UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Member States to modernise United Nations peace operations, warning that today’s conflicts are becoming more complex, prolonged and technologically advanced.
Addressing the UN General Assembly on Wednesday (26 Aug), he said the international security environment has changed dramatically, requiring peace operations to become more agile, politically focused and better aligned with realities on the ground.
Guterres said the number of conflicts worldwide is at its highest level since 1945, with increasing use of drones, artificial intelligence, transnational criminal networks and renewed nuclear risks. He also warned that comprehensive peace agreements have become increasingly rare, while geopolitical divisions have weakened consensus on international peace and security.
Highlighting the review of UN peace operations mandated by the Pact for the Future, Guterres outlined proposals including greater emphasis on preventive diplomacy and peacemaking, stronger partnerships with host states and regional organisations, more focused mandates, improved cost efficiency, greater technological capability and enhanced protection for UN personnel.
Closing his remarks, Guterres reaffirmed that the UN Charter remains the foundation for collective action and described peace operations as political instruments whose success depends on clear mandates, sustained support from Member States and the Security Council, and cooperation with host countries and international partners.
Guterres called on governments to support the review’s recommendations, invest in peace and ensure UN peace operations remain effective, accountable and capable of responding to an increasingly complex global security environment.
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