Published on: 2026-05-29
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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In conditions of increasing geopolitical tension and limited resources, UN peacekeepers continue to serve at the forefront of the world’s most dangerous conflicts. Today, on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, Secretary-General António Guterres called on states to ensure stronger political support and stable financing for the “blue helmets,” who daily risk their lives to protect civilians.
Today, under the UN flag, more than 50 thousand civilian, military, and police personnel serve in 11 missions. They are engaged in monitoring ceasefires, providing humanitarian aid, demining, and protecting the civilian population.
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, which is celebrated annually on May 29 – on the anniversary of the first mission in 1948 – is observed this year under the slogan “Invest in Peace.” The theme of the day emphasizes the indispensability of sustainable political will and financial support, without which peacekeeping risks losing its effectiveness.
“A trusted instrument of the world”
In his address, António Guterres called peacekeeping a “proven and economically effective instrument for stabilizing conflicts, protecting civilians, and supporting political solutions”.
The Secretary-General honored the memory of almost 4,500 peacekeepers who died since 1948. Of that number, 59 people were killed in the past year. Guterres emphasized that attacks on peacekeepers are “serious violations of international humanitarian law.”
The UN chief warned that resource cuts undermine the ability of missions to fulfill their mandates in increasingly complex and protracted conflicts.
Deputy Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix noted that United Nations peacekeepers continue to protect civilians, prevent the escalation of violence, and maintain hope in the most difficult conditions worldwide. He added that investments in peacekeeping are investments in stability and a chance for lasting peace.
Courage, leadership, and innovation
On Friday, June 5, at the UN headquarters, the Secretary-General will present the highest peacekeeping award – the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for exceptional courage – to two servicemen who demonstrated selflessness in life-threatening conditions. In addition, awards will be presented to two women peacekeepers.
Sergey Prilodko, Ukraine – Medal of Captain Mbaye Diana
A private contractor who was part of the helicopter crew of the UN mission in South Sudan, Sergey Priozhodko, in March 2025 voluntarily replaced a less experienced colleague in the evacuation of servicemen surrounded in the state of Western Nile.
The UN helicopter was fired upon despite guarantees of safe passage. One person died, two crew members were injured. His determination and willingness to take risks made it possible to save lives amid rapidly escalating violence.
Sergeant Matias Reyes, Uruguay – medal of Captain Mbaye Diagne
During the fierce clashes between the Armed Forces of the DRC and the M23 group in January 2025, Sergeant Reyes, who served in Goma as part of the UN peacekeeping mission, repeatedly evacuated wounded Congolese soldiers under fire to shelters at the UN base. He saved 12 severely wounded servicemen by delivering them to the field medical post. Matias Reyes continues to serve under the UN flag in the DRC.
Major Abilasha Barak, India – defender of gender equality
Major Barak is the commander of the interaction group and the gender coordinator of the Indian battalion in Southern Lebanon. She implements gender aspects in military operations and cooperation with the civilian population.
Abilasha conducted extensive work with five thousand women and girls, supporting education, professional development, and recovery after conflicts. Among her initiatives is the innovative platform Lebanon Gender Initiative, which uses artificial intelligence so that victims of gender-based violence can report it confidentially.
Inspector Stefanie Koenigs, Germany – Policewoman of the Year
Inspector Kenigs, who served in the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan from September 2024 to March 2026, strengthened the operational work of the mission by implementing a new patrol system. It contributed to the development of early warning mechanisms and the adoption of effective decisions in crisis situations, as well as strengthened the trust of local communities in the UN mission.
Investments in peace – investments in the future
Against the backdrop of numerous protracted conflicts, growing disinformation, and threats related to new technologies, UN peacekeepers remain a key tool for maintaining security. International Day of UN Peacekeepers reminds us that without these people, who risk their lives daily, the hope for peace would be much weaker.
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