UN moves global ministerial peacekeeping conference to Accra

The United Nations has chosen Accra, Ghana, as the venue for the upcoming UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference, marking a historic moment as the event is hosted for the first time on the African continent.

The conference, scheduled for December 5 and 6, will bring together key stakeholders, including Foreign and Defense Ministers, Heads of International Organizations, Academia, Social Partners, Civil Society Organizations, and Journalists from around the world.

During a press briefing on November 3, 2023, Defense Minister Mr Dominic Nitiwul shared details about the significance of this global conference and highlighted Ghana’s growing role in international peacekeeping efforts. Ghana currently serves as the chair of the UN Special Committee on Peacekeeping.

Mr Nitiwul stated, “The decision to move the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference to Accra is a testament to Ghana’s growing role in international peacekeeping efforts.”

 He emphasized that the conference, considered second only to the yearly General Assembly meeting in New York, holds pivotal importance for the United Nations.

With an expected attendance of 80 to 100 member states and over 600 registered delegates, the conference will address critical themes, including the role of women in peacekeeping, protection of civilians, mental health of peacekeepers, safety and security, and strategic communications.

“As a country that has surpassed UN targets for the inclusion of women in peacekeeping operations, Ghana is honored to initiate further discussions on this vital issue,” Mr Nitiwul emphasized.

The two-day event will commence with a welcome reception at the Accra International Conference Centre, featuring side meetings on “women in peacekeeping” and “environmental aspects of peacekeeping,” organized in collaboration with Sweden and the US, respectively.

On the second day, His Excellency the Vice-President of the Republic will address the main conference, followed by panel sessions on the selected themes.

A digital exhibition highlighting Africa’s role in the UN Peacekeeping Enterprise will be a prominent feature of the conference.

Mr Nitiwul expressed Ghana’s commitment to leveraging the conference as an opportunity to establish bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

He concluded by emphasizing the critical importance of the conference, not only to Ghana but to the entire African continent.