Peace begins with me

Marking 75 years of UN Peacekeeping

For 75 years, United Nations peacekeepers have worked to save and change lives in the world’s most fragile political and security situations. Since 1948, more than two million uniformed and civilian personnel have helped countries to transition from war to peace.

Working alongside local communities, peacekeepers help advance political solutions, prevent conflict, protect civilians, strengthen human rights and the rule of law, and build sustainable peace.

The challenges faced by peacekeepers are greater than ever, with rising global tensions, more complex conflict, and a proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, which impedes their work and threatens their safety. Despite these obstacles, peacekeepers persevere, alongside many partners, in the collective pursuit of peace.

The theme of the 75th anniversary “Peace begins with me” recognizes the service and sacrifice of peacekeepers, past and present, including more than 4200 who have given their lives under the UN flag. It also pays tribute to the resilience of the communities that we serve, who continue to strive for peace despite many obstacles.

This campaign also calls on each of us to join the global movement for peace. Alone, we can never succeed. But, together, we can be a strong force for change.

Events

To mark the occasion at the UN Headquarters in New York on 25 May, the UN Secretary-General will lay a wreath in honor of all peacekeepers who have lost their lives over the past 75 years. A ceremony will be held to posthumously award the Dag Hammarskjold medal to peacekeepers who died in 2022. The Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award will also be presented.

On display at the Visitor’s Lobby from 1 May to 6 June is a photo exhibit tracing the journey of 75 years of peacekeeping. The exhibit is available virtually at here.

Join us at New York City’s Time Square to take part in an interactive art installation event with “Inside Out“, the platform that helps communities around the world spark global change locally. It was founded by renowned street artist JR in 2011. More information is available here.

Learn more about the commemorative events in New York.