Challenges Annual Forum 2026

The Challenges Annual Forum 2026 (CAF26) will take place on 8 October 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Hosted by the Permanent Missions of Sweden and Denmark to the United Nations, the Forum will convene Member States, UN leaders, partners, practitioners, and experts under the theme: “Turning the Tide: Building Momentum for Peace Operations in a Demanding World.”

Taking place at a pivotal moment, following the Review of All Forms of UN Peace Operations and ahead of the appointment of a new Secretary-General, CAF26 aims to help build momentum for effective and responsible peace operations at a time of global uncertainty and growing needs.

Grounded in field realities, CAF26 will bring a 360-degree view of the challenges facing missions today. The Forum will explore how missions can adapt to increasingly complex environments and what functions can realistically be sustained amid growing political, operational, and financial constraints, as well as the support required to enable missions to deliver on their mandates. It will also examine host-country relations and how peace operations can foster more reciprocal and politically grounded partnerships based on clear expectations, shared accountability, and sustained consent.

As the UN enters a period of leadership transition, Member States and UN leaders, through candid dialogue, have an opportunity to champion the central role of peace operations and reaffirm them as indispensable tools for maintaining international peace and security.

In this spirit, CAF26 will bring together stakeholders from across the peace operations community to build momentum for collective and predictable multilateral action. Through practical ideas and recommendations, the Forum aims to help renew and strengthen peace operations so they can continue making a tangible difference for populations affected by conflict.