09.09.2025 Denmark's statement for UNSC Open Debate on UN Peace Operations

Checked Against Delivery

 

Thank you, Mr. President,

 

And I once again congratulate the Republic of Korea for assuming the presidency of the council, and thank Panama for an excellent presidency in August.

 

Mr. President,

 

One year ago, world leaders convened in New York to adopt the Pact for the Future. It was a moment of hope and determination, driven by a collective recognition to adapt our institutions, including UN Peace Operations, to the challenging realities of our time.

 

Today’s debate is an important step in achieving this objective. So let me commend the Republic of Korea for convening this timely open debate, as a continuation of the Trio initiative with Denmark and Pakistan.

 

Let me also thank USG Lacroix, USG DiCarlo, Ambassador Zahneisen and Dr. Russo for their briefings and recommendations.

 

Mr. President,

 

UN peace operations represent multilateral solidarity at its finest.

 

Around the world, communities offer their most precious resource, their people, in support of peace. This is the promise of the UN Charter in action. Today, however, this promise is challenged like never before.

 

As we engage in the review process as well as the UN80, we strongly believe that we cannot do so as a routine exercise. We must view it strategically, and grasp it as an opportunity to rethink and recommit. 

 

Allow me to address three critical areas.

 

First, on the matter of mandate design.

 

In March, we heard strong calls for mandates that are clear, focused, and achievable. Mandates that place the protection of civilians at their core. But building peace is not a zero-sum game. The need for precision and protection must not come at the expense of long-term and inclusive peacebuilding.

 

Political engagement, institution-building, transitional justice, the promotion and protection of human rights, and the advancement of the WPS agenda, are not optional - they are fundamental.

 

Mandates must therefore be both context-specific and sequenced to adapt to evolving conflicts and needs. Strategic assessments by the UN are key to achieving this.

 

Second, Mr. President,

 

In the context of an increasingly complex landscape, we must safeguard and strengthen the core capacities that allow peace operations to respond in an integrated, swift and effective manner.

 

These include not only uniformed personnel and logistics support, but also critical civilian expertise in political affairs, mediation, rule of law, gender, climate security, and digital technology.

 

Planning capacity across civilian, military, and police components is essential. Without this, approaches become siloed, accountability is unclear and mandate implementation is hindered.

 

We urge the UN to invest more in developing and institutionalising an integrated planning process across all peace operations.

 

Such capacities and planning will help peace operations operate in a changing environment. Where peace is not linear. Where needs change - and responses need to change with them.

 

Third, Mr. President,

 

The peaceful settlement of disputes lies at the heart of the UN Charter. We believe the same should apply for UN peace operations.

 

From early warning and the facilitation of dialogue to support for local, inclusive peace processes as well as women’s participation – these aspects should be prioritised, empowered and importantly, resourced.

 

Similarly, we urge the Secretary-General to boldly use his good offices, to invest in mediation and to take risks.

This Council can reinforce these efforts. We should encourage missions to work closely with regional organisations, such as the African Union. We should also regularly listen to the advice by the Peacebuilding Commission, which can bring a variety of perspectives.

 

We should not be afraid to adapt our responses.   

 

Mr. President, to conclude,

 

The future of UN peace operations must be shaped by both ambition and realism. We cannot solve every problem. But we can, and must, remain credible actors for peace.

 

This Council holds the tools to shape mandates and support missions with the resources they require. What is needed is the political will and the courage to do so.

 

Colleagues,

 

Let us seize this opportunity to ensure that UN peace operations remain fit for purpose.

 

Denmark looks forward to working with all Council members, including our Trio partners, to this end.

 

I thank you.