In significant recognition of Ghana’s dedication to global peace and security, the United Nations has chosen Ghana as the host country for the 75th UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference.
The two-day meeting, which is scheduled for December 5 and 6, 2023 will serve as a platform for member states to strengthen their support for United Nations peacekeeping operations.
The event is expected to draw hundreds of participants, including Foreign and Defence Ministers, Heads of International Organisations, Academia, Social Partners, Civil Society Organisations and Journalists.
Ghana’s unique position, as the current chair of the UN Special Committee on Peacekeeping, adds a layer of significance to the conference.
The conference will feature high-level discussions, interactive sessions and panel debates, providing a platform for participants to share their experiences and expertise.
It will also serve as an opportunity for member states to make commitments towards strengthening peacekeeping efforts and ensuring the safety and well-being of peacekeepers.
During a press briefing held yesterday, the Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, provided insight into what should be expected from this historic conference.
“The Accra United Nations Ministerial Conference will serve as a platform for Member States to strengthen their support to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations,” stated Minister Nitiwul.
He emphasized that, apart from the yearly General Assembly meeting in New York, this conference stands out as the largest event organized by the United Nations.
Mr. Nitiwul highlighted the conference’s themes, including the role of women in peacekeeping, the protection of civilians, the mental health of peacekeepers, safety and security, and strategic communications.
“As a country that has exceeded UN targets on the inclusion of women in peacekeeping operations, Ghana is proud to instigate further discussion on this critical issue,” Minister Nitiwul declared.
The conference is expected to also attract 80 to 100 member states, with over 600 delegates already registered.
The agenda for the meeting includes side meetings on women in peacekeeping and environmental aspects of peacekeeping, jointly organised with Sweden and the United States.
His Excellency the Vice President of the Republic, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will address the main conference, followed by panel sessions on the selected themes. The event will also feature a digital exhibition showcasing Africa’s role in the UN Peacekeeping Enterprise.
On his part, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong expressed Ghana’s preparedness to host the programme. He said Ghana will draw on its experience from organising previous conferences of this nature to deliver successful meetings.
Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, expressed Ghana’s eagerness to seek bilateral and multilateral partnerships during the conference, underscoring the critical importance of the event to Ghana and Africa. He said the Ministerial Conference is poised to be a landmark gathering, fostering international cooperation to address the challenges faced by peacekeeping missions globally.
