UN peacekeeping strategies have the potential to succeed, even in a world marked by divisions and conflicts, as long as there is a genuine commitment to political cooperation.

Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Assistant Secretary-General Marta Pobee addressed the Security Council on adjusting UN peace operations to foster political solutions. They stressed the critical need for Council unity and broader UN support, emphasizing that peacekeeping missions can be pivotal in conflict zones despite volatile environments and fragile progress. Lacroix highlighted successful missions like MINUSCA in the Central African Republic and MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which have made significant contributions to peace processes. Security Council unity was identified as crucial, with Lacroix warning that without it, peace operations can only manage conflicts rather than support lasting peace agreements. Both briefers also emphasized the importance of mission leadership, regional partnerships, and flexibility, drawing on historical successes during the Cold War to illustrate the necessity of focused mandates, proactive use of the Secretary-General’s good offices, and consent from host governments and parties. They recognized the challenging global context but argued that peace operations remain vital for stabilizing fragile settings and enabling political dialogue. Both urged timely payment of assessed contributions and noted the UN’s history of navigating polarised times by facilitating tailored responses to international peace and security challenges.

Source: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2025/07/1165523