Ghana is set to host the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference.
The two-day meeting slated for December 5 and 6, 2023, would be the first time to be hosted in Africa.
The Minister for Defence, Hon. Dominic Nitiwul, who addressed the media at the Ministry of Information yesterday mentioned that the two-day conference would serve as a platform to strengthen support for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
“The Accra United Nations Ministerial Conference will serve as a platform for Member States to strengthen their support to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations,” Hon. Nitiwul said.
He emphasised that, apart from the yearly General Assembly meeting in New York, this conference stands out as the largest event organised by the United Nations.
The event is expected to draw hundreds of participants, including Foreign and Defence Ministers, Heads of International Organizations, Academia, Social Partners, Civil Society Organizations, 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’s themes include 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 stated.
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 organized with Sweden and the United States.
His Excellency the Vice President of the Republic, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would address the main conference, followed by panel sessions on the selected themes. The event would also feature a digital exhibition showcasing Africa’s role in the UN Peacekeeping Enterprise.
On his part, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. 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.
The Minister for Information, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah expressed Ghana’s eagerness to seek bilateral and multilateral partnerships during the conference, underlining the critical importance of the event to Ghana and Africa.
He added that the Ministerial Conference is poised to be a landmark gathering, fostering international cooperation to address the challenges faced by peacekeeping missions globally.
Source: MOI (PR Unit)
