International Day of UN Peacekeepers

Remember the scene in Avengers Endgame when Iron Man sacrificed himself to save the world? Have you wondered about the real-life superheroes that are protecting civilians and thousands of them sacrifice their lives? These peacekeepers are the real Iron Men of our world! To honor the real-life superheroes International Day of UN Peacekeepers is celebrated every year on May 29. Let’s know more about why and how we celebrate International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

About International Day of UN Peacekeepers

Every year on May 29, the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is celebrated all around the globe. International Day of UN Peacekeepers is a day to pay tribute to all the individuals both uniformed and civilian personnel engaged in the peacekeeping programs and operations and to honour the ones that have lost their lives serving under the UN flag since 1948.

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History of International Day of UN Peacekeepers

It was formed by the request of the Ukrainian Peacekeepers Association and the Government of Ukraine and designated by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 57/129 to honour the contribution, courage, and sacrifices of the peacekeepers. The first International Day of UN Peacekeepers was celebrated on May 29, 2003. 

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Theme of International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2021

Every year the theme of International Day of UN Peacekeepers is different. For the year 2021, the theme is ‘The road to a lasting peace: Leveraging the power of youth for peace and security‘.  This year’s theme is based on the young peacekeepers aged between 18 – 29 years that are deployed in various corners of the world and performing their duties that play a major role in helping the missions implement and also protecting the lives of civilians. There are more than ten thousand young peacekeepers in the UN. On the day of International Day of UN Peacekeepers, they will be celebrated for their contribution; the UN will also honor the ones that have lost their lives serving the UN. From global pandemic to climate change to act of violence, youth is affected the most because it’s their future that is taking a drastic change. The youth of UN peacekeepers is putting in their efforts to help the civilians and to contributing to bringing peace. 

Young people are engaged in peace work in virtually every society around the 🌍. Some work in formal conflict prevention efforts, while others contribute to social cohesion through building peace at the most local levels. 🙌 #YouthPeaceSecurity #PKDay pic.twitter.com/1dttGhfGHt

— UN Peacekeeping (@UNPeacekeeping) May 18, 2021

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India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping

India is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping since its formation. Till date it has contributed more than 195,000 troops and participated in more than 49 missions all over the world. India is also a  member of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC).  The Indian women contingent participated in a peacekeeping mission was deployed to the UN Operation in Liberia (UNMIL) in 2007.

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UN Peacekeeping Supporting LGBTIQ 

Young #LGBTIQ+ people are creating a fearless future where everyone can be safe, heard and supported, no matter who you are or whom you love. Together, families, friends and teachers can support LGBTIQ+ youth to make this #YouthLead future a reality. #IDAHOBIT pic.twitter.com/OX2z9x1Yey

— UN Peacekeeping (@UNPeacekeeping) May 17, 2021

Celebration of International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2021 

Due to global pandemic Covid – 19, the Celebration of International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2020 was celebrated virtually in 2020. The Celebration of International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2021 will also be through a virtual ceremony.  Dag Hammarskjold medal will be awarded to peacekeepers that lost their lives in the year 2020 and January 2021 and Military Gender Advocate of the Year will be presented virtually. Along with the awards, Secretary-General will honour the peacekeepers who have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag over the past seven decades.

Peacekeeper of the Day:

Emanuele (22) 🇮🇹 sees his job as a peacekeeper with @UNIFIL_ as very gratifying. During the pandemic, he and the rest of the mission in south Lebanon have assisted local communities in various aspects of curbing #COVID19. #PKDay #YouthPeaceSecurity pic.twitter.com/psGqal6vWm

— UN Peacekeeping (@UNPeacekeeping) May 17, 2021

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