India has successfully secured its re-election to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission for2025-2026.Beinga founding member & a major contributor toUN peacekeeping, India plays an important role in promoting peace, cooperation & stability globally. India’s re-election shows its importance in UNP as India has played leading roles in many UN Peacekeeping missions since its establishment in 1948 to till now. For example, from regions like:Africa to the Middle East to Asia, from high-profile missions:Congo (MONUSCO) to Sudan (UNMIS)& currently in Lebanon (UNIFIL), South Sudan (UNMISS), and Cyprus (UNFICYP).It has not only helped in terms of military assistance but also in diplomatic terms like conflict resolution& post-conflict resolution.
About UN Peacekeeping
· Establishment:in 2005 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) & UN Security Council (UNSC)
· Members: 31 member stateselected from UNGA, UNSC & ECOSOC
· Role: It is anintergovernmental advisory body ofthe UN that supports& works for peace in the conflict-affected regions of the world.
Key Objectives:
- Promoting peace & cooperation
- Post-conflict resolution, recovery & reconstruction
- Supporting disarmament & reintegration
- Maintaining coordination between nations within and outside of the UN
- Managing finances for recovery & reconstruction
- Restoring human rights & rules of law
Facts about UN Peacekeeping
29th May is celebrated asInternational Day of United Nations Peacekeepersevery year.
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It is observed annually on this day as in 29th May 1948 the first UN Peacekeeping Mission, “UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO)” began operations in Palestine.
Theme for 76th International Day of UN Peacekeepers, 2024: “Fit for the Future, Building Better Together”.
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Dag Hammarskjöld Medal: It is a posthumous award presented to the military personnel, police, or civilianswho lost their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping missions.
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It is presented in the UN Headquarters in Newyork every year on 29th May
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In 2024, NaikDhananjay Kumar Singh, who served with the UN Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), was honoured posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjold medal.
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India’s contribution
- Founding Member: Indias is a founding member of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC).
- Promoting sustainable peacebuilding: India has always supported peace and cooperation, resolving conflicts, and advocating inclusive development.
- India is 3rd largest contributor in military personnel:after Bangladesh & Nepal, India is 3rd largest contributor in terms of deploying military personnel approximately 6000 Indian military and police personnel are deployed in various missions, including in countries likeSouth Sudan, Lebanon, and Congo.
- Financial Support to UN: India has supported UNP Fund from time to time in transitioning from conflict to peace
- Indian women in peacekeeping: India is a pioneer in deploying women peacekeepers, including the first all-women contingent to a UN peacekeeping mission in 2007. Even today, women peacekeepers are committed to their duties in countries like Lebanon, The Democratic Republic of Congo, etc.
- Diplomatic influence of India:India’s re-election highlights its significant role in global peace policies, further making India a leader of peacekeeping globally.
Way Forward
Reforms in the UN Security Council (UNSC): Expanding permanent members would improve global peace and security.
Ensuring adequate funds: Adequate funding for the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) is essential for effective peacebuilding.
Greater Political Will and Leadership:
- Securing strong political support from national governments and international stakeholders is crucial to ensure the success of peacebuilding efforts.
conclusion
India’s re-election to the UN Peacebuilding Commission for 2025-2026 highlights its key role in global peacekeeping and conflict resolution. As a major contributor to UN missions, India continues to promote stability, cooperation, and sustainable peace. Its leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of global peace and security.
