UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and UN Under-Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance Catherine Pollard on Sunday laud Bangladesh’s proactive role and efforts to increase the number of women peacekeepers, reports UNB.
The Under-Secretaries-General appreciated Bangladesh’s leading position as the troop and police contributing nation in the UN Peacekeeping Missions and welcomed Bangladesh’s assurance to work together in the pursuit of global peace.
They met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen in Dhaka.
During the discussion, the foreign minister highlighted Bangladesh’s strong commitment to fulfill UN’s target to increase the participation of women peacekeepers.
Bangladesh is already increasing the number of women peacekeepers as per the UN’s Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy, he added.
Momen also stressed that the safety and security of the peacekeepers should be ensured, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The country has established the Bangladesh Institute for Peace Support Operation and Training (BIPSOT) for providing regular and customized pre-deployment training to Bangladeshi peacekeepers.
The foreign minister also reiterated Bangladesh’s support to the UN’s effort to maintain global peace and security.
He underscored the importance of recognising the personal sacrifices of women peacekeepers.
The foreign minister observed that digital technologies have created new scopes for effective peacekeeping operations.
Lacroix and Pollard separately met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam.
The state minister, at the outset, welcomed the two UN USGs to Bangladesh, and observed that Dhaka is happy to be the venue of the preparatory meeting.
He highlighted Bangladesh’s long history of peacekeeping, and contributions in shaping the policies of UN peacekeeping as one of the leading TPCC countries.
Alam also enquired about the current situation of the peacekeeping mission in Mali.
Recalling that Bangladesh has duly observed the UN Peacekeepers Day on 29 May 2023, like years before, he underscored the high significance of the day.
He added that Bangladesh remains proud for its contributions to UN Peacekeeping Operations.
The UN USGs apprised the state minister about the current priorities and future initiatives of the UN with regard to the peacekeeping agenda.
They also praised the long-standing and robust contribution of Bangladesh in UN Peacekeeping Operations.
The UN USGs briefed the state minister for foreign affairs on the ongoing situation of the Peacekeeping Mission in Mali.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
