UN Secretary-General António Guterres commemorates the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, emphasizing their crucial role in bringing peace and stability to conflict-affected regions. He pays tribute to the sacrifices of over 3,500 peacekeepers who lost their lives since 1948 and highlights ongoing challenges faced by peacekeepers, including attacks from armed groups and terrorists. Guterres underscores the importance of investing in peacekeeping efforts worldwide and acknowledges the closure of operations in Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia as signs of progress. The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal is awarded posthumously to fallen peacekeepers, and Guterres reaffirms the UN’s commitment to supporting peace, security, and prosperity through peacekeeping missions.
