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INNOVATION AND NEW TECHNOLOGY - THE FUTURE OF UN

PEACEKEEPING

By Mr. Dimitry TITOV

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council on 12 September 2018, the Under-Secretary-
General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, stressed that peacekeeping “by
its essence [is] a collective endeavour”. It
involves police- and troop-contributing
countries, the UN Secretariat, financial
donors, Security Council members, and all
those who have a stake in ensuring that UN
peace operations are fit for purpose. For
these reasons, Secretary-General Guterres
launched his Action for Peacekeeping
initiative this year. A4P is about enhancing
peacekeeping in all its aspects: political
support, performance, and safety and security
of blue helmets. Changed mindset, enhanced
analytical tools, enhanced training, stronger
discipline: all of these are necessary to ensure
Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix UN Deputy Secretary-
that peacekeepers are able to perform their
mandated tasks, in situations which are General for Peacekeeping Operations
increasingly marked by asymmetric and complex threats. From January to September 2018
alone, 17 peacekeepers have lost their lives due to acts of violence. While this represents a
considerable decrease from previous years, the protection of UN personnel in the field will
continue to be a top priority. This begins with better training, equipment and support capabilities
– including critical enablers like helicopters, counter-IED capacities, medical support and more.
Peacekeeping will continue to be outmaneuvered if it continues to operate with outdated tools
and methods. However,
some Member States are
demanding caution in
adopting new
technologies; others still
are concerned about
financial implications
and the overall cost of
peacekeeping. In
addition, police- and
troop-contributors may
require special training
programs, as well as
support for maintenance
and procurement of
additional equipment.
Nonetheless the benefits outweigh the challenges, and the UN has taken decisive steps to

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