Participants of the “2023 United Nations Ministerial Meeting on Peacekeeping” in Accra, Ghana, reaffirmed their collective commitment and political support to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
This first ministerial meeting on peacekeeping held in Africa saw 57 member states announce new pledges to address current and future challenges and needs, in line with ongoing reforms under the Action for Peacekeeping and the updated A4P initiative, primary priorities for enhancing the effectiveness of peacekeeping, according to the official UN website.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, stated, “The tangible commitments from this historic event will provide the support UN peacekeeping operations need to execute complex missions in challenging environments.”
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, expressed gratitude to the Republic of Ghana for hosting the ministerial meeting and its ongoing contributions to UN peacekeeping operations. He noted, “As missions face unprecedented challenges, the political support and concrete pledges we received today will help boost our efficiency.”
Lacroix emphasized, “Ultimately, the goal of peacekeeping is to help parties end conflict by securing and implementing peace agreements and related political processes. In a world more divided than ever, the unified and effective engagement of member states in this process is crucial.”
The ministerial meeting resulted in significant new commitments in critical areas such as aviation and infantry units, including rapid response forces and units for quick deployment, enhancing the intelligence and strength of peacekeeping missions in responding to threats. Member states also pledged vital reconnaissance and enabling units, like explosive ordnance disposal units, which collectively contribute to protecting civilians and improving the safety and security of peacekeepers.
