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Future-proofing peacekeeping

Attachments

Peter Albrecht & Corine van Emmerik

As Denmark takes its seat on the Security Council amidst geopolitical tensions and global fragmentation, peacekeeping is confronting an identity crisis. This moment offers Denmark a crucial opportunity to steer discussions on fundamental questions, aligning with its priority to adapt conflict responses and prevention strategies to contemporary challenges.

Peacekeeping, historically one of the UN’s most significant and visible conflict management tools, stands at a crossroads. The large, multidimensional flagship mission in Mali was terminated in 2023, and the mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has wound down, leaving lingering questions about their positive contributions to peace. No new missions, whether large or small, are currently being deployed.

Furthermore, Secretary-General António Guterres appears disengaged from discussions on the future of peacekeeping, reflecting broader uncertainty about its relevance in today’s conflict landscape, and consensus among Security Council members is becoming increasingly elusive. With the background context of ongoing geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Middle East, there is a perception that peacekeeping missions deployed, supported, and/or mandated by the UN are becoming obsolete in addressing the evolving nature of modern conflicts.

Clearly defined principles, uniformly understood across UN agencies, and agreed by member states, are essential for the success of future peacekeeping missions.

The Pact for the Future and the upcoming Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin in 2025 may emphasise that, despite significant challenges, peacekeeping remains an unparalleled global mechanism for conflict management. Fresh vision and leadership will be essential to revitalise peacekeeping and reaffirm its role as a critical conflict management tool within the UN’s efforts to address complex global conflicts. Within the UN Department of Peace Operations, there is a strong sense of anticipation – and hope – surrounding the appointment of the next Secretary-General, who will take office after Guterres steps down at the end of 2026.

Recommendations

  • Champion principled peacekeeping reform by initiating high-level discussions to revisit and refine foundational peacekeeping principles.
  • Establish structured knowledge-sharing mechanisms to leverage the institutional knowledge and expertise of veteran staff from the 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Promote innovation in peacekeeping by advocating for dedicated funding and supporting small-scale, incremental projects to explore new approaches.