The United Nations (UN) on Friday paid tribute to more than 50,000 peacekeepers serving worldwide, including over 4,000 personnel from Bangladesh, marking the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
The day, observed annually on May 29, honours the contribution, service and sacrifice of peacekeepers deployed in some of the world’s most challenging and high-risk environments.
The UN also remembered those who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing their work as a reminder of the urgent need to invest in peace.
“Their work underscores the urgency of investing in peace,” the UN office in Bangladesh said in a statement.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said more than 50,000 peacekeepers are currently deployed across the globe to protect civilian lives.
“Far from home, in some of the world’s most dangerous settings, they de-escalate tensions between hostile parties, oversee aid delivery, support elections, and create space for political solutions to grow,” he said.
He paid tribute to the nearly 4,500 peacekeepers who have died in service since 1948, including 59 in the past year.
“No one should die serving the cause of peace. Attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law, and Member States must uphold their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel at all times,” Guterres said.
He added that in an era of rising global tensions, peacekeeping remains a proven and cost-effective tool for restoring stability and hope, though it requires sustained political and financial support.
“This year’s theme, ‘Invest in Peace’, calls for decisive action to ensure peacekeepers have the resources to carry out their vital mandates,” he said.
“An investment in peacekeeping is an investment in a safer future. Let us always support the people who help make peace possible.”
To mark the day at UN Headquarters, the Secretary-General is expected to lay a wreath at the Peacekeepers Memorial in honour of fallen personnel.
He will also preside over a ceremony during which the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal will be awarded posthumously to peacekeepers who died in service. In addition, he will present the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year Award.
