UN chief urges fiscal overhaul to sustain global peacekeeping amid rising conflicts

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted critical role of multilateral peacekeeping in stabilising conflict zones during a ministerial briefing Tuesday, marking the organisation 80 anniversary.

He emphasised that UN Blue Helmets remain cornerstone of global solidarity, bridging nations to transition societies from war to peace.

Yet, as conflicts surge to historic highs, he warned that financial constraints and shifting geopolitical priorities threaten their mission.

Peacekeepers, drawn from over 120 countries, operate in hotspots worldwide—enforcing ceasefires, safeguarding civilians, and enabling humanitarian aid.

Their presence, the Secretary-General noted, often spells “the difference between life and death.” Success stories like Cambodia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone demonstrate durable peace forged through UN intervention, with many now contributing troops themselves.

However, this progress comes at a cost: 4,400 peacekeepers have died in service, a sacrifice honored with a solemn moment of silence.

Current challenges—complex borderless conflicts, climate-driven instability, and misinformation campaigns targeting peacekeepers—demand urgent adaptation.

Guterres outlined a three-pronged strategy: future-proofing operations through a comprehensive review, optimizing scarce resources, and deepening partnerships like the UN-African Union collaboration under Security Council Resolution 2719.

Financing remains a linchpin. With peacekeeping budgets strained, the call for “flexible, predictable funding” grows louder.

The Secretary-General urged member states to prioritize mandates, streamline processes, and align contributions with evolving threats.

“Peacekeeping is only as strong as the political and financial will behind it,” he asserted, stressing that multilateral cooperation must prevail despite global polarisation.

As the UN navigates record displacement and faltering international law, the Secretary-General closed with a stark reminder: “Peace is not a given. It is a choice—one we must fund, defend, and renew.”