New York: United Nations peacekeeping operations, despite facing significant challenges due to rising global tensions and geopolitical fragmentation, remain vital for conflict resolution and civilian protection. Senior UN officials emphasized to the Security Council on Tuesday that with renewed political will and strategic adaptation, these missions can continue to be effective.
According to EMM, Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Assistant Secretary-General Marta Pobee briefed the Council on the need for adapting UN peace operations to foster political solutions. They highlighted the importance of overcoming divisions within the Council and the broader UN membership to strengthen peace operations as platforms for diplomacy in conflict zones.
Mr. Lacroix underscored that political coherence and unity among Security Council members are crucial for the missions to reach their full potential. Without strong political support, peace operations are limited to managing conflicts rather than supporting lasting peace agreements. He stressed that the Council's role must include sustained political engagement beyond mandate authorisation. He cited the unanimous adoption of resolution 2773 in February 2025 regarding the Democratic Republic of the Congo as an example of Council unity bolstering diplomatic efforts.
Dynamic mission leadership and flexibility were also highlighted by Mr. Lacroix, who called on senior officials to act as ambassadors for peace, maintaining trust with host governments and conflict actors while adapting to changing political contexts. He emphasized the significance of regional partnerships, particularly with the African Union, citing resolution 2719 (2023) as a historic milestone in UN-AU collaboration.
Ms. Pobee's briefing offered a historical perspective, recalling how UN special political missions facilitated peaceful dispute resolutions during the cold war. She identified focused, timebound mandates, the Secretary-General's good offices, discreet diplomacy, and consent from host governments as key elements behind past successes. The current lack of trust complicates peace efforts, she noted.
Despite deepening Security Council divisions and complex conflicts involving non-State actors and climate-driven risks, both briefers acknowledged the indispensable role of peace operations in stabilizing fragile settings and enabling political dialogue. Mr. Lacroix urged Member States to pay assessed contributions on time, warning that insufficient resources undermine mission mandates. Ms. Pobee reminded that the UN has previously navigated polarized eras, with peace operations playing a crucial role in mounting tailored responses to challenges to international peace and security.