May 29: International Day of UN Peacekeepers

Every year on 29 May, the United Nations commemorates the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. On this day, we pay tribute to all the men and women who have served as military, police, or civilians in UN Peacekeeping operations. We commend their professionalism, dedication, and courage and honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.

The General Assembly, in its resolution 57/129, designated 29 May as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. This is the date when in 1948 the first UN peacekeeping mission, United Nations Truce Supervision Organization, or UNTSO, began operations in the Middle East.

This year, the challenges and threats faced by our peacekeepers are even greater than ever as they, like people around the world, are having to cope not only with the COVID-19 pandemic but also the continued requirement to support and protect the people in the countries in which they are based.

The theme for 2021 is “The road to a lasting peace: Leveraging the power of youth for peace and security.”