Eric Patrick
The United Nations on Thursday commemorated the 77th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping, celebrating over seven decades of global efforts to maintain peace and stability across conflict-affected regions.
Marked under the theme “The Future of Peacekeeping,” this year’s anniversary highlights both the legacy and evolving role of peacekeeping in a rapidly changing world.
In a ceremony held in partnership with the Nigerian Government, the UN paid special tribute to Nigeria’s peacekeeping personnel—both uniformed and civilian—recognising their steadfast contributions to international peace and security.
As one of Africa’s leading contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, Nigeria has played a pivotal role in operations across the continent and beyond, from Liberia and Sierra Leone to Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
UN officials and Nigerian dignitaries gathered to honour the service and sacrifice of Nigerian peacekeepers, past and present.
Speaking at the event, a representative of the UN Secretary-General praised Nigeria’s enduring commitment to multilateral cooperation and regional stability.
“Today, we not only reflect on the achievements of the past 77 years but also look ahead,” the representative said.
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“The challenges facing peacekeeping are evolving—from climate-linked conflicts to cyber threats—but the core values of solidarity, courage, and service remain unchanged.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar reiterated the country’s readiness to adapt to emerging peacekeeping challenges and called for sustained international investment in peace operations.
“Nigeria stands ready to contribute to a future of peacekeeping that is more innovative, inclusive, and responsive to the realities on the ground,” the minister stated.
UN Peacekeeping was established in 1948 and has since deployed over two million personnel in more than 70 missions worldwide. Today, nearly 90,000 military, police, and civilian personnel serve in 12 active operations.
As global conflicts become more complex, the UN emphasised the need for stronger partnerships, better technology, and a renewed focus on the root causes of instability. Events marking the anniversary were also held in UN mission areas around the world, including moments of silence for the over 4,300 peacekeepers who have lost their lives in service since 1948.
With this year’s theme focusing on the future, the UN invited member states and stakeholders to reimagine peacekeeping as a more adaptive and anticipatory tool for conflict prevention and peacebuilding in the 21st century.
