ISLAMABAD: The five-day 28th annual conference of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centres started at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), National University of Sciences and Technology (Nust) on Monday.

Pakistan is hosting for the first time the event that draws international experts and peacekeepers for discussing contemporary peacekeeping challenges and opportunities.

The event commenced with the inauguration of CIPS’s newly-constructed building by Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir. He was joined by United Nations Under Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Police Adviser, acting deputy military adviser; Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and the Nust rector.

In his keynote address, General Munir highlighted the evolving and complex nature of global peace, acknowledging the significant hurdles peacekeeping missions face worldwide.

“Global peace today is confronted with ever-evolving threats and challenges,” he remarked, adding that while organisations such as the UN strive to mitigate conflicts unresolved situations like those of Kashmir and Palestine stand as critical reminders of the work still needed.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its longstanding contributions to UN peacekeeping missions and for hosting this year’s IAPTC event. He commended Pakistan’s commitment to peacekeeping and lauded the platform for fostering a collaborative approach to addressing global peace concerns.

Running through November 8, the conference will serve as a platform for insightful discussions, innovative strategies, and actionable recommendations in support of international peacekeeping initiatives.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2024