Rethinking Peace Operations for a Changing World
Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the forum, Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), called for a politically realistic and innovative approach to peace operations reform.
She stressed that peace missions must evolve to tackle challenges posed by non-state actors, emerging technologies, and new forms of warfare.
“The complexities we face today are defined by the growing influence of non-state actors, the use of artificial intelligence in combat, and severe challenges to human rights and humanitarian norms,” she said.
Ms. Tetteh warned against overstretching missions through unrealistic mandates and inadequate financing, noting that “without the necessary resources, peace operations cannot achieve their intended outcomes.” She also called for stronger cooperation with regional organisations such as the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS, alongside smarter communication strategies to counter misinformation and the weaponisation of social media.
Forum Highlights and Key Sessions
In his opening remarks, Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, Acting Commandant of KAIPTC, described CAF25 as a “strategic and dynamic platform” to generate ideas that could reposition peace operations to build resilience and promote lasting stability.
He emphasised that modern peacekeepers increasingly operate in complex environments where traditional ceasefires no longer hold.
“Through shared lessons and best practices, we can reconstruct peace operations to build resilience, prevent conflict, and sustain stability,” he noted.
Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi, reaffirmed Ghana’s longstanding commitment to global peacekeeping and the United Nations system. He highlighted the country’s pioneering role in peace operations since 1960 and outlined the need to integrate climate change considerations into peace and security frameworks.
“Climate change has become a security priority that fuels displacement and conflict,” he said, underscoring the government of Ghana’s establishment of the Ministry of Climate Change and Sustainability as a proactive response.
The Director-General of the Folke Bernadotte Academy and Chair of the Challenges Forum Partner Meeting, Per Olsson Fridh, also addressed participants, calling for renewed global commitment to the principles and funding of peace operations.
“UN peace operations stand at a critical crossroads and must be redefined to remain effective and relevant,” he stated, urging stronger partnerships with regional and national actors.
Innovation Labs: Building Future-Ready Peace Operations
CAF25 featured three Innovation Labs designed to encourage collaboration and creative thinking on the transformation of peace operations. The sessions focused on:
- Strengthening Regional Collaboration: Examining the role of African-led peace support operations and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023) on financing for such missions.
- Integrating Climate Change and Security: Exploring the intersection between environmental degradation, migration, and instability, and the need for climate-adaptive peacebuilding strategies.
- Leveraging New Technologies: Discussing the responsible use of artificial intelligence, drones, and digital tools to improve situational awareness and counter misinformation.
Facilitators and experts from UNMISS, ECOWAS, UN and global and academic institutions across Africa and Europe contributed insights into how peace operations can harness innovation while safeguarding ethics and human rights.
Defining Core Tasks for Tomorrow’s Missions
The second day of the Forum focused on “Future Priorities: Core Tasks for Tomorrow’s Peace Operations.” Speakers including Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mohamed Ibn Chambas, African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, shared perspectives on the evolving role of peace operations in complex conflict settings.
Participants explored how peace operations can better align with political processes, strengthen early warning mechanisms, and ensure inclusive participation of women and youth in peacebuilding. Collaborative workshops enabled delegates to translate discussions into actionable recommendations for the UN’s reform process.
A second panel featured experts from the UN, Norway, and KAIPTC discussed how to “Adapt and Advance” by turning ideas into concrete action for implementation.
Conclusion
In the closing sessions, participants reflected on Ghana’s leadership in multilateralism and its continued contribution to UN peacekeeping. Participants agreed that peace operations must evolve to remain credible and effective amid resource constraints and shifting geopolitical realities.
CAF25 concluded with a renewed commitment by partners to support the UN Secretary-General’s review process and to foster cooperation among the UN, regional bodies, and member states.