Statement by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at Security Council Open Debate on "Strengthening UN Peacekeeping: Reflections for the Future"

Thank you, Mr. President,

I would like to thank the briefers USG Lacroix, Dr. Ero, and Dr. Al Hussein for their insightful briefs.

We gather today at a crucial moment for international peace and security, as while we reflect on the current state of UN peacekeeping, the world is not at peace, and for many, there is no security.

The United Nations was established to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war” and UN peacekeeping has evolved as one of the main tools to achieve this purpose. It remains the cornerstone of our collective efforts to prevent, stabilize and resolve conflicts peacefully.  However, the evolving nature of conflicts, marked by complex domestic, geopolitical, and transnational factors, necessitates a continuous adaptation of our peacekeeping strategies and tools.

With eleven active Missions, peacekeepers continue to operate in some of the most challenging environments, providing critical support to conflict-affected communities. Reports of the Secretary-General, across the spectrum of conflict situations, increasingly highlight the need for enhanced protection of civilians, greater accountability, and improved operational effectiveness. 

While significant progress has been made, there remain persistent challenges. The rising threat of terrorism, open threats to peacekeepers by armed groups, and the impacts of climate change all exert additional pressure on our peacekeeping efforts. These challenges are coupled with amplified threats to the lives of our peacekeepers, increased barriers to the execution of their mandates including unwieldly bureaucratic measures and dwindling host nation support. These challenges demand our urgent attention.

Mr. President,

The Secretary-General’s “New Agenda for Peace,” grounded in trust, solidarity and universality, underscores the necessity for a holistic approach to peacekeeping – one that integrates conflict prevention, peace enforcement, and peacebuilding to create a sustainable pathway to peace and security.   It is now time for us to put the lessons learnt into practice.

In some ways we have already begun updating our approach to peacekeeping. In this vein, we commend the adoption of Resolution 2719 which represents a pivotal stride towards empowering regional organizations and improving the efficacy of peacekeeping operations, through enhancing the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union. We must now implement resolution 2719.

Similarly, the endorsement by the Council of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, led by Kenya, represents another approach, aimed at stabilizing security in order for a CARICOM-facilitated political process to move forward.

However, it must be underscored that while regional and sub-regional organisations such as the African Union and CARICOM play a crucial role in the region, this by no means absolves the Security Council of its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

In looking ahead to the Summit of the Future, the 2025 Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting and to the future of peacekeeping, I would like to proffer some suggestions:

First, the ultimate success of a peace keeping operation is when a sustainable political solution is achieved in the process the PKO was established to support and the PKO is no longer needed. We must therefore do more to ensure that parties to the conflict agree to and implement political solutions. To do so this Council must be united, as our briefers have stressed.

Second, we must strengthen the capacities of peace operations through enhanced training, modernized equipment, and improved strategic planning.  Moreover, the principles of transparency and accountability must remain at the forefront of our peacekeeping mandates.

Third, as we confront a changing threat landscape and consider policy or operational reorientations, we must ensure that the highest standards of conduct and respect for human rights, and international and humanitarian law are upheld and remain a central pillar of peace operations. Ensuring the safety and well-being of civilians must remain paramount in all our endeavours.

Fourth, as we plan for peace operations we must factor in the impacts of climate change, since this can act as a threat multiplier, exacerbating vulnerabilities and compounding existing grievances.

Finally, President, peacekeeping must be inclusive with the full and equal participation of women at all levels of command, in all phases of operations and planning, and in all decision-making processes. This is truly an essential ingredient for sustainable peace. We must also enhance the implementation of resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, and ensure that youth play a key role in conflict prevention and resolution efforts.

In closing, we salute the many peace-keepers around the world and those who have paid the ultimate price in pursuit of peace. I reaffirm Guyana’s firm commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to strengthen peacekeeping frameworks.

I thank you.