International Day of UN Peacekeepers is a special celebration that is held on 29th May each year. This day recognizes and honors the peacemaking troops carrying out peacekeeping operations. The peacemaking troops and operations are the responsibility of the Security Council of the United Nations. International Day of UN Peacekeepers is important because it highlights the work of peacekeepers around the world.
On International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, the 4,000 world peacekeepers who lost their lives in the process of peacekeeping are remembered for their work. Know more about the history and significance of this day here.
International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2023
International Day of UN Peacekeepers is a special day of the United Nations that honors all those who are/were involved in global peacekeeping. This day is observed annually on 29th May to pay tribute to humanitarians, United Nations (UN) entities, media, academics, leaders, and everyone involved in peacekeeping operations.
On UN Peacekeeping Day, global peacekeepers help the countries involved in conflict with other countries. Here is a brief overview of this day:
Event Name | International Day of UN Peacekeepers |
Celebrated On | 29th May |
Established By | United Nations General Assembly |
Aim of the Day | To honor all those who lost their lives in global peacekeeping. |
History of United Nations Peacekeepers Day
The United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 57/129 and finalized 29th May for observing the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. This was done following the request of the Ukrainian Peacekeepers Association and the Government of Ukraine to the UN General Assembly on 11th December 2002. This day was first celebrated in 2003.
The day recognizes and honors the contribution of the peacekeeping soldiers who have served the UN for more than 70 years through peacekeeping operations. The day also emphasizes the importance of peace and inclusiveness for achieving progress.
International Day of UN Peacekeepers Theme
Each year, a new theme is set for the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. For this year, the International Day of UN Peacekeepers theme 2022 was “People. Peace. Progress. The Power of Partnerships.” This theme is aimed at instilling a sense of collective responsibility in global peacekeepers.
Here, along with the UN Peacekeeping Day 2022 theme, we have also shared the previous year’s themes:
Year | International Day of UN Peacekeepers Theme |
2011 | Law. Order. Peace |
2012 | Peacekeeping is a Global Partnership |
2013 | UN Peacekeeping: Adapting to New Challenges |
2014 | UN Peacekeeping: A Force for Peace. A Force for Change. A Force for the Future. |
2015 | UN70 and UN Peacekeeping: past, present, and future. The theme explored the peacekeeping efforts from the past to the future |
2016 | Honouring our Heroes |
2017 | Investing in Peace around the World |
2018 | UN Peacekeepers: 70 Years of Service and Sacrifice. Celebrated 70 years of peacekeepers and their dedication to the UN |
2019 | Protecting Civilians: Protecting Peace |
2020 | Women in Peacekeeping- Key to Peace |
2021 | The Road to a Lasting Peace: Leveraging the Power of Youth for Peace and Security |
2022 | People. Peace. Progress. The Power of Partnerships. |
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers Significance
The day honors and remembers the contribution of more than 4000 peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives while serving the United Nations. The UN peacekeepers play a crucial role in maintaining peace around the world. The day also raises awareness among people on the importance of maintaining peace and peacekeeping operations.
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers reminds the public of the importance and benefits of peace. The day also honors and commemorates the sacrifice of the millions of peacekeepers who serve the United Nations in peacekeeping operations. The day is important for realizing the efforts of peacekeepers in maintaining security and peace between countries.
Facts About International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
On the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, the peacekeepers, and their contributions are remembered. There are thousands of people and leaders involved in the cause of global peacekeeping. Here are some more facts about peacekeepers.
- There are more than a million men and women who have served the United Nations as peacekeepers.
- There are 121 United Nations members that contribute to the peacekeeping operations.
- The biggest peacekeeping operation conducted was MINUSMA in Mali, which involved 18,349 peacekeepers.
- The smallest peacekeeping operation was the UNMOGIP between India and Pakistan, which involved 110 peacekeepers.
- The Blue helmets donned by the peacekeepers were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.
- The second-largest troop contributor in the peacekeeping operations in France, with 610 French-speaking peacekeepers.
- Currently, there are 74,780 peacekeepers engaged in 12 peacekeeping operations.
FAQs on International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
Q1. When is the International Day of UN Peacekeepers observed?
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed on 29th May every year. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly to honor those who are involved in global peacekeeping operations. The UN General Assembly announced this day on 11th December 2002.
Q2. What was the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers theme 2022?
The theme for the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers was “People. Peace. Progress. The Power of Partnerships.” This theme highlights the need for a collaborative effort for global peacekeeping. Each year, the United Nations sets a unique theme for UN Peacekeepers Day.
Q3. What is the importance of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers?
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is important as it promotes peace and honors the millions of peacekeepers working with the UN. The peacekeepers work under the direction of the United Nations Security Council and include women, men, UN entities, world leaders, etc.
Q4. When was the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers established?
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers was established on 11th December 2002 by the United Nations General Assembly to honor peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives while serving the United Nations. UN Peacekeepers Day is celebrated each year around the world.