The general subsectary Jean-Pierre Lacroix and the deputy secretary general Marta Pobe informed the priority council for the adaptation of United Nations peace operations to political solutions.
They underlined the urgent need of the Council and the wider members of the United Nations to overcome divisions and strengthen support for peace operations as unique platforms to advance diplomacy in conflict areas.
“” Peacekeeping missions often operate in very volatile environments, where political processes are blocked, confidence between conflict parties is low and disastrous humanitarian conditions,“Said Mr. Lacroix.
“” The progress is incremental, fragile and unequal. A breakthrough in an instant can be followed by the following reverse. However, even modest gains can be essential to prevent a relapse in generalized violence and save lives.“”
He underlined missions which made contributions measurable to the peace processes, such as Minusca In the Central African Republic (car), which helped negotiate the 2019 political agreement and launched disarmament efforts, or Monusco In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which contributed to the reduction of violence during the 2023 elections.
Crucial unity security advice
Mr. Lacroix stressed that political coherence and unity Security advice Members are essential for the missions to achieve their potential.
Without a “united and united political support”, he warned, peace operations are limited to managing conflicts and protecting civilians rather than supporting lasting peace agreements.
The role of the Council, he added, must extend beyond the authorization of the mandate to a sustained political commitment. He cited the unanimous adoption of resolution 2773 in February 2025 on the DRC as an example of a council unit strengthening diplomatic efforts on the ground.
The United Nations peacekeeping missions, such as that of Mali (MINUSMA, 2013-23), had to adapt to complex challenges, including a severe environment and a myriad of armed groups.
Leadership in the field and flexibility
Mr. Lacroix also underlined the importance of leadership of the dynamic mission, calling for senior officials to serve as “firm ambassadors to peace” who maintain confidence with host governments and conflict actors while adapting to the change of political context.
He stressed the importance of regional partnerships, in particular with the African Union (AU). Resolution 2719 (2023), which allows contributions evaluated to the operations directed by the AU, has been described as a “historic step” in the collaboration of the UNA.
“Take advantage of the investments of countries of contribution of troops and police is more deliberately critical,” he added, noting the example of the double role of Pakistan as a major troop contributor and elected member of the Security Council.
Cold War Lessons
Ms. Pobee’s briefing has strengthened these themes while offering a historical perspective.
She recalled how During the Cold War, despite global tensions, the United Nations special political missions facilitated the peaceful resolution of disputesLike diplomatic efforts in Equatorial Guinea in 1969, Bahrain in 1970 and the border dispute between Iraq and Iran in 1974.
It has identified several key elements behind these successes: clearly concentrated and linked time mandates; the proactive use of the good offices of the Secretary General; Discreet diplomacy and above all consent of host governments and conflict parties.
This foundation of confidence, she noted, is increasingly absent today, representing a “deficit of trust” which complicates peace efforts.
Special political missions of the United Nations in post-conflict contexts, such as the mission in Nepal (Unin, 2007-11) help to maintain stability, dialogue and support for democratic processes.
A unique tool
The two briefs recognized the Difficult global context, deepening the divisions of the Security Council, eroding increasingly complex standards and conflicts involving non -state actors, organized crimes and climate -oriented risks.
However, peace operations, with their combination of civil capacities and uniform, remain essential to stabilize fragile parameters and allow political dialogue, they argued. The longtime mission in Cyprus has been cited as an example of how the sustained presence of the United Nations can prevent climbing, even in the midst of a persistent dead end.
Mr. Lacroix also urged Member States to pay the contributions evaluated in time, warning that insufficient resources undermine the ability of the missions to fulfill their mandates.
Ms. Pobee added that the UN had already sailed polarized eras several times.
“” We were there … But, a clear lesson is that in the midst of acute geopolitical tensions, peace operations have helped the Member States set up tailor -made response to challenges to international peace and security“She said.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
