UN peace operations need to become more agile and responsive to remain effective: UK statement at the UN Security Council
Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on adaptability in UN peace operations.
As we have heard many times this morning, UN peace operations make a vital contribution to building and sustaining peace around the world.
And to remain effective, UN peace operations need to become more agile and responsive, embracing innovation to combat modern security threats.
I want to pay tribute to the peacekeepers serving bravely around the world.
This Council must support peacekeepers and defend them when they are under attack.
The UK condemns all attacks on UN peacekeepers.
We express our deep condolences to the families of peacekeepers who have died serving in the field including in attacks this year on peacekeepers in MONUSCO and MINUSCA.
President, I will highlight three areas where the United Kingdom encourages further steps to strengthen peacekeeping.
First, peace operations need to be able to adapt quickly to changing political and security contexts wherever they operate.
Missions should have clear objectives, informed by local realities, which are regularly reviewed.
This requires enhanced strategic planning, greater operational flexibility and a stronger focus on supporting political processes.
Missions also need to be able to communicate their work effectively to host communities.
Second, peace operations should be equipped to meet modern security challenges.
Asymmetric threats, misinformation and new technologies are reshaping global conflicts.
The UN needs to harness innovation, using data-driven decision-making, intelligence-led approaches, and digital tools to enhance operational effectiveness of peacekeeping missions and protect civilians and peacekeepers.
And peacekeepers require specialised capabilities matching the realities they face.
Training on emerging threats, including cyber warfare, disinformation campaigns, and climate-related security risks, should all become an integral part of peacekeeping preparedness.
Third, the success of UN peace operations is contingent, as you said President, on inclusive partnerships.
Greater collaboration at the national, regional and international level, including with regional organisations and civil society, as well as improved coordination across the UN system, will all improve delivery.
A complementary, mutually reinforcing approach to peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities is also critical.
The UK remains a steadfast advocate for strengthening women’s participation in peacekeeping, recognising their essential role in building lasting peace.
President, to conclude, the UK reaffirms its commitment to UN peace operations.
We look forward to discussing how to further support adaptation at the Peacekeeping Ministerial in May.