Women peacekeepers play a crucial role in preventing gender-based violence and ensuring sustainable peace, said Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth at the valedictory session of the conference on Women in Peacekeeping – A Global South Perspective in New Delhi.
Organized by the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in India, the two-day event brought together women peacekeepers from India and 35 other nations to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities in peacekeeping missions worldwide.
Highlighting India’s unwavering commitment to UN peacekeeping, the MoS noted that the country has deployed more than 2.9 lakh troops over the past seven decades in over 50 UN missions. “Peacekeeping is not just about deploying forces but about strengthening capacities, enhancing preparedness, and ensuring a people-centric and inclusive approach to conflict resolution,” he stated.
He emphasized that women peacekeepers contribute significantly by addressing the unique needs of women and children in conflict zones, fostering trust, and promoting long-term stability.
Addressing the changing security landscape, he called for stronger cooperation among Global South nations to secure peace, prosperity, and stability. “We must learn from each other’s experiences, leverage collective wisdom, and pool resources to transform shared aspirations into tangible progress,” he said.
He reaffirmed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for global engagement, anchored in the five guiding principles of Respect, Dialogue, Cooperation, Peace, and Prosperity.
The conference, which drew participation from senior military officials and UN representatives, tackled key issues such as Sexual Exploitation & Abuse in Peacekeeping, the role of Modern Technology in Enhancing Operational Effectiveness, and Opportunities for Collaboration in Training and Capacity Building in the Global South.
The second day’s discussions focused on increasing the impact of women peacekeepers through regional cooperation and leadership training.
The Minister also honored women peacekeepers for their exceptional contributions to global security, recognizing their role in challenging gender norms and inspiring local women in conflict-affected areas to take up leadership positions.
Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, UN Under Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and senior officers from India and the Global South were also present at the event, reinforcing India’s leadership in inclusive peacekeeping efforts.
The conference reaffirmed India’s commitment to gender equality in peacekeeping, aiming to shape future missions where women peacekeepers play an even greater role in conflict resolution and security operations worldwide.