Beijing International Forum on Peacekeeping Operations

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

I am pleased to join you, albeit virtually, for the Beijing International Forum on Peacekeeping Operations, Shared Vision 2022: Making the Vision of Peace Come True. This event is especially appropriate now, as the world faces increasing conflict and division, adversely affecting lives and livelihoods far beyond the areas where they occur.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, in marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, said, "This year, we focus on the Power of Partnerships. We know that peace is won when governments and societies join forces to resolve differences through dialogue, build a culture of nonviolence, and protect the most vulnerable".

Having served in countries both in conflict and post-conflict situations, I have seen first-hand the impact of conflict on people’s lives and the prospects for their nation’s development.

After all, one of the most important lessons of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals is that there is no sustainable development without peace, no peace without sustainable development, and neither without the full realization of universal human rights.

Peacekeeping is paramount to realizing the vision of the 2030 Agenda, and an important pre-condition for meeting Goal 16, to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.

For this reason, I am especially proud of the women and men serving as UN Peacekeepers, over 90,000 of them, in 12 operations around the world. They help countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace, and contribute tremendously to establishing peace, stability and sustainable development.

As the UN Resident Coordinator in China, I wish to recognize the important contribution made by our Host Country, China. Building on its long tradition of non-intervention, China has over the years become a major contributor to UN Peacekeeping Operations, by providing both financial resources and personnel.

Currently, more than 2,200 military and police personnel from China serve under the blue flag in eight missions worldwide, including in Africa and the Middle East.

For example, in South-East Lebanon, Chinese peacekeepers organize free medical camps, perform medical checkups and hand out medicines to local communities in need. Peacekeepers from the Chinese Medical Company serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon organize camps at the request of local authorities and in coordination with international charities.

In Wau, South Sudan where I served from 2000 to 2001, more than 300 Chinese peacekeepers were recognized for their medical and engineering contributions while serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan.

These accomplishments often come at great cost. In the past decade, 20 Chinese peacekeepers paid the ultimate price with their lives. I salute their sacrifice.

Ladies and Gentleman,

I believe that, ultimately, what defines our work, and that of the many people convened today for this Forum, is our unity of purpose in the relentless pursuit of peace. So it is fitting to close my message with the words of a Peacekeeper, Ms. Liu Heng, Chief of the Female Force Protection Squad, a first for Chinese women in peacekeeping, serving with the Chinese Battalion in Gao, Mali, the first all-female force deployed by China:

"Unity and cooperation are the keys to success in UN peacekeeping operations. We work together towards one common goal: peace. Even though we come from different countries and may have different skin colours, cultures or religions; we are in this together. There is no doubt in my mind that these partnerships we form act as a catalyst, one that can make one plus one equal more than just two."

I wish you fruitful deliberations.

Thank you.