May 23 , 2025
The biennial United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting was held in Berlin on May 13–14, with the participation of 134 UN Member States. The theme of this year’s ministerial was “The Future of UN Peacekeeping—For More Effective and Safer UN Peace Operations.” Member states and regional organizations in attendance renewed their political commitment and pledged various peacekeeping capabilities, including personnel and equipment.
In her statement, Minister of Defense, Aisha Mohammed, recalled the country’s longstanding support for UN peacekeeping since its inception and announced new pledges. She emphasized that the ongoing dialogue on reform must address the erosion of trust by host countries and ensure that force capabilities are commensurate with mission mandates. The Minister also highlighted the credibility gap faced by the Security Council due to its lack of representativeness and decision-making structure.
Furthermore, she underscored the critical importance of cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, specifically the African Union, in peacekeeping. To this end, she called for the immediate implementation of Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023).
In his remarks, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described peacekeeping as a clear demonstration of the power of multilateralism to maintain, achieve, and sustain peace. He outlined cases where UN peacekeeping had helped bring about durable peace and urged unified support from all member states for the ongoing review of UN peace operations. The review aims to make peacekeeping more effective, adaptable, flexible, and resilient.
UN peacekeeping today faces interlocking challenges, including geopolitical divisions, shifting conflict dynamics, inadequate funding and capabilities, and increasing risks to peacekeepers’ safety and security. If successful, the reform process could galvanize the political will needed to address these challenges.
On the recurring issue of peacekeeping financing, Ethiopia underscored the obligation of all UN Member States to pay their duly apportioned contributions. It also stressed that cost-saving measures must not undermine mandate implementation or jeopardize the safety and security of troops. Ethiopia paid the highest tribute to its men and women in uniform who have served the cause of peace and protected civilians in some of the world’s most precarious security environments.
Ethiopia has served as one of the thirteen co-chairs of the Peacekeeping Ministerial process since its inception in London in 2016.