Secretary-General Honors Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana
UN Secretary-General Antรณnio Guterres delivered poignant remarks at the ceremonies for the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, the United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year Award, and the Dag Hammarskjรถld Medal in New York. He honored the memory of the 4,400 peacekeepers who have lost their lives since the inception of UN peacekeeping 77 years ago. Guterres emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and highlighted the ongoing commitment to peacekeeping in a complex global landscape.
Honoring the Fallen Peacekeepers
During the ceremony, Guterres laid a wreath to commemorate the peacekeepers who have died in the line of duty. He called for a moment of silence to honor their sacrifices, stating that these individuals served far from home and loved ones in pursuit of peace. The Dag Hammarskjรถld Medal was awarded to 57 peacekeepers who lost their lives last year, along with one who died in 1973. Guterres expressed deep gratitude for their service and extended condolences to their families, affirming that their contributions to peace will never be forgotten.
The UN Secretary-General reiterated that peace is the foundation of the United Nations, with peacekeeping as its cornerstone. He noted that over 130 countries and partners recently reaffirmed their commitment to peacekeeping at the Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting in Berlin. This global support underscores the recognition of the vital role peacekeepers play in promoting stability and security around the world.
The Role of Women in Peacekeeping
Guterres highlighted the critical role of women in peacekeeping efforts, referencing the UN Security Council’s resolution 1325, which was adopted 25 years ago. Despite progress, he lamented that women continue to be marginalized in peace processes. The United Nations is actively working to change this narrative by building diverse and inclusive teams and empowering women in the areas where they operate.
At the ceremony, two exemplary women were recognized for their contributions to peacekeeping. Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana received the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her efforts in promoting gender perspectives in the field. As the Military Gender Adviser in the Interim Security Force for Abyei, Syme has established strong community links and addressed issues such as gender-based violence and child marriage through health campaigns.
Celebrating Achievements in Peace Operations
Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone was honored as the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year for her impactful work in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei. Gbla has served as both a gender officer and police trainer, initiating educational programs for children and mentorship opportunities for girls. Her initiatives have empowered women to achieve sustainable incomes, thereby supporting their families and enhancing community well-being.
Guterres praised the efforts of both women, noting that their work has strengthened the relationship between the Abyei mission and the local community. Their achievements serve as a model for future peacekeeping operations, demonstrating the importance of community engagement and support in fostering peace.
The Future of Peacekeeping
As the UN continues to adapt its peacekeeping missions to meet the challenges of a complex world, Guterres emphasized the need for ongoing commitment and innovation. He acknowledged the evolving threats posed by terrorism, transnational crime, and misinformation, which complicate peacekeeping efforts. The “Pact for the Future,” adopted last year, aims to address these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of peace operations.
The first step in this process is a comprehensive review of UN peace operations, which is currently underway. Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s dedication to working with member states and partners to ensure that peacekeeping remains a vital global resource. He concluded by urging everyone to honor the sacrifices of peacekeepers and to support their ongoing mission for peace and stability worldwide.
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