Calls for Reform of UN Peacekeeping Missions by German Officials

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has advocated for reforms in United Nations peacekeeping operations during the opening of an international conference in Berlin focused on the future of UN blue helmet missions. He emphasized the need for these missions to be more effective and smaller in scale, while also highlighting the importance of local acceptance.

Wadephul noted that adequate resources are crucial for the success of these missions, affirming Germany's commitment to providing both political and financial support. This statement comes in light of budget cuts in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump, with Wadephul declaring Germany's intent to maintain its current level of engagement despite the challenges of replacing US contributions.

He described UN peacekeepers as the visible face of the United Nations, performing vital and challenging work in the pursuit of peace, referring to them as the 'craftsmen of this peace project.'

Alongside Wadephul, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also underscored the significance of peacekeeping missions. He stated that while Germany must refocus on national and alliance defense in light of current threats, it is essential not to lose sight of global crises and conflicts. He remarked that these missions protect civilian populations and support peace processes, which are critical to upholding the international rules-based order currently under threat from actions by leaders like Vladimir Putin in Ukraine.

Approximately 1,000 delegates from over 130 countries are participating in the Peacekeeping Ministerial, which is set to continue until Wednesday. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is also expected to attend. This gathering, organized by the German Foreign Office and the Ministry of Defense, serves as a pivotal platform for fostering support for UN peacekeeping initiatives.

At the conference, commitments for concrete contributions in terms of resources, equipment, and personnel are anticipated. Strategic discussions will also cover topics such as digital innovation, regional partnerships, and countering disinformation, along with the future structuring of UN peacekeeping operations.

Currently, around 70,000 peacekeepers from 120 countries are engaged in eleven UN missions, which include soldiers, civilian experts, and police personnel. According to ministry figures, Germany contributes approximately 300 soldiers to missions in the Western Sahara, South Sudan, and Lebanon, along with 13 police officers deployed in South Sudan, Kosovo, and Cyprus.