Guyana calls on UN to reform Peace operations architecture

Guyana has made a call for there to be a reformed and adaptable United Nations (UN) peace operations architecture, citing increased conflicts globally.

At a UN Security Council meeting, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, noted that the maintenance of international peace and security remains a core function of the United Nations.

She said one of the main functions for the UN was to prevent future global conflicts. However, she noted that the global landscape has evolved dramatically with conflicts becoming increasingly complex, protracted, and often driven by non-state actors, including transnational criminal networks.

Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett told the Security Council that recent reports of UN Peace Operations being out-manned and outgunned with the rules of engagement is not suitable for the challenges at hand.

Threat multipliers such as climate change, food insecurity and increased demand for natural resources; and the use of technology for misinformation and disinformation, further exacerbate the situation.

“Guyana believes that a reformed and adaptable UN peace operations architecture is crucial for maintaining international peace and security. We therefore welcome the potential new models of Peacekeeping Operations which will be the focus of the upcoming Berlin Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting. We stand ready to work with all member states to strengthen UN peace operations and ensure their continued relevance in the face of evolving global challenges,” Ambassador Birkett noted.

The Permanent Representative said the conflicts currently ongoing have been causing multiplier effects such as climate change, food insecurity and increased demand for natural resources; and the use of technology for misinformation and disinformation, further exacerbate the situation. However, said she despite those challenges, the UN must continue to be the standard bearer of international best practices.

“These evolving challenges demand a corresponding evolution in UN Peace Operations, ensuring their adaptability and effectiveness in fulfilling their mandates. Guyana recognizes the crucial role UN Peace Operations play in conflict prevention, peacemaking, and peace building,” the UN Security Council heard.

To boost the UN peacekeeping operations, among other things, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett recommended increase partnerships which should include deeper collaboration with regional organizations, such as the African Union and CARICOM. She said partnerships must also be strengthened with countries that host UN peace keeping missions to ensure their ownership and engagement in the peace process.