FIVE KEY MESSAGES TO A NEW UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE FUTURE OF UNITED NATIONS PEACE OPERATIONS

Ahead of the interactive dialogues with candidates on 21–22 April, and following discussions at the recent Challenges Forum Partner Meeting, a collective set of messages has been developed to inform the next UN Secretary-General on the future of UN peace operations.

At a time of global uncertainty, there is renewed demand for effective and predictable multilateral action on peace and security. While recent setbacks have exposed weaknesses, they have also highlighted what works. This creates momentum to strengthen UN peace operations and adapt them to today’s complex challenges.

The next Secretary-General will play a critical role in carrying this momentum forward with clear direction and political courage. Five priorities stand out:

• Champion the central role of UN peace operations
  Reaffirm peace operations as a core and indispensable tool for maintaining international peace and security.
• Make flexible use of the full UN peace operations toolbox and networked multilateral approaches
  Apply the full range of UN tools in an integrated and adaptable way, strengthening partnerships with regional organisations.
• Engage in person with host countries, conflict parties and UN field operations
  Lead through direct and consistent engagement to build trust, sustain consent, and support political solutions.
• Foster a more proactive, innovative, and efficient UN organizational culture
  Enable a more agile, forward-leaning UN that can act earlier and adapt to evolving challenges.
• Encourage a more resilient and realistic approach to UN peace operations among Member States
  Promote sustained political support, predictable contributions, and realistic expectations grounded in experience.

Peace operations remain one of the UN’s most tangible contributions to saving lives and creating pathways to peace. With the right leadership, political backing, and sustained investment, they will continue to be a central pillar of collective responses to conflict.

Together with a broad coalition of partners, these messages are put forward to help shape the direction and priorities of the next Secretary-General. They offer a shared foundation for continued engagement and collective action to strengthen UN peace operations for the future.