Congratulatory Address by Jaap van Hierden, UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia on observance of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers

H.E. Mr. S. BYAMBATSOGT, Member of the Parliament, and the Minister of Defense, 

Excellencies,

Generals, Officers, Sergeants and Peacekeepers

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a great honour to join you today in celebrating the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

Each year on May 29, we pause to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of the women and men who serve under the United Nations flag in some of the most challenging parts of the world.

Today, we are proud to celebrate Mongolia’s exceptional contributions to this noble cause.

Since 2002, more than 23,000 Mongolian peacekeepers have served in United Nations missions across the globe—from Africa to the Middle East, from fragile post-conflict zones to active peace enforcement contexts. Their bravery, professionalism, and discipline have earned global respect and admiration.

Currently, nearly 900 Mongolian troops are deployed in missions, including in South Sudan. Their presence provides hope to vulnerable communities, supports the protection of civilians, and helps nations rebuild after conflict.

With unwavering courage, these peacekeepers step into danger to protect those who need protection, preserve peace, and restore hope. Their resilience and dedication inspire us all.

But Mongolia does more than send troops. It leads by example.

From establishing world-class training centres to investing in modern equipment and logistics, Mongolia shows its commitment to peacekeeping excellence. And through its leadership in the Women, Peace and Security agenda—including the pledge to increase the number of female peacekeepers and its role in the Elsie Initiative Fund—Mongolia is helping shape a more inclusive and representative peacekeeping architecture.

We also warmly commend Mongolia’s efforts to support peacekeepers and their families. This holistic approach reflects a deep respect for those who serve and a model that others can learn from.

Today, peacekeepers face increasingly complex situations in an increasingly complex world. They operate in environments shaped by growing polarisation, terrorism, deadly misinformation, and transnational threats like climate change and organised crime.

The United Nations needs peacekeeping that is agile, well-equipped, and grounded in clear political strategies. This is a shared responsibility of the United Nations and its Member States.

The Pact for the Future, adopted last year, commits us to adapting peacekeeping to meet today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges. This is not just a challenge—it is an opportunity: to analyse what makes peacekeeping successful, to understand what hinders it, and to design future-focused models that are achievable, well-resourced, and politically anchored.

Let us take this opportunity to honour the more than 4,400 peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the service of peace, including 57 just last year. We will never forget them—and we will carry their work forward.

And let us congratulate all peacekeepers past and present for your courage, dedication, and commitment to the values of the United Nations.

Mongolia’s example shines brightly on this day. It is proof that one country, guided by strong values and a global vision, can make a powerful difference.

Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations—and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.

Happy International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

Thank you for your service!