On Thursday 29th May Rochester Cathedral and Medway United Nations Association will host a wreath-laying ceremony at noon at the war memorial adjacent to Rochester High Street to commemorate the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. This special day pays tribute to the dedication, professionalism and bravery of UN Peacekeepers while also remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace. 

Medway UNA Chair, Jessica Giles said: “In this the 80th year of the formation of the United Nations, the 29th May marks the UN International Day of Peacekeepers. We honour their extraordinary contributions to international peace and security.  We recognize the bravery and commitment of all peacekeepers and their families who serve globally and pay our respects to those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of peace. 

We extend our appreciation to all our partners in peace, which include UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, the local communities we serve, women, youth, media professionals, host governments, troop-and police- contributing countries, member states, and many others. 

Medway joins the global community commemorated to honour the remarkable men and women who have served in UN peacekeeping missions and day pays tribute to their dedication, while also remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace". 

It acknowledges the UN Peacekeeping's crucial role in helping countries transition from conflict to peace and emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration and innovation to address the evolving challenges of peacekeeping effectively. As global conflicts continue to change, UN Peacekeeping operations continue to adapt to the unique needs and circumstances of each mission. 

 

For nearly 80 years, United Nations peacekeepers have made a tangible impact on the lives of the communities they serve. They have saved and changed lives in some of the world’s most fragile political and security situations, having helped many countries successfully navigate the difficult path from war to peace, from Liberia and Namibia, to Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Timor Leste and others.

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Today, more than 76,000 civilian, military and police personnel are deployed in 11 missions. The challenges they face are greater than ever. Increasing division among Member States has weakened our collective capacity to support political and peace processes. Conflict is more complex and multi-layered. Peacekeepers face terrorists, criminals, armed groups and their allies, who have access to modern weapons, and a vested interest in perpetuating the chaos in which they thrive.

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Sadly, where the UN flag was once a symbol of security, it now risks making our peacekeepers a target. Of the 26 peacekeepers who lost their lives in 2024, five were killed in hostile incidents. We mourn their loss, alongside their families and colleagues. The sacrifice of all 4,430 peacekeepers who have given their lives across the decades will never be forgotten. Their legacy inspires us to continue all efforts in the pursuit of peace and progress for all peoples.

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Despite these challenges, peacekeepers persevere, performing a wide range of taskings, including ensuring the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, deterring violence, supporting locally-led conflict resolution, political settlements, elections, and restoring state authority.