The United Nations commemorated the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on Thursday, 29 May, with a series of events honouring personnel serving in field missions across the world.
Observed annually, the International Day pays tribute to the men and women who have served, and continue to serve in UN peacekeeping operations. It recognises their professionalism, dedication, and courage, while also remembering those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.
At the UN House in Abuja, UN Nigeria hosted a solemn gathering that reflected the global significance of the day. The event honoured the bravery and sacrifice of peacekeepers particularly those serving on the frontlines of some of the world’s most volatile conflicts.
Nigeria’s significant legacy in international peacekeeping was central to the commemoration. With involvement in more than 40 missions, the country remains one of Africa’s most consistent contributors to global peace efforts.
“It was an honour to host our peacekeepers and reflect on Nigeria’s proud history in peacekeeping,” said a representative of UN Nigeria. “Today, we pay tribute to those who serve and those who have paid the ultimate price in the cause of peace.”
The gathering featured moving tributes, expressions of solidarity, and a renewed call for strengthened multilateral cooperation. Mohamed M. Fall was praised for his inspiring leadership and dedication to ensuring the event held the depth of meaning it deserved.
“Peace is not a promise it is a shared responsibility,” Fall remarked, reminding attendees that sustaining peace requires continuous commitment from nations and institutions alike.
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Today, on the International Day of @UN Peacekeepers, I honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve on the frontlines of peace around the world. 🕊️
It was a privilege for @UN_Nigeria to host peacekeepers at the UN House in Abuja and reflect on Nigeria’s proud legacy in… pic.twitter.com/f8vEPahP0X
— Elsie Attafuah (@ElsieAttafuah) May 29, 2025
The UN’s first peacekeeping operation was launched in 1948. Today, more than 68,000 military, police and civilian personnel are deployed across 11 missions in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as at UN Headquarters in New York. Over the decades, more than 4,400 peacekeepers have died in the line of duty including 57 in 2024 alone.
In a message marking the occasion, UN Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres acknowledged the increasingly complex challenges peacekeepers face. He cited the rise in global polarisation and division, terrorism, disinformation targeting peacekeeping missions, climate change, and transnational crime as growing concerns.
“Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations, and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges,” he said.
The Secretary-General also stressed the importance of ensuring that peacekeepers are properly resourced to carry out their work, describing it as a shared responsibility of the UN and its Member States.
At UN Headquarters in New York, the commemoration included a wreath-laying ceremony and the presentation of awards to two outstanding women peacekeepers whose efforts have helped promote gender equality in the field.
Peacekeepers also shared personal reflections. Lieutenant Colonel AgustĂn GarcĂa of Spain, currently deployed with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), described his role as deeply rewarding, highlighting meaningful engagement with local communities, their cultures, and their needs.
UNIFIL, established in 1978 to confirm Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, had its mandate updated in 2006 following a 34-day war between Hezbollah and Israel. Despite ongoing conflict in 2024, the mission continues to operate, supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces in extending governmental authority in the south, and offering critical security, humanitarian aid, and assistance in rebuilding schools and hospitals.
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UN peacekeepers have operated in demanding environments for nearly 80 years since the first military observers were deployed to monitor the armistice between Israel and neighbouring countries. Many missions today face worsening political and security conditions
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, head of UN Peacekeeping, cited examples such as UNIFIL, the stabilisation mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), and the observer force in the Golan Heights (UNDOF) as illustrations of current challenges.
“Peacekeepers everywhere are making a critical difference on the ground, despite these challenges,” Lacroix said. “By maintaining ceasefires, preventing the resurgence of violence, and protecting hundreds of thousands of civilians daily, they are delivering a profound impact.”
He also described the 29 May commemoration as a reminder that peacekeeping remains a vital international partnership. This message was reinforced at the recent UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, where over 130 delegations pledged continued support in key areas such as personnel, specialised training, and investment in emerging technologies.
“The main takeaway from the Berlin meeting was that peacekeeping remains strongly supported by Member States,” Lacroix said. “This support encourages us to continue evolving—to remain adaptable, cost-effective, and prepared for the future.”
At the wreath-laying ceremony in New York, peacekeepers in national uniforms and blue UN berets stood in silence alongside the Secretary-General to honour fallen colleagues. The solemn tones of “Taps” filled the lobby.
A total of 58 peacekeepers including 57 who died in 2024 and one from 1973 were posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal during a ceremony in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber. The award is named after the UN’s second Secretary-General, who died in a 1961 plane crash in what is now Zambia.
Today, the UN Secretary General awarded the Dag HAMMARSKJOLD (DH) Medal posthumously to all UN personnel ( Military, Police and Civilian components) who lost their lives during service in peacekeeping operations. For Rwanda, the medal was awarded to Sergeant Major FISTON… pic.twitter.com/Fz5jDNkVCW
— Rwanda Defence Force (@RwandaMoD) May 29, 2025
The mood later shifted from solemn remembrance to celebration as two women peacekeepers serving in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan were recognised with top UN honours.
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Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana received the 2024 UN Military Gender Advocate Award, and
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Chief Superintendent Zainab Mbalu Gbla of Sierra Leone was named Woman Police Officer of the Year.
These awards highlighted not only individual excellence but also the growing role of women in shaping inclusive and effective peace operations across the globe.
