Video message by António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, on International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
Fit for the future, building better together
For 76 years, United Nations peacekeepers have worked to save and change lives in the world’s most fragile political and security situations. Since 1948, more than two million uniformed and civilian personnel have helped countries to transition from war to peace. Today, more than 70,000 peacekeepers serve in 11 missions deployed in hotspots around the world.
Observed under the theme “Fit for the future, building better together,” this year’s International Day looks at the invaluable contributions military, police and civilian peacekeepers have made over the last seven decades. It encapsulates the spirit of progress and collective action towards creating a more equal, just and sustainable world.
Over the years, peacekeeping has evolved to adapt to the changing political landscape and nature of conflicts which have become more complex and interconnected. With support from UN member countries, it continues to advance the path set forth in the UN Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace which calls for a more robust, holistic and collective response to the security threats of today and tomorrow.
Despite the challenges, peacekeepers persevere, alongside many partners, in the collective pursuit of peace. The International Day pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of peacekeepers and the resilience of the communities that they serve. It honours the more than 4,000 peacekeepers who have lost their lives serving for peace.
This campaign also calls on each of us to join the global movement for peace. Alone, we can never succeed. But, together, we can be a strong force for change.
