effective, and responsive to evolving challenges. We must ensure that resource limitations not constrain the United Nations from fulfilling its peacekeeping mandates and responsibilities. Thank you.

I thank you, and I would like now to hand the floor to the next speaker on my list, that being Burkina Faso. You have the floor.

Madam Chair, the Burkina Faso delegation would like to convey to you its sincere congratulations on the remarkable work you are heading up with the Fourth Committee. You can count on our full support and on our active cooperation. Burkina Faso remains firmly committed to the United Nations Charter, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the respect for state sovereignty, and the collective responsibility in maintaining peace. All these are fundamental principles for us. Distinguished delegates, Madam Chair, our world is confronted with an increasing number of geopolitical rivalries, with persistent crises and increasingly complex security threats, in particular terrorism, transnational forms of trafficking, and new technological threats. Given this fairly bleak picture, peacekeeping is a key instrument as part of multilateralism and international solidarity for the people. Nonetheless, to be effective, it must absolutely adapt to the new realities. We are convinced that there is no one-size-fits-all model, and that imposing standardized templates for peacekeeping operations without taking into consideration political, economic, and cultural realities of the theaters of operation, that this can compromise the success of these operations. Distinguished delegates, Burkina Faso welcomes the Secretary-General's vision laid out through the A4P and A4P+ initiatives. The most recent progress report of March 2026 reveals a truth that strikes us all directly: the security of our blue helmets is threatened more than ever by explosive devices and malevolent acts. This Warning calls for a collective and urgent response. For my delegation, three pillars should guide our collective action: the effectiveness of mandates that should be clear and achievable; national ownership, because no lasting peace can be imposed from the outside; and the primacy of political solutions that are a major factor to resolving the root causes of conflicts. Mr. Chair, peacekeeping missions today are no longer deployed in classic environments. They are at the front line facing terrorism, mass disinformation, arms trafficking, IEDs, and drone attacks. Henceforth, we are calling for courageous consideration of the capabilities of the new generation of blue helmets. intelligence, surveillance, medical evacuation, cybersecurity, data analysis, and jamming systems for unmanned vehicles. These tools are crucial, but their deployment must take place within the strict respect for international law, for human rights, and for national legislation. Technology must never replace the law. Furthermore, the performance of a mission should be prepared before the deployment: troop training, their preparation for the realities on the ground, and providing appropriate equipment to them. These are security conditions for troops and for the success of the mission. Mr. Chair, Burkina Faso firmly condemns all attacks against the Blue Helmets. Such attacks harm not only the life of personnel, but also harm the authority of the Security Council and undermine the credibility of the international community. Burkina Faso supports resolutely strengthening prevention means, early warning systems, mine clearance, and aerial and medical capacity. Mr. Chair, I would like now to mention the particular situation of the Sahel, where terrorism, organized crime, climate change, and the illicit circulation of arms are major challenges. Burkina Faso and other members of the Confederation of the Sahel States, confronted with this reality, have chosen sovereignty, strengthening its own capacity and shouldering primary responsibility in combating terrorism. Experience has shown us that a peacekeeping operation cannot, in a lasting manner, replace the state, it must rather contribute to restoring the authority of the state to protecting the population and to creating conditions for lasting peace. Mr. Chair, lasting peace is built in harmony with the people themselves, with their legitimate aspirations, with their culture, with their ownership, ownership by the people of their resources. This is why the countries of the Confederation of the States of the Sahel have undertaken important development changes. which is really the guarantee of true sovereignty. Good governance and social justice are, for our states, major pillars of building nations of peace and of prosperity. This is why our heads of state have undertaken considerable reform in the area of public administration and have made combating corruption an absolute priority to rebuild peace and security. Mr. Chair, Burkina Faso is proud of its historic contribution of its service personnel, its police, and its civilian personnel, contribution to peacekeeping operations of the United Nations. Many people have made the supreme sacrifice. their commitment goes down in history. Our experience forms our belief that a root and branch, pragmatic reform of peacekeeping must give a key role to African contributing countries, in particular by involving triangular partnerships and by a mass strengthening of their capacity. We welcome the commitments taken at the Berlin Conference in May 2025. The These promises, in particular regarding training and security, must now be translated into concrete acts. Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, I would like to conclude by reminding you of two key points. Firstly, women and young people must not just be side players in peace, but rather must be the true architects of prevention and reconstruction. They must not just be extras. Secondly, the protection of civilians must remain the central aim of our mandates by adapting to the specific needs of the most vulnerable. Peacekeeping must reinvent itself. It must be more flexible, better equipped, better protected, and mostly and most importantly, backed up with a political strategy that has been forged in partnership with national policies and priorities in the host countries. Burkina Faso reiterates its availability to contribute to this reform, in the limit of its own means and in conjunction with its national priorities. We remain firmly mobilized to bring about effective, equitable, and a peace that respects our sovereignty.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Burkina Faso. I'd now like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of the Republic of Moldova. Moldova, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, The Republic of Moldova aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and wishes to add the following remarks in its national capacity. My country reaffirms its strong commitment to United Nations peacekeeping. We honor all military, police, and civilian personnel serving under the UN flag and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the service of peace. Their dedication must be matched by political support, adequate resources, and effective protection. We also welcome the ninth Action for Peacekeeping Progress Report. and the A4P implementation strategy. These efforts should help missions carry out their mandates more effectively and guide our work in the Committee and the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations. The Republic of Moldova contributes to these shared efforts through personnel serving in UNMIS, and MINUSCA, and through our contingent in UNIFIL. This experience shows the importance of clear tasks, proper training, and reliable support for all contributing countries, regardless of their size. The Republic of Moldova's commitment to the peaceful settlement of the transnistrian conflict The full respect for our sovereignty and territorial integrity also shapes our support for political solutions based on the UN Charter and international law. Drawing on this experience, my delegation would like to highlight five priorities for making UN peacekeeping more effective. First, peacekeeping can help reduce violence, protect civilians, and create space for dialogue, but lasting peace requires the parties to work toward a political solution. Missions, therefore, need clear political goals and realistic mandates with achievable tasks and priorities. Their work must remain guided by the fundamental principles of UN peacekeeping: consent of the parties, impartiality, and the non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of a mandate. Sustained support from Member States and cooperation from host countries are essential to put these mandates into practice. To this end, regular consultations among the Security Council, the Secretariat, and troop and police contributing countries should guide missions, mission planning, implementation, and transition. Dialogue with the local communities should also inform these efforts, helping missions understand their needs, build trust, and address tensions before they escalate. Second, missions need adequate and predictable resources to carry out their mandates. Funding shortfalls can mean fewer patrols, less contact with communities, and weaker support services, putting both civilians and peacekeepers at greater risk. While respecting the responsibilities of the Fifth Committee, this committee must consider how these constraints affect mandate implementation. Member States need clear information on which activities are being reduced and the risks risks involved. Contributing countries must also be consulted early on changes affecting their personnel and deployment. The Republic of Moldova supports better planning, simpler procedures, and more efficient use of resources. However, efficiency alone cannot close persistent funding gaps. All Member States should pay their assessed contribution in full, on time, and without conditions. Funding shortfalls must not determine by default which MON tasks missions can Third, protecting civilians and ensuring peacekeeper safety requires missions to be prepared and able to act. Early warning must lead to a timely response supported by close contact with communities and the ability to reach people at risk. Changes to deployment, including base closure, must take these protection needs into account. Peacekeepers, in turn, need appropriate equipment, practical training, and reliable support to respond to threats, including unmanned aircraft systems and explosive hazards. Effective base protection, timely casualty and medical evacuation, and access to physical and mental health care are essential. Fourth, women's full, equal, and meaningful participation strengthens these protections. efforts and help missions build trust with communities they serve. My country, the U.S., supports greater representation of women in uniformed and leadership roles, backed by equal opportunities, suitable facilities, and workplaces free from discrimination and harassment. This commitment must also extend to women in local communities. Missions should involve women peacebuilders in dialogue, mediation, early warning, and protection efforts. Preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence must remain also a priority under relevant mandates. Budget cuts and mission restructuring must not reverse progress. or weaken the capacity to implement the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Fifth, delivering on these priorities requires sound planning, effective performance, and accountability. Missions need training suited to their task and regular assessment of results. These assessments should consider personnel readiness and conduct alongside the resources and conditions in which they operate. Accountability also means upholding the highest standards of conduct. We support the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and prevention, prompt investigation, accountability, and a victim-centered response must remain priorities, even under financial pressure. Technology and clear communication can further improve missions’ effectiveness. Accurate information and regular dialogue with communities help build trust and counter disinformation that endangers personnel and undermines their work. Strong partnerships with the regional organizations Contributing countries and UN country teams can support these efforts, particularly when missions draw down or leave. The transfer of responsibility must be carefully planned and backed by the capacity and resources needed to sustain progress. Madam Chair, UN peacekeeping remains a shared responsibility. Its future depends on our willingness to turn commitments into action and respond together to changing needs on the ground. The Republic of Moldova will continue to play its part in this collective effort for peace. And I thank you.

Thank you. I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal for their intervention.

Madam Chair, Nepal aligns itself with the statement delivered by Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and wishes to add the following in its national capacity. At the outset, I thank the Under-Secretary-General for their comprehensive briefings yesterday. Madam Chair, For nearly eight decades, UN peacekeeping has evolved as an indispensable instrument for maintaining international peace and security. a visible symbol of multilateralism in action, and a beacon of hope for millions affected by conflict and instability. Across the world's most challenging conflict hotspots, our blue helmets continue to serve with courage and dedication in protecting civilians, supporting peace processes, mediating disputes, and helping in reconstruction. Nepal pays solemn tribute to all peacekeepers for serving humanity with professionalism, commitment, and sacrifice. We deeply honor those who laid their precious lives in the line of duty and wish a swift recovery for the injured. Madam Chair, UN peacekeeping faces unprecedented challenges amid geopolitical tensions, financial constraints, growing security threats, and increasingly complex mandates. Despite these pressures, we commend the efforts to sustain operational continuity and underscore the importance of inclusive, structured, multi-stakeholder consultations, particularly with troops and police contributing countries. For about seven decades, Nepal's engagement in UN peacekeeping have remained a clear manifestation of our unwavering commitment to the UN Charter, international law, and humanity's collective security. We take pride in contributing over 183,000 Nepali peacekeepers in 44 missions for the cause of global peace. Unfortunately, 87 of them have made their ultimate sacrifice. These are not merely statistics. They embody our enduring commitment to peace, human dignity, and civilian protection. Despite recent reductions in deployment, Nepal's commitment to global peace and security remains unwavering as ever. Madam Chair, Nepal fully supports the UN Strategy for Digital Transformation of Peacekeeping, recognizing its potential to enhance situational awareness, real-time decision-making, and force protection. Under this framework, we have pioneered the integration of telemedicine and AI-based systems in peacekeeping. Our telemedicine pilot project, initiated in support of ONDOF and UNSMIL, has helped expand medical support, and real-time consultation capabilities for personnel deployed in remote and high-risk areas. Through solar-powered facilities in UNMISS and at the Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre, Nepal continues to advance environmentally responsible and energy-efficient peace operations, aligned with the UN’s Green Peacekeeping Goals and UN Environment Strategy for Peace Operations. As one of the leading contributors of UN women peacekeepers, Nepal remains committed to advancing women peace and security agenda through gender parity, inclusion, and diversity. We uphold zero tolerance against sexual exploitation and abuse, reinforce conduct and discipline through training, and contribute regularly to the UN Trust Fund in support of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse. Madam Chair, We underscore the importance of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, C-34, for reviewing peace operations and charting out actionable recommendations. We welcome the adoption of the C-34 report by consensus in its last substantive session. While reaffirming our commitment to civilian protection frameworks, A4P and A4P+ initiatives, we express full confidence in our peacekeepers who are well-versed in the principles and practices of the POC mandate. We appreciate the reaffirmation of the continued relevance of the peacekeeping operations as a vital tool for maintaining international peace and security in the UN Secretary-General's report on the review of the future of all forms of UN peace operations. Madam Chair, in this context, let me underscore a few priorities for action. First, peace operations cannot succeed without strong political will. UN system-wide coordination, and open dialogues among conflicting parties. This calls for an integrated approach to UN peace operations, the peacebuilding process, and preventive diplomacy with a clear political strategy. The Security Council must ensure coherence between mandates and resources, and use its collective influence to advance political solutions across the peace continuum. Second, Peacekeeping missions should be accorded clear, sequenced and prioritized mandates. Abrupt troop reductions without corresponding adjustments to mandates risk undermining mission effectiveness and could endanger peace, lives of civilians, and peacekeepers themselves. Nepal therefore underscores that the drawdown, transition, or closure of peacekeeping operations must be carefully planned, undertaken in consultation, and guided by realities on the ground to avoid creating security vacuums, undermining peacekeeping gains, or compromising the protection of civilians. We hold the view that downsizing the strength of peace missions should never compromise their mandates. Third, forging local and regional partnerships, sharing best practices, and implementing coherent field level planning are essential to building trust and navigating conflicts towards sustainable peace. Fostering nationally led and owned peace processes, investing in capacity building, including language proficiency, and co-creating sustainable solutions to peace through women, youths, and local peace builders is equally important. Fourth, Nepal reiterates its strong condemnation of attacks against UN peacekeepers, mission premises, and urges coordinated responses to combat mis- and disinformation. The safety, security, and morale of peacekeepers must remain central in mission planning, including during transitions and drawdowns. We stress the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 2589 and 2823 to ensure accountability and end impunity for crimes against them. We must strengthen force protection measures, intelligence capabilities, and hold the guilty accountable. Fifth, peacekeeping missions must be provided with adequate, predictable, and sustained financing commensurate with their mandates. The contingency-driven reductions in uniformed personnel and critical capabilities should not undermine mandate delivery, civilian protection, safety, and security of peacekeepers. We call upon all Member States to fulfill their assessed contributions in full and on time. Further, we encourage investment in environment-friendly and innovative peacekeeping solutions to strengthen sustainability, well-being, and operational readiness of peacekeepers. In closing, Madam Chair, Peacekeeping is fundamentally a political instrument, and its effectiveness rests on clear mandates, adequate resources, national ownership, and genuine cooperation among Member States, host countries, and parties to the conflict. Peace operations must adapt to new realities while remaining responsive, inclusive, and grounded in national ownership and legitimacy. Nepal reaffirms its unwavering commitment to strengthening UN peacekeeping through sustained political will, partnership, and shared responsibility. Let us ensure that peacekeeping remains not merely an instrument for managing conflicts, but a bridge towards lasting peace, inclusive development, and human dignity. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nepal for his intervention, and before giving the floor to the next speaker, I would like to once again flag that this year's list of speakers has grown substantially compared to the last two years. Some statistics that I have been provided by the Secretariat indicate that we now have a total of 90 speakers inscribed in the list, whereas at the last two sessions we had 74 and 71 speakers inscribed respectively. While I welcome this interest in the agenda item, I strongly, and I have to repeat, I strongly appeal again to all delegations to deliver shorter versions of their statements and to submit the full text to eStatements@un.org for posting in the UN journal. I would like now to hand the floor to the next speaker on my list, who is Pakistan. Your Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. We thank the USGs of DPO, DOS, and DMSPC for their briefings and for their continued support to the United Nations peacekeeping. Pakistan brings to this debate the perspective of both a major troop-contributing country and a host state. For over six decades, more than 170,000 Pakistani Blue Helmets have served under the UN flag, and 183 have made the ultimate sacrifice. Pakistan also hosts United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, UNMOGIP, mandated to observe the ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir. We have also contributed actively to peacekeeping policy. including by leading several Security Council initiatives aimed at strengthening this instrument. Madam Chair, today peacekeeping is under real pressure. No new mission has been established since 2014. Several major operations have closed down or drawn down, most recently MINUSO and UNIFIL, and political and financial constraints have grown more acute. And yet, the relevance of peacekeeping remains as crucial as ever. Peacekeeping has always moved through the cycles of expansion, adaptation, and retrenchment. The recent resort to regional coalitions of the willing and other ad hoc operations underscore the continuing need for peacekeeping on the ground. What is needed is the political will in the Security Council to use this important instrument when circumstances require. We also know that peacekeeping has worked and has proven cost-effective. From Namibia and Sierra Leone to Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, and Timor-Leste, UN operations have helped countries move from conflict towards stability. Pakistani peacekeepers have proudly served in many of these missions. Madam Chair, there is broad realization that peacekeeping must adapt to changing conflict dynamics, operational demands, and financial realities. In this context, the Secretary-General’s review provides an important opportunity to reform and strengthen peacekeeping. Pakistan supports reform to make missions more effective, cost-efficient, technologically capable, and responsive to changing conflict environments. Allow me to make six points in this regard. First, we welcome the Secretary-General review report’s emphasis on peacemaking and the primacy of politics. Political solutions must remain the ultimate objective of peacekeeping missions, but political processes and peacekeeping should not be treated as mutually exclusive. Peacekeeping can help stabilize the political environment by deterring escalation, protecting civilians, sustaining ceasefires, and preserving space for negotiations. The two should reinforce each other. Second, Pakistan supports clearer prioritization and more focused mandates, but focused mandates should mean better and efficient peacekeeping. Political objectives should determine mandates, mandates should determine capabilities, and capabilities should be matched with adequate resources. There is no one-size-fits-all model. We should not begin with a financial ceiling and then shrink the mandates and capabilities to fit it. At the same time, missions must reduce duplication, improve performance and accountability, streamline processes, and use technology and regional partnerships more effectively. The argument about rationalization should be used to further the objectives of peace. It should not be instrumentalized against the very presence of United Nations. Their longstanding disputes remain unresolved. Their priority should be a renewed push for their peaceful and political settlement in accordance with the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions. Arguing against United Nations presence, even implicitly, is at cross purposes with the very objectives of the UN Charter. Success lies in resolving disputes by enabling a stronger and more effective UN peacekeeping role rather than attempting to scuttle its role. Third, reform must preserve the comparative advantages that make UN peacekeeping unique: universal legitimacy, assessed and predictable financing, established command, logistics, and accountability systems, and the ability to generate trained troops, police, and specialized capabilities from across the membership. These advantages took decades to build. But they can also be lost. Predictable financing is already under strain. If missions continue to contract, TCCs and PCCs cannot indefinitely maintain troops, equipment, standby arrangements, and specialized capabilities for uncertain future deployment. Once lost, these capacities cannot simply be recreated when the next crisis emerges. Efficiency and cost reduction must therefore strengthen peacekeeping. not hollow out the capabilities that give UN peacekeeping its unique value. Fourth, we must prepare today for the capabilities peacekeeping will need tomorrow. We welcome the Secretary-General's proposed study of future military and police requirements. It should be practical, forward-looking, and undertaken in close consultation with TCCs and PCCs, and should inform future force generation, training, equipment, and pledges. Fifth, the safety and security of peacekeepers and accountability for crimes against them remain essential. Security Council resolution 2823, led by Pakistan and Denmark, was adopted unanimously and co-sponsored by a record 153 member states. We welcome the Secretary-General's subsequent report and the designation of ASG Elisabeth Speer as senior focal point. The focus must now be on implementation, stronger investigations, prosecutions, better case tracking, support to national capacities, and sustained attention to unresolved cases. Sixth, peacekeeping must remain a genuinely collective United Nations instrument. This year, C-34 again achieved consensus. Together with the broad support demonstrated for resolution 28/23, this shows that despite geopolitical divisions, the wider UN membership remains committed to peacekeeping. C-34 remains the universal intergovernmental forum where troop and police contributors, financial contributors, host states, and the wider membership collectively shape peacekeeping policy. That overwhelming support should matter. Peacekeeping should not become a casualty of geopolitical divisions. It remains one of the few instruments through which decisions taken in New York translate into presence, credibility, and influence on the ground. Madam Chair, this is therefore a moment for reform, but reform with strategic purpose. We should build on peacekeeping's strengths, not weaken them. When the next ceasefire, political settlement, or crisis requires a credible international presence, the United Nations must still have the capacity to respond effectively. Peacekeeping remains a vital, effective, and cost-efficient means for ensuring peace and security. We should ensure that the current SG review further improves its effectiveness. We will need this instrument again. We should ensure that it is ready when we do. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan for his intervention, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of Peru.

Peru shares the firm conviction of strengthening the multilateral commitment to the Charter of the United Nations preventive diplomacy, and peaceful settlement of disputes, and the principle of security. This has been reaffirmed by our President, Fujimori, before the General Assembly just a few weeks ago. We consider that peacekeeping is not just a tool, but rather a shared responsibility and a moral imperative. It is crucial that we strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the Security Council, the Secretariat, and PCCs and TCCs with a view to leading peace operations as precise goals, coherent objectives, and innovative responses. The participation of Peru in peacekeeping operations is underpinned by a state policy that is coherent and permanent. It is also important that we promote a climate of peace and security globally, regionally, and sub-regionally, giving priority to political stability and building trust. For our country, it is crucial for peacekeeping operations. to be accompanied by an integrated, holistic strategy that allows us to address in the best possible way the underlying root causes of conflicts, such as the illicit exploitation of natural resources, transnational criminal activity, and terrorism. In this context, the Blue Helmets have the primary role of protecting the civilian population in complex environments characterized by the proliferation of armed groups. a worsening of the rule of law and extreme violence and exclusion. This protection should be complemented by support for the authorities, national authorities, in their responses and safeguarding vulnerable populations while fulfilling mandates and also the promotion of the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in peace processes. For this reason, Peru supports the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and we are actively driving the presence of women in peacekeeping operations. In this regard, we have surpassed the goals set up by the United Nations for the deployment of women, achieving 17% of General participation of female officers in our operations. Chair, Peru's commitment to the UN's peace operations dates back to 1968. where 10 military observers were deployed as part of the military observation mission in Lebanon as part of our support for multilateralism. Since then, our country has contributed with over 10,000 staff in more than 20 missions over four different continents. At present, there are 210 members of national armed forces and police deployed in five peacekeeping operations in the Central African Republic. in the DRC, in South Sudan, in Abyei, and in Lebanon, and also a special political mission in Colombia. This reaffirms our conviction that is unwavering, our conviction and belief in multilateralism and collective security. I also must highlight that Peru has an engineering group of 180 staff that is deployed in MINUSCA in the Central African Republic, and this contributes decisively to the mobility and rehabilitation of infrastructure and essential logistics operations, both for the mission and for the host government. This company clears explosive devices, and this is crucial for the protection of civilians and the survival of the mission. In addition to this effort, there are 30 officers deployed as military observers and international observers and officers, and they fulfil their role with professionalism. Furthermore, Peru has a fast reaction force of 200 staff qualified by the United Nations at level four at the readiness level. This group meets the highest level of equipment and readiness for immediate deployment ahead of critical emergencies in conflict zones. I'd also like to highlight that this year, the Training Centre for Peace Operations, CECOPAZ, based in Peru, led the international training course for trainers for military observers of the United Nations. And we had the valuable support of the Peace Operations Department of the United Nations, and we had 20 staff from seven different countries in South America. This centre offers a range of academic programmes in accordance with UN standards. Madam Chair, as we did 53 years ago when we deployed the Peruvian battalion in the Sinai, we reaffirm our historic commitment to the UN’s peacekeeping operations. bringing contingents that are duly qualified, disciplined, and respectful of the populations in the areas and the populations of the countries that host them. I thank you.

Your Excellency, I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of Singapore.

Singapore aligns itself with the statements delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. and the statement by Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Madam Chair, UN peacekeeping remains vital to our collective efforts to maintain international peace and security. The Blue Helmets have served in some of the world’s most challenging environments, where conflict persists, trust is fragile, and peace remains elusive. They have protected civilians, supported political processes, and laid the foundations for durable peace. Often, they have done so at great personal risk. But the world is more divided and dangerous than ever. Amid sharpening geopolitical turbulence and conflict, peacekeepers are being called upon to operate in increasingly challenging environments, often under severe resource constraints. Singapore honours the men and women who serve under the UN flag. We remember with gratitude those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace. These realities highlight the importance of ensuring that UN peacekeeping operations remain effective, adaptable, and adequately equipped to fulfill their mandates, while protecting the very people we entrust with carrying them out. Singapore welcomes the Secretary-General’s review on the future of all forms of United Nations peace operations. The review offers a timely opportunity to consider how the UN’s peacekeeping operations can be improved to meet new demands and evolving challenges. The measure of its success will lie in translating its recommendations into tangible and practical improvements that strengthen the effectiveness of peace operations. In this regard, Singapore would like to highlight three considerations. First, peacekeeping operations must have clear political objectives, supported by focused and adaptable mandates. Peace operations can help stabilize fragile conflict situations, support dialogue, and create conditions for political progress. But they cannot substitute for political solutions or for the political will of the parties concerned. Singapore therefore supports the Review’s call for greater emphasis on peacemaking and preventive diplomacy, stronger partnerships with host states, and mandates that are tailored to ground realities. Peace operations must also be delivered in tandem with the UN’s wider efforts in mediation, peacebuilding, and development. so that progress made during a mission can endure long after its conclusion. Second, we must equip peacekeepers to deliver on their mandates. Singapore supports the Review’s emphasis on improving operational agility and cost efficiency, particularly amidst growing resource constraints. However, the drive for efficiency must never come at the cost of operational effectiveness or the safety of peacekeepers. Technology can be a force multiplier for peacekeeping, but such innovation must be deployed responsibly with appropriate safeguards and human oversight. Finally, we must strengthen accountability for attacks against peacekeepers, which cannot be tolerated. Singapore is deeply concerned by the growing threats to peacekeepers, including deliberate attacks against them. While stronger operational safeguards are essential, we must also address impunity. to deter future attacks and safeguard the lives of those serving under the UN flag. Singapore therefore co-sponsored Security Resolution 2823, which was adopted unanimously with the support of more than 150 Member States. The resolution reflects a strong collective commitment to ending impunity for attacks against peacekeepers, including by improving how attacks are documented, investigated, and prosecuted. We must translate this commitment into action. This requires close cooperation among host states, the UN, and troop and police contributing countries, in accordance with applicable national and international law. Madam Chair, as a small state with limited manpower resources, Singapore recognizes that maintaining international peace and security is a shared responsibility. Since 1989, more than 2,000 Singapore military and police personnel have served in 17 peacekeeping and observer missions in areas where our capabilities can make a difference. These include the provision of medical support, serving as military advisors for national reconciliation, and supervising UN-sponsored elections. We remain committed to supporting UN peacekeeping that is effective, adequately resourced, and responsive to evolving challenges. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Singapore also for having quite a relatively short statement. Thank you. I would like now to hand the floor to the next speaker on my list, that being Saudi Arabia. You have the floor.

Madam Chair, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia appreciates the effort made by the United Nations especially the peacekeeping operations, to promote international peace and security in light of the evolving challenges that threaten stability in different corners of the globe. This is exemplified in the international armed conflicts, civil wars, and the terrorist militias that lead to the instability of states and violate their sovereignty. From this vein, the Kingdom stresses the need for greater international effort and concerted effort to promote the role of peacekeepers so that they can effectively respond to such challenges. Madam Chair, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as a founding member of the United Nations, is keen to ensure that the UN will successfully implement its principles, including our commitment through our contributions to the organization and its specialized agencies, especially when it comes to peacekeeping operations. We provide political and logistical support to the peacekeeping operations. We respond to any appeals for urgent humanitarian assistance all over the world. Thanks to such efforts, we have supported a number of countries that had sacrificed from the scourge of war, such as Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, and other countries. all over the world. This comes based on the principles underpinning my country's foreign policy that aim at supporting international legitimacy, to maintain international peace and security, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Everybody knows that such principles are the basis for the work of the peacekeeping operations. Madam Chair, we cannot turn a blind eye to the challenges facing peacekeepers in conflict zones. They have faced huge challenges and dangers while undertaking their tasks. Recently, we have seen an increase in attacks against international personnel in peacekeeping operations. A number of them have made the ultimate sacrifice. This reflects the level of danger that they are facing. This is in contradiction to international legitimacy and the principles of international law. Protecting those personnel is not just a moral duty, instead, it's a necessity to ensure the maintenance of peacekeeping operations and provide humanitarian assistance. These are important elements to ensure that they will continue undertaking their duties effectively and efficiently, whether for peacekeeping operations or providing humanitarian assistance. To conclude, Madam Chair, the Kingdom underlines the need to have more effective strategies that provide a safe environment for peacekeeping operations. It will ensure the sustainability of our effort to bring about sustainable peace and promote the ability of the international community to counter challenges. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia for his succinct remarks, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, Uruguay reiterates its firm support for peacekeeping. It is one of the most effective and visible instruments of the United Nations for supporting lasting political solutions and for protecting populations affected by conflict. It is a commitment that my country has maintained for decades, and today this translates into contingents deployed in MINUSCO and UNDOF, as well as office observers and staff officers in other missions. This debate is taking place at a decisive moment. In July, the SG presented a review on the future of all forms of UN peace operations that was called for in the Path for the Future. Uruguay welcomes it and shares its diagnosis. Conflicts are more complex and protracted, with non-state actors and increasingly sophisticated technological threats, divisions in the Security Council, and a liquidity crisis that since the autumn of 2025 has forced the repatriation of thousands of troops. We also share its central conclusion: peace operations should be more agile, targeted, flexible, and cost-effective without losing sight of their raison d’être, which is to support political solutions and protect civilians. It is now down to us to translate those recommendations into decisions. For Uruguay, the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, the C-34, continues to be the principal body for comprehensively reviewing all aspects of peace operations. From the perspective of a troop contributing country, a TCC, I would like to highlight five axes. First, clear and realistic mandates supported by political strategy. Mandates should be limited, prioritized, and adaptive with appropriate resources and having the protection of civilians and human rights as a priority. They should reflect the voice of host states and TCCs and PCCs through a structured dialogue with the Security Council. As put forward in the review, in this regard, we call for the Council and the Secretariat to systematically consult with contributing countries at each mission before renewing their mandates, starting with the upcoming renewals. We call on members of the Security Council to preserve the unity around mandates that have the consent of the host state and to respect the basic principles of peacekeeping. This should include exit strategies and transition plans from the outset, and these should be developed together with the host state and the United Nations system in order to avoid both an indefinite stay of missions and abrupt withdrawals that would undo any gains that have been made. The MONUSCO mandate will be renewed in December. The protection of civilians in the east of the country requires troops and capabilities, and in particular, protected mobility and rapid reaction capacity, together with support for the political process and the verification of the ceasefire. Any reduction of the mission should be gradual, agreed with the host country, and it should be conditional. It should depend upon the actual situation on the ground. Secondly, the safety of personnel in the face of evolving threats. Commercial unmanned aerial systems are now used by non-state actors, both for reconnaissance and they are also adapted for attack. Yet missions generally lack detection and countermeasure capabilities. The experience of our mechanized company in Andof Supports a call to equip missions with such capabilities and to reflect this in planning in the Golan. UNDOF remains a factor of stability in a changing environment. We urge the parties to respect the 1974 agreement on the separation of forces and to facilitate freedom of movement and security of personnel, and we urge the Council to support the mission with clarity. We agree with the review that it is unacceptable for personnel to operate in hazardous environments without the necessary equipment, and we support definition of minimum requirements for protective equipment and technologies. We welcome the adoption of Security Council 2823 of the Security Council, which we co-sponsored. There can be no impunity for attacks against peacekeepers, blue helmets, and it is therefore essential that we investigate and ensure accountability for these crimes. Thirdly, reimbursement and contingent equipment. The amendments to the Contingent-Owned Equipment Manual resulting from the 2026 Working Group requires contributing countries to adapt their equipment and documentation Uruguay calls for predictability in this implementation and speed in the processing of amendments, because the ability of countries to sustain their contributions depends upon this. We also recall that arrears in the payment of assessed contributions have a direct impact on the reimbursement of troop contributing countries. We call on all Member States to pay their assessed contributions in full and on time. Fourth, capacity planning. The Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System ranks the capabilities offered by Member States according to levels of readiness, providing predictability to both the Secretariat and contributing countries. Therefore, as pointed out in the review, it is a key tool for achieving more agile missions. The value of the system is measured by the capabilities that are actually deployed. We call on the Secretariat to inform contributing countries in advance of the specific needs of each mission. so that verified pledges can be translated into deployments. Likewise, as a TCC, we call for the selection of military and civilian leadership of missions and for the Secretariat to reflect effective contributions and geographical balance. Uruguay has a rapid reaction mechanized infantry company in the process of being promoted to level three, illustrating our willingness to offer capabilities. Also, Uruguay also makes its training institutes available to other countries, including those in the Latin American region. Fifth, conduct and discipline. Uruguay reiterates a zero tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse. This is a necessary condition for the credibility of our peace operations. We recall the, we support the reviews addressing measures to prevent and address such conduct, including victim assistance and accountability. In that regard, Uruguay cooperates fully with UN investigations. Madam Chair, the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women remains key to the effectiveness, legitimacy, and sustainability of missions, as also highlighted in the review. Uruguay has significantly increased women's participation in its peace operations, in part thanks to the ELSI initiative, we have implemented pioneering measures such as a pilot program to reduce the deployment of parent heads to six months. We are also involved in the development of the concept of mixed gender military units or engagement platoons. And we encouraged the development of a second national plan on women, peace, and security. And under the incorporation of women into our company's patrols facilitated access to the local population and the issuance of credentials to farmers and pastoralists in the area with no precedent in the history of the mission improving the acceptance of the mandate. As we look to the future. Uruguay will continue to participate with a constructive approach and concrete proposals on women, peace, and security, the protection of civilians, and rapid reaction capabilities. This is borne out of our of the direct experience of our blue helmets on the ground. Madam Chair, to conclude, we reaffirm that Member States, as Member States, we have a responsibility to ensure that peace operations fulfill their ultimate purpose of providing political solutions and supporting them and protecting civilians. Uruguay reaffirms its commitment to these and to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We call Member States to work together responsibly towards a more efficient, secure, and resilient peace system. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uruguay, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative.

Of Egypt.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. First and foremost, we support the statement made by Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Madam Chair, our discussion is taking place at a key point in time for UN peacekeeping operations characterized by an increase in conflicts, asymmetric conflicts, and the gap between expectations and resources, in particular in African countries, that's accompanied by unprecedented challenges because of the current liquidity crisis. And the increase in the number of geopolitical tensions that make achieving mandates by the missions difficult. In this context, we welcome the Secretary-General’s review on all forms of – future of all forms of UN peace operations as part of the Pact for the Future. We would stress the importance of the recommendations in terms of the UN dealing with conflict, strengthening peace, and their ability to deal with current and future challenges. We believe that this review is the right time to discuss in an in-depth manner the future of peace operations to make progress pursuant to the priorities of Member States. The C-34 is the international forum, the primary international forum to discuss peacekeeping operations, to guarantee national ownership and to develop a peace system that avoids duplication or the creation of double processes. Egypt, for decades now, has supported UN peacekeeping operations and efforts. We have contributed with troops and police, and we have also been involved in the military components. We've also sent experts to various different peace operations. For more than 60 years now, we have ensured the participation of more than 30,000 personnel in 37 missions in 24 countries. Sixty of our sons have died defending international security. Egypt therefore pays particular importance to safety and security of peacekeeping personnel and calls for accountability for those who commit crimes against them and calls for an end to impunity. This is a shared responsibility. This requires significant cooperation between the United Nations, host countries, and TCCs. We would urge measures to be taken, prevention measures in order to deal with the increasing threats that they are facing, these peacekeepers, in particular drones, hate speech, misinformation, and IEDs. We are calling for the perpetrators of any actions against peacekeepers to be brought to justice. The safety and security of peacekeepers is an integral part of implementation of mandates. Any measure, any operational or financial measure, should in no way lead to undermining mandates or endangering peacekeepers. We pay particular attention to strengthening the strategic partnerships between the UN and the AU in the area of international peace and security. through the primary role played by the African continent in the area of peace, and given the complex challenges that the continent is facing, we are calling for the comparative advantages of each of the two organizations to be tapped into to ensure complementarity pursuant to Chapter 8 of the Charter. All of this must be done as part of the aims of our overall security system. In this context, we reiterate the historic importance of 2719, which has created a peacekeeping funding mechanism so those under the auspices so under the auspices of the AU authorized by the UN Security Council, to shore up the partnership between the two bodies, to share the responsibility, the weight of these operations, and therefore we call for moving from the normative framework of the resolution to practical implementation with predictable funding, appropriate logistics, and as part of cooperation that takes into consideration the particularities of the African continent. This partnership should not be just, it must be based on a comprehensive approach, an approach that links prevention, good offices, peace building as well, and thus, the root causes of conflicts need to be addressed to prevent their recurrence. We would call for strengthening of the relevant frameworks to ensure that African states can participate, to ensure that they can respond effectively to Africa's priorities. There's a need to bolster the capabilities of both bodies so that they can ensure their own responsibilities in the maintenance of international peace and security. We are very seriously concerned regarding the liquidity crisis that the organization is facing and the direct impact it is having on peacekeeping operations, and in particular, the delays in reimbursement to TCCs and the delays in deploying vital forces austerity, even if it's understandable in the current context, austerity must not take place to the detriment of the safety and security of peacekeepers or the effectiveness of peace operations. In this context, Egypt would like to reiterate the need to preserve the collective nature of the financial aspects here, the need to pay what is due on time and in full, and in no way to harm the principles of our shared responsibility of states for peacekeeping operations that they decided to set up. It is also our intent. We are also looking at the role of the United Nations. politically, logistically, and support-wise, it is important that individual states be supported because some of them cannot carry this out by themselves. Medical evacuation, for example, information that's provided on the ground, supply lines, air transport, freight, all of these things are very, very important, in particular in dangerous situations. There's also a need to learn lessons from past and current operations. We have been involved for decades now, and that is very important. We would like to draw your attention to the need for mandates, or rather means to be comparable to the mandates. Madam Chair, the C-34 will undeniably play a very important role in the future in its upcoming session. after 2719. This will be an opportunity to highlight the C34 session that is going to take place every two years. Now, this new formula will enable us to look at what progress has been made, to look at the challenges that remain, and to address developments on the ground and challenges that peacekeeping operations are facing. It furthermore be necessary to strengthen the practical nature of deliberations within the C-34 to ensure that they are still able to guide UN policy in this area. and so that these deliberations do address the new challenges facing us. As a member of the C-34 Bureau, we are going to work without fail in a constructive way to ensure the success of the C-34. This is because This work is the best international forum for looking into peacekeeping. We reiterate our full support for peacekeeping operations and capacity building to address new challenges. We reiterate that the effectiveness of these operations stems from political resolve and from means. from clear mandates that are applicable and from effective partnerships to ensure that peacekeeping remains a key tool in international peacekeeping, I think.

I thank the distinguished representative of Egypt for his remarks, and I would like to once again wholeheartedly plead for shorter statements. We still have 54 speakers on the list between today and Tuesday. So, once again, While we sincerely welcome the interest in this agenda item, I strongly once again appeal to all delegations to deliver shorter versions of their statement and to submit the full text to eStatements@un.org for posting in the UN General. I would like now to hand the floor to the next delegation on my list, that being Indonesia. You have the floor.

Madam Chair. Indonesia lends itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and ASEAN. Guided by our constitution mandate, Indonesia has contributed to UN peacekeeping since 1957, as more than 60,000 Indonesian peacekeepers have served across peacekeeping operations worldwide. At the same time, we are cognizant that UN peacekeeping stands at a critical juncture. Conflicts continue to evolve, Threats are becoming multidimensional, and higher expectations are placed upon peacekeepers. Against this backdrop, we must ensure that the UN peacekeeping remains credible, effective, and responsive in responding to new realities and complex challenges. Allow me to highlight three points. First, peacekeeping must remain firmly connected to political solutions. Peacekeeping cannot and must not be viewed as an end in itself. Its effectiveness ultimately depends on its ability to support sustainable political processes. Decisions on mandate should therefore be informed by meaningful consultations with host countries and contributing countries. ensuring that the missions are equipped with full consent of host countries and address actual needs rather than competing political considerations. This requires a shared commitment from all stakeholders, including the Security Council, troop and police contributing countries, donors, and host countries, as well as closer cooperation with the wider UN system and regional organizations. Second, Peacekeeping must serve as a bridge from stabilization to peacebuilding and sustainable peace. A comprehensive approach to peacekeeping should help create the consolidation for lasting stability through institutional building, capacity development, and national ownership. I should also support coherent transitions, linking security gain on the ground with peacebuilding efforts, ensuring that progress will be sustained beyond a mission’s presence. Sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of all segments of society, including women. As the initiator of Security Council resolution 2538, Indonesia continues to promote the role of women peacekeepers and advance women participation across peace operations and conflict resolution efforts. Third, protecting peacekeepers through deterrence and technology. Indonesia approach the issue of safety and security of peacekeepers with a clear understanding of the risk borne by those who serve in the cause of peace. In this context, we condemn all attacks directed against UN personnel and underscore that such attacks may constitute war crimes. Accountability for such acts must be met by concrete measures to enhance the protection of those serving on the front lines. Peacekeepers must therefore be equipped with the required capabilities to operate safely in increasingly complex environments. Deterrence must be reinforced by operational capabilities through digital tools, real-time situation awareness, early warning systems, and counter-threat technology to protect personnel on the front lines. Madam Chair, in our collective endeavor to address these challenges, Indonesia is honored to host the upcoming UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Jakarta, together with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. as a platform to enhance, to advance strategic reflection, policy reform, and operational capabilities for future peacekeeping. Looking ahead, UN peacekeeping must remain an indispensable tool for international peace and security, supporting not only stability on the ground, but also the goal of sustainable peace. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia for his remarks, and I would like now to hand the floor to Paraguay.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. The Republic of Paraguay reaffirms its commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and we recognize the important contribution that peacekeeping operations make to international efforts to preserve peace and security. We pay tribute to the women and the men who serve in these operations, especially those who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. Madam Chair, at an international context that is marked by increasingly complex conflicts and growing conflicts and financial constraints, we believe it is essential to continue to strengthen the effectiveness and the efficiency of peacekeeping operations, and that we ensure that their mandates address the realities on the ground and that mandates can be implemented with the available resources and capabilities. In this regard, Paraguay highlights the importance of establishing clear, realistic, and achievable mandates with clearly defined objectives and priorities that allow for responsible use of resources and an adequate evaluation of results. We also underscore the importance of guaranteeing the protection of the civilian population in accordance with respective mandates and applicable international law. We also believe that it is essential for peacekeeping operations to be conducted with full respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, especially sovereignty and the territorial integrity of States, and also the fundamental principles that govern such operations, including the consent of the parties. Missions should maintain close cooperation with host States, respecting their national priorities and contributing to strengthening their institutional capacities. National leadership and national ownership are key elements for achieving durable political solutions. Madam Chair, Paraguay recognizes the challenges that are currently facing the peacekeeping system, especially those arising from budgetary constraints and also the increasing operational demands. In this context, we believe it is necessary to promote efficient and transparent management of resources to avoid unnecessary duplication and to strengthen monitoring, performance evaluation, and accountability mechanisms. At the same time, measures aimed at improving efficiency must preserve the capacities that are essential for the fulfillment of mandates. also underscores that the safety and security of deployed personnel must continue to be a fundamental priority of peacekeeping operations. In a context of growing risks and threats on the ground, it is crucial that we ensure that Blue Helmets have the training, equipment, and resources necessary to carry out their duties in a way that is secure, safe, and effective. In this regard, we stress the importance of strengthening risk prevention and mitigation measures, as well as accountability mechanisms. in the face of attacks against UN personnel. Paraguay also reaffirms the importance of maintaining the highest standards of conduct and discipline, including the implementation of the zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse. Madam Chair, as a contributor of military and police personnel, Paraguay reaffirms its commitment to UN efforts to promote international peace and security through the participation of national troops in peacekeeping operations deployed in the DRC, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, and the region of India and Pakistan, and also in the UN Verification Mission in Colombia. This participation represents a concrete expression of our country's commitment to international peace and security, and also it's an expression of the professionalism and vocation for service of the men and women who represent Paraguay under the flag of the United Nations. Under this framework, we emphasize the importance of the training and preparation of personnel, including the work carried out at a national level by the Joint Training Centre for Peace Operations, SECOPAS. Chair, Paraguay recognizes the work of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, the C-34, of which it is a member, and appreciated the adoption of its report for the substantive session 2026. We believe that the C-34 continues to be a crucial forum for the intergovernmental consideration of peacekeeping issues and for formulating recommendations aimed at strengthening their effectiveness. In the context of the review and reform processes currently underway, we believe it is important to ensure an inclusive dialogue between Member States, especially with countries that contribute military and police personnel. and that we preserve the intergovernmental nature of the decisions. In conclusion, Paraguay reaffirms its commitment to continue contributing to international peacekeeping efforts and to work constructively with Member States to promote more efficient operations that are able to support sustainable political solutions for the benefit of the populations that they serve. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Paraguay, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of Argentina. Your Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. At the outset, Argentina wishes to express its appreciation thanks to the mission, the Permanent Mission of Canada, and in particular Ambassador Michael Gould in his capacity as the chair of the working group of the whole of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, the C-34, for the effort and dedication deployed around this issue. Allow me also to thank Brazil for their work as coordinator of the group formed by Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Uruguay in addressing this issue ab hum. We welcome the adoption by consensus of the C-34 report this year, and we hope that this will allow a substantive debate to be held next February on the implementation of the recommendations that were adopted and how to tackle the new challenges that are arising on the ground and at headquarters. Madam Chair, on other occasions, we have highlighted the centrality of the role of the UN in the maintenance of international peace and security. Peacekeeping operations are a key instrument for achieving this goal, and we reaffirm our support for them. That support is political, but it is also concrete, since Argentina has been a historic contributor to peacekeeping operations since 1958. Where over the course of some 70 years, we have deployed more than 70,000 troops and currently are involved in 7 missions with more than 300 personnel, helicopter units, and military equipment. In this regard, we'd like to highlight the following. 1st, we believe that the mandates of the PMOs should be realistic and concise, and at the same time, they should have enough time flexibility to adapt to increasingly complex and asymmetrical conflict environments. At this end, it is key that we properly manage expectations about what missions can and cannot achieve, and we strengthen strategic communications. Another key aspect is planning for the completion of missions prior to their deployment. Secondly, peacekeeping operations should be understood as a key tool within a broader strategy for achieving a lasting peace. This needs to be built by addressing the root causes of conflict through prevention, peace building, and long-term sustained efforts. In this regard, we underscore the importance of continuing to seek synergies and complementarities with other bodies of the United Nations system, such as the Peacebuilding Commission, which allows maximizing efforts and avoiding duplication or inefficiencies. Thirdly, We would like to underscore the importance of continuing to work in a sustainable, close and coordinated way with host countries. Peacekeeping operations should contribute to the strengthening of national capacities, promoting the principle of national ownership, which is the fundamental base of any sustainable peace process. Fourthly, we should redouble our efforts for the protection of civilians. Operations should be adequately equipped and trained. to respond to violence against the civilian population and to provide effective protection. Fifth, we should continue to work on the safety and security of personnel, not only through the deployment of better protective equipment and specialized training, but through closer cooperation with local communities in order to ensure a safer and more efficient work environment. Sixth, mission budgets should be commensurate with the objectives, where budget cuts are not on the forces that materialize successive mandates, but rather on bureaucratic structures that complement them. Another aspect that we consider important is the training and education of deployed personnel, so that we have all of the tools that we need to apply in the field in accordance with the specific characteristics of each mission. This should include the doctrine of peace operations in the official languages, in order for all member countries to participate on equal terms. In this regard, we highlight the work of the Argentine Joint Training Center for Peace Operations, CAECOPAS, which over the course of more than 30 years has expertly trained more than 50,000 troops, not only from Argentina, but from the region as a whole. participating to the highest level in 17 missions. As we look to the future, we consider that it is essential to equip operations with clear mandates and comprehensive strategies that promote sustainable peace. Cooperation and commitment, cooperation with and commitment to the affected populations will be decisive in ensuring that peacekeeping operations continue to be a relevant and effective tool at the service of international peace. Finally, I would like to conclude by paying tribute to all members of missions in the current cycle who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the exercise of their functions. We pay our respects to them and to their families. I thank you.

I thank Your Excellency for your remarks, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of Côte d'Ivoire. You have.

The parole.

Madam Chair, good afternoon. First and foremost, I'd like to state that Cote d'Ivoire joins with the statement read by the Kingdom of Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. I would like to commend the decisive role of the Blue Helmets in peacekeeping and protecting civilians. institutions in their zones of conflict. Their courage, their commitment really warrants our recognition and our sincere gratitude. We would like to honour the memory of those who have made the greatest sacrifice for peace and international security. Madam Chair, in an increasingly complex environment because of the complex nature and increasing number of conflicts, peacekeeping operations remain key instruments for international peace and security. This is why Côte d’Ivoire notes, is pleased to note, the considerable efforts made by all stakeholders to enable this useful UN tool to be, to carry out with more success its delicate mission. We welcome the important reforms undertaken by the Secretary-General over recent years in order to ensure the smooth running and better efficiency of peacekeeping operations. Côte d’Ivoire would encourage the Secretary-General to continue these efforts along the same lines. We commend the significant contribution of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping, the C-34, whose pertinence of their guidance and recommendations help us to significantly improve the UN peacekeeping ecosystem. Despite their key role in stabilizing countries in crises, peace operations remain confronted with multiple different structural, financial and geopolitical difficulties. These difficulties are linked to the evolving nature of conflicts, terrorism, transnational crime, new technologies, and on the other hand, with the lack of consistency between mandates and means. Given these multiform challenges, my country believes, as other countries do, that peacekeeping operations must continually adapt to new realities and new needs. A definition, a clear and realistic definition of mandates, accompanied by real, appropriate material resources, is a top priority to ensure the effectiveness of missions. By the same token, Ongoing harmonious coordination between the Security Council, the Secretariat and TCCs is absolutely fundamental to produce lasting, tangible results on the ground. Peacebuilding and conflict prevention must be fully integrated into mission planning, inclusiveness. the respect for all countries involved. All of these are cardinal principles to ensure lasting peace that respects the rights and aspirations of the people. My country would like to point out that the safety and security of UN personnel remains an absolute priority because attacks against blue helmets is of serious concern. To this end, Cote d'Ivoire advocates for strengthening protection systems and mechanisms within peacekeeping operations for better training of Blue Helmets in the area of protection as well. Now, on sexual exploitation and abuse, madam, we strongly reiterate our commitment to the zero-tolerance policy. Prevention, training, and awareness-raising of UN staff to protect victims must be top priorities. Having women involved to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse is absolutely crucial for the performance and effectiveness and credibility of peace operations. Regarding strategic partnerships, my country would urge developed countries to strengthen this mechanism for peace throughout the world, and in particular in areas where poverty and conflict coexist. To this end, close cooperation between the EU and developed countries and regional organizations such as the African Union and sub-regional organizations such as ECOWAS must be further built upon. Joint planning, effective coordination of resources, and sustainable funding of African peace missions are all crucial so that we can swiftly and promptly respond to African crises. Cote d'Ivoire hosted one of the largest peacekeeping operations in the past 10 years. was unanimously recognized as a great success story in the post-conflict status, but is aware of the sacrifice made by troop contributing countries. Buoyed by this belief, my country is today participating actively in peace operations under the auspices of the UN. We would encourage all Member States to do the same by ensuring equal female participation in all missions. In conclusion, Madam, I would like to reiterate the strong conviction of my country to want to work with all countries in a engaged, constructive spirit to strengthen the effectiveness and credibility of peacekeeping operations for lasting, inclusive peace that strongly respects the rights and aspirations of all peoples. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Côte d’Ivoire. And once again, it’s as if I am doing publicity spots. However, we Before handing the floor to the next speaker, I would really like to indicate the list of countries that I still have here on my screen. These are Kyrgyzstan, Malta, Mongolia, Portugal, Haiti, the Russian Federation, and Switzerland. We would like to hear them all today, and if possibly more speakers. Therefore, once again, I would like to appeal to all of you colleagues in the room to read abridged versions of your statements and to then send your full versions to be uploaded on the website. And with this, I thank you, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan. You have the floor.

Madam Chair, thank you indeed. I will follow your spirited advice and keep my address fairly short. Madam Chair, distinguished colleagues, the Kyrgyz Republic reaffirms its strong support for United Nations peacekeeping as a practical expression of collective security and international solidarity. We pay tribute to the military, police, and civilian personnel serving under the United Nations flag and honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in the service of peace. Our commitment is reflected in the service of Kyrgyz military and police personnel in United Nations operations, including our contributions to UNMIS, MINUSA, and UNISFA. We remain ready to explore further opportunities to contribute in line with the United Nations requirements and our national capacities. Madam Chair, we believe peacekeeping mandates must be clear, realistic, and adapted to the specific context. Their priorities should be matched by the personnel, capabilities and resources needed to deliver them. Most certainly, the safety and security of peacekeepers require sustained attention. Appropriate training and equipment, reliable medical support, and timely evacuation are essential. close engagement with communities helps missions understand risks and build trust. In this regard, the Kyrgyz Republic supports greater opportunities for women in peacekeeping and the inclusion of women and young people in peace process. Madam Chair, the Kyrgyz Republic values preventive diplomacy and regional cooperation, including the work of the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. We believe that early engagement can make all the difference between sustaining peace and a resumption of conflict. Our region's experience confirms that diplomacy, when it's rooted in trust and partnership, generates tangible results. As an incoming member of the UN Security Council for 2027-2028, the Kyrgyz Republic is ready to seek common ground in support of the peaceful settlement of disputes and maintain steady support for United Nations missions in the implementation of their mandates. We will listen carefully to host states and contributing countries and work with all the Council members to support decisions that can be implemented effectively. Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, the work of United Nations peacekeepers is demanding, but it remains of vital importance. By aligning our work across the entire field of peace and providing local actors with the means to build their own futures, we will honor the founding promise of the United Nations to save succeeding generations from the curse of war. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan for his remarks, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of Malta. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Malta aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and adds the following remarks in its national capacity. For nearly eight decades, UN peacekeeping has been a cornerstone of international peace and security. Peace operations have supported political processes, protected civilians, and helped countries navigate the path towards sustainable peace. As operational environments grow increasingly complex and dangerous, our collective commitment to peacekeeping must evolve to meet these realities. Against this backdrop, Malta welcomes ongoing discussions on the future of UN peace operations, particularly within the UN 80 framework. Reform must not merely be a mechanism for administrative retrenchment, but a vehicle to revitalize peace operations. Our objective must be to ensure realistic mandates, greater adaptability, and the resources necessary to translate commitments into results. In pursuing these reforms, we must recognize the financial pressures facing the Organization, while ensuring that the efficiency does not come at the expense of mandate implementation. Resource constraints cannot be allowed to weaken core pillars. In particular, any effort to streamline mandates must fully safeguard the protection of civilians, human rights monitoring, and our commitments under the Women, Peace and Security and Children in Armed Conflict agendas. Madam Chair, Delivering on these commitments also requires strong partnerships. Cooperation between the UN and regional organizations, particularly the African Union, remains essential. Regional partners bring expertise, local legitimacy, and a deep understanding of on-the-ground realities. These partnerships work best when built on clear responsibilities, adequate resources, and shared objectives. Alongside these partnerships, the Fourth Committee and the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations C-34 remain vital anchors for translating reforms into practical realities. These efforts must, above all, uphold our most urgent duty: ensuring the safety and security of peacekeepers. Peacekeepers must never be a target. Malta condemns all attacks against UN personnel and reminds all parties that such acts may constitute war crimes under international law. Full accountability must be ensured. While strengthening operational effectiveness and protecting personnel are essential, peacekeeping cannot be viewed in isolation from broader political efforts. Operations are most effective when accompanied by credible political processes, preventive diplomacy, and peacebuilding initiatives. Malta stands ready to work with all partners toward a framework fit for the challenges of today and tomorrow. Taken together, these priorities should guide our discussions towards one one simple objective: ensuring that UN peacekeeping can continue to make a meaningful difference where it matters most, on the ground and for the people it is mandated to protect. In this spirit, Malta stands ready to contribute constructively to these discussions, supporting reforms that strengthen effectiveness, preserve essential mandates, and reinforce confidence in UN peacekeeping. Madam Chair, allow me to conclude by paying tribute to the women and men serving under the UN flag and by honouring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace. I thank you.

I thank you, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of Mongolia.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and wishes to make the following remarks in its national capacity. Madam Chair, United Nations peacekeeping remain one of the most important instruments for maintaining international peace and security. Over the decades, peacekeeping operations have made tangible contribution to protecting civilians, supporting political processes, preventing recurrence of conflict, and creating conditions for sustainable peace. Since 2002, Mongolia has deployed over 23,000 military personnel to UN peacekeeping and other international operations, demonstrating steadfast commitment to purposes and principle of UN Charter. Our peacekeepers continue to serve challenging environment, including in Haiti as a part of the multinational security mission. Madam Chair, Mongolia wishes to highlight four priorities for strengthening United Nations peacekeeping. First, ensuring clear, realistic, achievable mandates supported by political strategies. Peacekeeping operations must be guided by clear political objectives, realistic mandates, and sufficient resources. They are not substitute for political solution, but an important instrument to support political process to sustainable peace. Mandates should be clearly defined, prioritized, taking into account special circumstances of each mission, with due consideration to available resources and operational requirements. We also underline the importance of upholding fundamental principles of UN peacekeeping, namely the consent of parties, impartiality, and non-use of force except self-defense and defense of the mandate. In this regard, regular assessment of mandate and meaningful consultations with troop contributing countries are essential to ensuring effective implementation. Second, strengthening cooperation and consultation with troop and police contributing countries. Troop and police contributing countries are essential partners in the implementation of United Nations peacekeeping mandates. Their experiences and operational perspectives must be meaningfully reflected throughout the mission cycle, from mandate formulation and renewal to operational planning and withdrawal. Mongolia encouraged to UN to further strengthen cooperation between the Security Council and Secretariat and troop contributing countries. We further emphasize the importance of transparent, predictable, and timely reimbursement arrangements for personnel, contingent on the equipment and self-sustained services. Delays and financial uncertainty can undermine national planning, operational readiness, and long-term sustainability of peacekeeping contributions, particularly for developing countries. We therefore encourage continued effort to improve reimbursement and mission support mechanisms. Third, improving peacekeeping performance, readiness, and specialized capabilities. The effectiveness of UN peacekeeping depends on well-trained, effectively equipped, and operationally ready personnel. Mongolia continue to invest professional development and operational readiness of our peacekeeping through pre-deployment training capacity building partnerships and multinational exercise, including the annual Hunt Quest, which foster mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation. We recognize important role of peacekeeping capability readiness system in improving the predictability, readiness, and availability of capabilities for UN peacekeeping operations. In this regard, Mongolia remains committed to strengthening its registered unit and developing specialized capabilities, including medical, engineering, and other critical enabling capacities. Fourth, advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. Mongolia attaches great importance to full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Women's participation contribute to more inclusive decision-making, strengthening engagement with local communities, and increase effectiveness of peacekeeping missions. We are pleased to inform that Mongolia has achieved ahead schedule its commitment to increasing the participation of women in our peacekeeping deployments to 15% by 2027. Nevertheless, progress must be measured not only by numerical representation, but also by women's meaningful participation in leadership and official decision-making equal opportunity for professional advancement and removal of institutional and operational barriers. Madam Chair, in conclusion, Mongolia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to United Nations peacekeeping and to the collective responsibility of maintaining international and security. We believe that the future effectiveness of peacekeeping will depend on our ability to translate shared commitments into concrete improvements in mandate implementation, personnel safety, operational readiness, accountability, and partnerships. Mongolia stands ready to continue work constructively with Member States the United Nations Secretariat and other partners to strengthen UN peacekeeping and ensure that it remains an effective and adaptable instrument for international peace and security. I thank you.

I thank you, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal. You have the floor.

Madam Chair. Portugal aligns itself with the statement delivered by the EU. Peace operations remain indispensable instruments for maintaining international peace and security, protecting civilians, and creating space for lasting peace. Portugal is proudly part of UN peacekeeping operations since 1958 and remains engaged in over 20 conflicts and post-conflict settings. We are also multi-year partners of the Peacebuilding Fund. We commend the dedication and commitment of nearly 15,000 UN peacekeepers who work tirelessly to protect civilians, reduce tensions, and create the conditions for the peaceful resolution of conflicts, often in challenging and dangerous environments. Madam Chair, we welcome the Secretary-General's comprehensive review of the future of all forms of UN peace operations. Its recommendations must now translate into action, building on the Pact for the Future, UN80, and Action for Peacekeeping+. Allow me to highlight four priorities. First, peace operations cannot substitute for political solutions. We must invest early in prevention, mediation, and in the Secretary-General’s good offices, including through Article 34 of the Charter. Peacekeeping, special political missions, and peacebuilding efforts must be strategically combined or sequenced around clearly defined political objectives. Second, mandate renewals must become genuine strategic reviews, with realistic priorities, adequate resources, and transitions planned from the outset. Necessary efficiency must never compromise civilian protection, human rights, or the meaningful participation of youth and women. Stronger engagement with host countries, local communities, and TCC/PCC is essential. The PBC and Peacebuilding Fund have important roles in supporting sustainable peace, particularly during transitions. Third, Portugal supports deeper cooperation with regional organizations, particularly the African Union. Resolution 2719 offers an important opportunity, grounded in coherent political strategies, clear responsibilities, and international law. Fourth, peace operations require better training, technological innovation, and stronger protection of peacekeepers. Also, reducing missions' environment footprint, including through renewable energy and efficient resource management, can strengthen operational resilience and benefit host communities. Predictable financing is both a financial obligation and a political responsibility. Portugal pays its peacekeeping assessments in full, and often in advance, and has voluntarily waived its entitlement to the 20% discount since 2019. Madam Chair, the Secretary-General’s review offers an opportunity to move from reflection to action, with sustained Member States engagement, including through Special Committee C-34. Allow me a special reference to the work of Canada, Ambassador Gort, and ISTIM. As an incoming Security Council member, Portugal is determined to contribute to this effort, advocating strategies, realistic and adaptable mandates, matched by adequate resources and clear political objectives. We will work closely with fellow elected members and promote stronger coordination among the Council, Secretariat, host countries, troop and police contributors, and PBC. Our approach will be guided by three principles: prevention, addressing the root causes of conflict; partnership, strengthening cooperation with regional and national stakeholders; and protection, safeguarding civilians and peacekeepers. Portugal stands ready to contribute to more effective and adaptable peace operations that foster sustainable peace and stability. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal, and with the risk of really sounding pedantic, however, I still have the following countries on our list. These are Haiti, the Russian Federation, Switzerland, Poland, and Cameroon, and Türkiye. We really would like to hear these countries today, so please help us, help you in making your statements more succinct. Naturally, the longer versions of the statements may be posted online, and if possible, to please limit your statements to five minutes, then all of these countries I have listed would be able to speak today. I thank you. And with this, I would like now to hand the floor to the next speaker on my list, that being Haiti. You have the floor.

Thank you for giving me the floor, Madam Chair. The Haitian delegation hails the work of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and the report. We thank the Secretary-General for his engagement in the favour of missions that are adapted to the realities on the ground and the population’s needs. We pay tribute to the women and men who serve under the flag of the United Nations, often in difficult conditions. We humble ourselves before those who have laid down their lives in the service of peace, and we express our solidarity with their families. Peacekeeping operations bear an essential responsibility protecting lives. supporting political processes and aiding national institutions to be strengthened. Their success requires clear mandates, appropriate means, and the constant support of Member States. Faced with organized crime and trafficking and disinformation, we must evolve. Political solutions, however, should remain at the heart of our approach. Security should cover space, where justice can take root. Madam Chair, in Haiti, these questions directly impact families. There are children who cannot go to schools, farmers who cannot get to their lands, and parents are forced to flee their homes in order to protect their loved ones. Some 7 million people are displaced in our country. Behind this figure, there are stories, there are projects that have been interrupted. Faced with this situation, the government is taking on its responsibility to restore security and the authority of the state. At the 80th session, the Prime Minister highlighted national priorities: protecting the population, strengthening institutions, and combating transnational trafficking. and creating and bringing about conditions for credible, inclusive, and transparent elections. These priorities are reflected in the budget with some 18% of our national budget is provided for the Ministry of Justice and Defense. These resources should support personnel, equipment, logistics. and security forces operations, it should also allow us to continue the PE 4000 for the training of 4,000 additional police officers. The aim is to reinforce a professional police force that is respectful of human rights and communities. For us, this takes its full meaning in fulfilling its promises to the population and allowing families and children to go to school. We are also covering the financing of the penal system. 6 million is set aside for the election process, with 6.9 billion of the previous budget. These commitments are aimed at the re-establishment of security and democratic institutions, and this implementation should allow our fellow citizens to fully take their role in the national life. These national efforts need the international support that is coherent and sustained. Madam Chair, in this perspective, we hail resolution 2829 of November 2026. As regards the Gang Suppression Force and renewing its mandate, this is a multinational instrument authorized by the Security Council. It is distinct from a peacekeeping operation of the United Nations. BINU has a special role in it. Responsibility and coordination with the Asian authorities is essential. We thank the contributing countries and the partners for their operational, financial, and logistical support, and we encourage them to maintain this commitment and to provide the effective means. The results are concrete protection of inhabitants, securing communications, and allowing the restoration of public services. When calm is restored, inhabitants should be able to go to school, they should have health centres, and they should have a justice system that is effective. This is how security can lead to peace lived on a daily basis. Madam Chair, the national population should guide this cooperation. And the Haitian authorities should be able to coordinate partners and follow and track the results. Local authorities, women, young people, civil society, and displaced persons must be linked to decisions regarding them. The full, equal, meaningful participation of women in peace processes is essential. Their knowledge of their communities and their engagement contributes to restoring social life and trust. We believe that you have an essential role to play in peacekeeping operations, the consent of the parties, and not return to force without, except in the case of legitimate defence or defence of the mandate. This implementation should allow to fulfil the responsibilities, notably protection of civilians under international law. The credibility of international action also depends on personnel's conduct and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, and accountability mechanisms must be effective. Victims must be heard, protected, and supported with dignity. And we also attach the same importance to the security of personnel that is deployed and to their training, their equipment, and access to care. Madam, disarmament. Demobilization and reintegration should offer concrete pathways for ending violence. In our context, this approach should be adapted to the dismantlement with the dismantlement of criminal networks. Individual training of this situation, professional training and access to licit activities such as agriculture, artisanal crafts, and local services. Special attention needs to be given to children who are used by armed groups, and their freedom and protection should be sought without waiting for the conclusion of a general disarmament process. These efforts should be considered above – they should be should have special care based on the best interests of the child, and they should be allowed to be returned to school and should have psychosocial support and be reunited with their families when this is safe, and this is a crucial step. Prevention also requires support for families for the armed groups return to recruit them. Social protection and the opportunities for work are investments in peace. Our action must follow a clearly defined approach with responsibility, and we should provide the means to act. We should measure results and adjust interventions accordingly. Training and skills transfer should support strengthening national capacity and the institutional actions highlights the state's willingness to undertake these actions. This should be implemented with rigor and this should lead to improvement that is felt by the population. By way of conclusion, Haiti hopes to see cooperation that today we to protect people today to ensure a viable future for tomorrow. We hope that we can translate these pledges into results. Our people have the will to freely choose their representatives, and our children want to select their role in the future, and our common action must address these issues. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Haiti, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Distinguished Madam Chair, The UN peacekeeping is one of the most important instruments for the maintenance of international peace and security, and is the physical personification of the collective will of the international community. The presence of peacekeepers in various hotspots around the world has a stabilizing impact, prevents an escalation of conflicts, and creates conditions to promote political processes. Given the heightened geopolitical tensions in the world, and the numerous areas of confrontation within the UN, of particular value is the consensus-based adoption this year of the General Assembly Special Committee on Peacekeeping with recommendations on a very broad range of issues on this work. So, the readiness of all major players in the area of peacekeeping, including Security Council members and TCCs, and donors, their readiness to find a common denominator and find compromises that can be a good example for other fora is important within the UN. Next year, there's the historic session of the C34. For the first time, instead of negotiations on a text of a report, we'll mainly focus on an interactive dialogue on very relevant issues of peacekeeping. We are looking forward to fruitful discussions into alia on the recommendations on the future of all forms of UN peace operations, the implementation of which will require substantive consultations with Member States. Given the upcoming change in leadership of the UN Secretariat, we see added value in inviting to the interactive dialogues with members of the C34, to inviting the new Secretary-General who can share their vision of the prospects of peacekeeping and get feedback from States. Madam, the report of the Secretary-General published a few days ago in line with Security Council resolution 2823 on accountability for crimes against peacekeepers contains horrific figures. We firmly condemn any attempts, any attacks rather, against peacekeepers, and they can never be justified. As the report rightly points out, impunity has a direct impact on the safety and security of the blue helmets. We call for a swift conclusion of the investigations underway and for affected states to be kept fully abreast of the results of these investigations. We confirm our unconditional commitment to the safety and security of The blue helmets who have risked their lives for the highest goal to save people's lives, we're convinced that peacekeeping missions must be supplied with all they need to protect themselves from a whole range of threats, mines, IEDs, drones, and the abusive use of new technologies, including AI. We do underscore the importance of close cooperation here, however, with the host countries here. In this context, we'd like to draw attention to one of the main recommendations of this review, establishing genuine strategic partnerships with the host countries. The practice of publishing joint statements of the mission and the host countries has proven effective as it has shrunk the space available for the dissemination of false information about the work of peacekeepers. Madam, in the context of the ongoing liquidity crisis of the UN. The UN had to take necessary measures to cut the number of troops, as has repeatedly been pointed out by senior officials of the Secretariat. This has had a direct impact on the ability of the missions to comply with their mandates. We highlight the fact that this is crucial. What is crucial here is refusing subordinate issues, and if we are to reject those, that will free up critically important resources for other main tasks in the area of safety and security. Overburdening the mandates of the missions, like a Christmas tree mandate, leads to unrealistic expectations from the results of the work of the Blue Helmets and ultimately to disappointment amongst the local population and the authorities. So these tasks could be transferred to the relevant UN structure that could provide targeted assistance upon the request of the host country and with their consent. We would like to confirm Russia’s commitment to ongoing participation in UN participation. Russia is prepared to continue to make a constructive contribution to developing and improving the effectiveness of the UN’s peacekeeping operations. We thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation, and I would like now to hand the floor to Switzerland. You have the floor.

Madam Chair, Switzerland pays tribute to the Blue Helmets who have laid down their lives in the exercise of their mandate. We express our solidarity with their loved ones and their comrades, and also all UN personnel deployed in difficult contexts. And we reiterate our commitment to resolution 23. We welcome the SG's report on the future of all forms of peace operations. It is. Now, important to move from reflection to concrete action by defining clear priorities and ensuring close coordination between Member States, the Security Council, the General Assembly, and the Secretariat. In this regard, we would like to highlight the following points. Firstly, clear political strategies should define the actions of peace operations These can support political solutions, but they are no substitute to the will of parties to achieve peace. Their mandate should set clear, realistic goals, and it should be accompanied by the necessary means. They should also allow flexible adaptation to the evolving situation on the ground. Secondly, Faced with unprecedented levels of violence against civilians since the creation of the United Nations, we support the priority implementation as a global objective of the protection of civilians by peacekeeping operations. The security and safety of UN personnel should also be ensured. The Status of Forces Agreement must be respected by all actors. Missions should be able to travel freely and fulfill their mandate without hindrance. the disinformation targeting their work should end. Thirdly, we must place the efficacy, performance, and technological innovation at the center of our action. We support the implementation of recommendations based on measurable results and data thanks to comprehensive planning and performance assessment systems, CPAS. We should also anticipate the risks linked to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and look to their effective utilization in peace operations. To this end, the Secretariat and missions should be able to ensure the necessary investment. Second, lastly, we should ensure partnerships and the continuity of the UN actions. Transition must be planned. and the elaboration of mandates with a clear distribution of responsibility and means. We thus support the strengthening of partnerships with regional organizations, notably the African Union, and also the implementation of Resolution 27/19. Madam Chair. Planning is crucial, not just at the mission level, where Switzerland is ready to support efforts to support integrated planning, but also on the level of the Security Council, a process for defining and planning more predictable mandates to allow them to plan in a more sustainable way. Switzerland reaffirms its support for peace, for UN peace operations. and its will to contribute to the implementation of the recommendations of the Secretary General. The credibility of these operations is measured by their capacity to protect civilians and to support lasting settlement. I thank you.

I thank the delegation of Switzerland, and I would like now to give the floor to the delegation of Poland.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Poland aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to take this opportunity and present a statement in the national capacity. To prevent armed conflict and support peaceful settlement of conflicts, UN peacekeeping operations remain one of the most important multilateral instruments. They are indispensable to address wide range of challenges to international peace, security, and stability. Therefore, Poland continues its engagement in UN peacekeeping operations despite challenging security situation in our region caused by Russia's aggressive policy, which includes war of aggression against Ukraine and hybrid attacks directed towards some of its neighbors. Poland remains an active contributor to the UN peacekeeping missions, including in the Middle East. More than 150 Polish servicemen and women are currently stationed as part of the UNIFIL forces in Lebanon. We strongly support initiatives aiming to preserve international engagement in the region. We will continue our commitment within the framework of the UN peacekeeping operations, support peacekeeping budgets, and we encourage all Member States to do likewise. Madam Chair, we welcome the adoption of the Secretary General report on the review on the future of all forms of UN peace operations. It is crucial to make them more adaptable, ensure stable funding, political support, and foster accountability. We emphasize the importance of women participation in line with the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. It is also important to strengthen collaboration with regional organizations, along with strong partnership with and involvement of communities and civil society. Further, we should secure more effective cooperation between UN bodies and strategic vision guiding us from the establishment of the mission to its termination. Such a vision should encompass all of the mission aspects from short-term objectives, adjustment options, progress assessment tools, strategic goals, and exit strategy. Madam Chair, it is fundamental that the peacekeeping missions are based on respect for human rights. and the rule of law. In line with Security Council Resolution 2242, and in reference to the Secretary General report on children and armed conflict, and the Secretary General report on conflict-related sexual violence, we underline the obligation of troop-contributing states to maintain the highest standards of conduct and accountability. Madam Chair, Poland will continue to be one of the steadfast supporters of the UN peacekeeping agenda. We will continue to contribute and engage constructively in the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations C-34, and we pay tribute to the work of peacekeepers and those who paid the ultimate price while on duty. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Poland for her remarks, and I would like now to hand the floor to the next speaker on my list, that being former Vice-Chair of this Committee, Cameroon.

Thank you, Madam Chair. We are meeting at a time marked by significant global divides. And problems for international security due to political rivalries exacerbate local vulnerabilities and lead to asymmetric conflicts in this unstable situation. The UN peacekeeping operations are one of the best tools we have to protect vulnerable people and preserve global stability. We're examining the review on the peacekeeping architecture and the crucial 2026 report on the future of PKOs. We need to appreciate a brutal reality. We are seeing significant divides and asymmetric conflicts. Cameroon is looking at this architecture, which is changing. We are actively contributing to it. My country has deployed more than 1,000 people under the banner of the UN. Our commitment is manifested in particular through our deployment in MINUSCA, particularly. To this end, we would like to pay a due tribute to our peacekeepers who died, as well as all Blue Helmets throughout the world who made the ultimate sacrifice in carrying out their work. Madam, a real exhaustive consideration of peacekeeping in all its aspects means that we need to look at the structural situation and the gap that are clear. Cameroon is highlighting the following points: strategic partnership between the Security Council and the African Union is crucial. That must be the cornerstone of the new peace security architecture, rather. The UN needs to build its institutional capability and capacity building abilities of African personnel in order to respond to this new architecture. My delegation would like to reiterate its gratitude to its partner countries within the UN that supports our training school for peacekeepers.

The second strategic priority consists of managing the peacekeeping, peacebuilding nexus. In line with 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review, we must abandon the siloed approach to conflict resolution. Peacekeeping mandates must have clear, realistic political end mandates. The third priority is modernizing the architecture means adequately protecting those who enforce it. The fourth priority is a predictable financing and resource accountability. A reform architecture cannot function under permanent austerity. Furthermore, we insist on the timely and transparent reimbursement of troops and police costs. Delays directly impair the capacity of developing TCCs to maintain the high standard hardware and pre-deployment training regimen mandated by current UN reforms. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, finally, the ultimate benchmark of peacekeeping architecture remains the trust of local population. Cameroon maintains its strict zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation and abuse across all its contingents. Furthermore, we remain committed to the WPS agenda, actively increasing our recruitment and meaningful deployment of female officers, who are fundamentally essential to building community trust and protecting vulnerable populations. Cameroon stands ready to keep sending its sons and daughters to anchor this renewed peace architecture. We call on this body to match their sacrifice on the ground with unyielding political will, reliable resources, and bold structural reforms. I thank you for your kind attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cameroon, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of Cambodia. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, I wish to extend our warmest congratulations to you, Madam Chair, and to all members of the for the leadership. Cambodia aligns itself with the statement by NAM and by ASEAN, and wishes to make the following remarks in our national capacity. Let me first pay tribute to the women and men who serve under the United Nations flag. We honour all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Among them are 14 Cambodian Blue Helmets who have fallen in the line of duty since 2014, including three who were awarded the Dux have much more battle this year. Their courage remind us that peacekeeping is a human endeavor carried out in the most difficult environments. Conflicts are more complex, threats to peacekeepers are more lethal, and the organization face an unprecedented liquidity crisis that has forced the repatriation of around a quarter of uniformed personnel. Peacekeeping has rarely been more needed and rarely more stretched, yet this moment also offers an opportunity to rethink and reinforce peace operations for today’s realities. Cambodia welcomes the adoption by consensus of the 2026 report of the Special Committee. on peacekeeping operations, C-34, and the Secretary General review on the future of all forms of United Nations peace operations. Together, they provide a sound basis to shape peace operation for a new era, one that is more political, more agile, and more responsive to the needs of the host states and communities. For Cambodia, peacekeeping is part of our national story. More than three decades ago, the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia, UNTAC, helped our people to gain the hard-earned peace. In return, Cambodia has transformed itself from a host country of peacekeeping to a contributor. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Cambodia's participation in the United Nations peacekeeping missions, a powerful illustration of our journey from a nation devastated by conflict and land mines into a committed contributor to global peace and security. Since 2006, Cambodia has deployed 10,126 personnel, including 1,052 women, to United Nations missions in 10 countries. Today, 425 Cambodian peacekeepers, including 95 women, are serving in the Central African, South Sudan, Abyei, the Democratic of the Congo, and Lebanon in engineering, demining, explosive ordnance, disposal, and military police units, as well as military observers and staff officers. Peacekeeping Operations remain vital, yet they face increasingly complex challenges. We need missions that are more effective, efficient, and responsive to current realities. Allow me to highlight the following points. First, sustainable peace must be nationally led. Peace operations should reinforce National institution empower host government and strengthen local capacities. Cambodia own experience show that when national institution are strengthened, peace becomes self-sustaining. Peace operation are not meant to be permanent. Cambodia support transition that act condition-based, predictable, aligned with national priorities, and designed to avoid security vacuums. Abrupt withdrawal can destabilize fragile environments, while prolonged mission risks eroding national responsibility. A well-planned transition is not the end of engagement; it is the beginning of nationally-owned peace. Third, host countries and parties to conflict must respect the privilege and immunity of peace operations and protect their personnel. Those who harm peacekeepers must be held accountable. Cambodia calls on Member States to step up the prosecution of crimes against peacekeepers with full support from the Secretariat, in line with resolution 2823/2026. Fourth, through its National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, Mine and ERW Clearance, Cambodia stands ready to share its experience, particularly in demining, explosive ordnance disposal, engineering training. We support stronger triangular partnerships, South-South cooperation, and pre-deployment training to prepare peacekeepers for today's multidimensional challenges. Women peacekeepers strengthen engagement with local communities, improve the protection of civilians, and enhance mission credibility. Cambodia will continue to increase deployment of women in all roles, including command position, and call for adequate gender responsive facility and training cross mission. Madam Chair, peacekeeping remains one of the most tangible expression of multilateralism, of the premise of the charter. Cambodia remain fully committed to United Peace Operation, United Nation Peace Operations. Thank you, madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cambodia for his remarks, and I would like now to hand the floor to the last speaker on my list, that being the United Kingdom. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. The United Kingdom reaffirms its strong commitment to UN 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 fifth largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping and to fund targeted reforms to improve accountability and performance. Our personnel, around 250 deployed across seven missions, bring specialist skills and leadership from Cyprus to South Sudan. The safety and security of peacekeepers remain paramount. Peacekeepers continue to work tirelessly in pursuit of peace, and we pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in service. Chair, we welcome publication of the Secretary-General’s review of the future of UN peace operations. We welcome the review’s emphasis on UN peacemaking and its recognition that peacekeeping and political missions provide a flexible range of conflict responses. We support the review's emphasis on more focused, adaptable, and high-performing peace operations. Peace operations must be equipped for the realities of today's operating environments. Missions should have access to the technologies, capabilities, and training needed to operate safely and effectively. And we note with concern the review's acknowledgements that restrictions imposed by host states on the use of essential equipment can undermine situational awareness, mandate implementation, and mitigation of critical threats. Chair, accountability is also central to the trust in peacekeeping. We reiterate our zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse and call for robust frameworks to address underperformance. Contingents must be held responsible for misconduct, and financial disincentives should apply where standards are not met. Gender parity is not optional, it is operationally critical. Women enhance community engagement, improve intelligence in security risks, including gender-based violence, and can access populations less accessible to men. We commend efforts to increase women's participation and urge all Member States to remove barriers to deployments. Finally, it remains essential that all countries pay their assessed contributions in full and on time. Payment shortfalls undermine mandates implementation and increase risk to personnel. We also encourage continued dialogue on innovative models of peacekeeping, including how smaller, more flexible, and agile UN operations might provide more options to respond to conflict. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom for his extremely succinct remarks. Thank you. Distinguished colleagues, we have heard the last speaker for today. The committee will reconvene on Tuesday, 10th November at 10:00 in the morning in the same conference room to continue and conclude the general debate. Delegations are reminded that the deadline for submissions of proposals on agenda items 47, entitled the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, And agenda item 48, entitled Israeli practices and settlement activities affecting the rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories, is Tuesday, 10th November at 6:00 PM. Before adjourning this meeting, allow me to impart our sincere thanks to the interpreters as well to our dedicated technical staff for once again today showing flexibility and providing us with sterling service, supporting us also on a Friday evening ahead of the weekend. So from the front to the back of the room, wholeheartedly thank you. Dear colleagues, I wish all of us a good weekend, and this meeting is adjourned.