Page 7 - The CoESPU Magazine N 1 - 2018

Courtesy of the United Nations Regional Information Center

for West Europe, we are glad and honored to open the headline

of this issue presenting the Secretary-General's remarks,
delivered at Security Council High-Level Open Debate on

Peacekeeping Operations regarding the reform of UN

Peacekeeping on September 20, 2017.

Every day, peacekeepers create conditions for lasting peace. They protect civilians, such as the
hundreds of thousands in South Sudan and the Central African Republic who have sought refuge.
Across the years and across the globe, fifty-five peacekeeping operations have successfully
completed their mandate. Many political missions have done the same.
Four missions are downsizing or closing soon, their job completed, and the strategies of being able
to ensure a smooth transition in these situations are absolutely crucial.
Peacekeeping remains a highly cost-effective instrument.
The people of Haiti and Côte d’Ivoire enjoy brighter futures thanks in part to support from
MINUSTAH and ONUCI.
I pay tribute to the many peacekeepers who have paid the ultimate price in carrying out this vital
work. Despite the obvious successes, peace operations, at times, may disappoint, seem short of
perspective, or be unable to put an end to commitments of several decades. This should lead us to
reflect on our
objectives, the
means we have
and our capacity
to implement
complex mandates
and satisfy the
many
expectations.
Peace Operations
are deployed in
challenging
environments,
where the United
Nations is
sometimes the only one ready and able to act. Our operations are subject to considerable
expectations, perhaps too heavy, because they must respond to emergencies while contributing to

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