UN SG Expresses Thanks to Morocco, France for Co-Chairing 2nd Ministerial Conference on Peacekeeping in Francophone Environment
During the conference’s opening session, Guterres said in a pre-recorded speech that peacekeeping is one of the UN’s most concrete facets, at a time when the world is witnessing more conflicts than at any time since 1945.
In this respect, he recalled that peacekeeping remains one of the most solid and cost-effective instruments of the international community, which requires sustained political commitment, resources commensurate with the needs, and lasting partnerships.
The UN Secretary-General noted that peacekeeping produces results when it is backed by a clear mandate, the political will of the parties, and resolute support from Member States. He added that in Francophone environments, particularly in Africa, language, knowledge of cultures, and the ability to grasp local dynamics and build trust are essential conditions for success.
In this regard, Guterres recalled the reform he has undertaken within the framework of the “UN80” Initiative, serving as a review of UN peacekeeping operations, to establish operations that are better adapted to realities on the ground, more coherent, and closer to local populations.
Similarly, the UN Secretary-General emphasized that for nearly eight decades, peacekeepers have served in some of the world’s most dangerous environments, protecting civilians at the risk of their own lives while supporting political processes and opening space for lasting solutions.
The High-Level Segment of the 2nd Ministerial Conference on Peacekeeping in the Francophone Environment, co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, saw the participation of 26 ministers, as well as 63 delegations representing countries from every continent.
