ROME, MAY 29 – On the occasion of the 19th International Day of the UN Peacekeepers, Italy, the first contributor of Blue Helmets among Western countries and one of the main contributors to the budget of peace operations, reaffirms its commitment to ensure international peace and security under the aegis of the United Nations. This year, the Day is dedicated to the young military and civilians involved in peacekeeping missions and to the role of youth in building a lasting peace.
The International Peacekeepers Day, established in 2003 by a UN General Assembly Resolution, pays tribute to the dedication, bravery and spirit of sacrifice of the uniformed and civilian personnel involved in peacekeeping missions. Tens of thousands of UN peacekeepers aged between 18 and 29 are currently deployed in the UN peacekeeping missions, playing a crucial role in ensuring the implementation of the mission mandate and protecting the civilian population.
In the last years, under the impetus of Resolution 2250/2015 of the Security Council, which established the Youth Peace and Security Agenda (YPS), the collaboration between the UN peacekeeping operations and youth associations has increased significantly with the aim of building a sustainable peace.
“Italy firmly believes that young people are a vital driver for peace, change and prosperity”, states a note of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “Their specific sensitiveness and forward-looking approach, as well as their idealism, creativity and energy, contribute meaningfully to building and sustaining peace, providing long-term solutions and fostering conflict prevention and reconciliation.”
Sustainable peace and lasting conflict prevention can be achieved only if peace negotiations – and their implementation – are really inclusive and if all segments of the society – starting from youth and women – are able to get their voices heard and contribute to the future of the society they live in, the note concludes. (@OnuItalia)
