Policymakers and peace and security experts convened at the 2025 Challenges Forum (CAF25) in Accra to examine the state of United Nations peace operations and the practical reforms required for the global institution to remain effective amid increasingly complex and evolving threats.
The discussions formed part of ongoing global consultations feeding into the UN Secretary-General’s Review of All Forms of Peace Operations.
Speakers at the Forum highlighted the widening gap between traditional peacekeeping models and the environments in which missions now operate. They noted that peace operations are increasingly deployed in contexts shaped by non-state armed groups, emerging technologies, and contested political processes, requiring more adaptive and flexible approaches.
The Forum provided a platform for generating policy-relevant ideas, with key discussions taking place through Innovation Labs. These sessions examined financing for African-led peace support operations under UN Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023); the security implications of climate change and displacement; and the responsible use of technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones. Contributors from the UN, regional bodies, and academic institutions stressed the importance of balancing innovation with ethics, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Subsequent sessions focused on defining core priorities for future peace operations, with speakers emphasizing stronger early warning mechanisms, and inclusive participation, particularly of women and youth. Participants also worked to translate deliberations into actionable recommendations to inform the UN’s ongoing reform process.
The Forum’s key takeaways were later presented at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, reinforcing calls for stronger partnerships, shared responsibility, and adaptive leadership in shaping the future of UN peace operations. The Forum was held under the theme “Adapt and Advance: Renewing the Impact of Peace Operations,” and co-hosted by KAIPTC, in partnership with the Governments of Ghana and Sweden, with support from Norway, Denmark, and the Challenges Forum International Secretariat.