Theme: “The Future of Peacekeeping”

WHAT: The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the United Nations Offices to the African Union (UNOAU), and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), invites media representatives based in Addis Ababa to attend the closing ceremony of a photo exhibition commemorating the 77th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. The exhibition pays tribute to the service and sacrifices of peacekeepers, highlights their critical work, and fosters dialogue on strengthening protection in future peace operations.
It features powerful imagery from missions including MONUSCO, MINUSCA, UNMISS, MINUSRO, UNIFSA, UNTMIS and AMISOM/ATMIS/AUSSOM, reflecting the evolving role of peacekeeping on the African continent.

WHEN: Monday, 9 June 2025, 09:30 AM East Africa Time (EAT)

WHERE: 1st Floor, Julius Nyerere Building, African Union Headquarters. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

WHO: Remarks will be delivered by addressed by:

• Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS)
• Ms. Hester Paneras, Head of Institutional and Operational Partnership Service, UNOAU
• Dr Paul Simon Handy, Regional Director and Representative to the AU, ISS

Attendees will include members of the AU Peace and Security Council, AU Member States, representatives of Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), AU Commission and UN officials, diplomatic corps, and civil society organisations, and other invited guests.

Background: Commemorating the 77th Anniversary of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
Recognizing the sacrifices made by all the men and women who lost their lives in peacekeeping operations, the United Nations General Assembly, through Resolution 57/129 in 2003, designated 29 May as the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. The day honors the professionalism, dedication and courage of all peacekeepers who have served in United Nations missions around the world, and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.
Over the decades, as UN peacekeeping missions in Africa gave way to regionally led peace operations, the African Union (AU) and its Regional Economic Communities and Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) have increasingly taken on leading roles in addressing complex and evolving conflicts across the continent. And with the evolving nature of insecurities, African Union Peace Support Operations (AUPSOs) have emerged as a critical component of Africa’s peace and security architecture.

Thousands of African personnel have served in AUPSOs, contributing to the efforts for peace and security on the continent, placing themselves at risk and even paying the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of peace.
This year’s 77th commemoration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on 29 May is a timely moment not only to honor the contributions of UN peacekeepers but also to recognize the dedication and sacrifices of those who have served in AUPSOs.

Against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about the future of peacekeeping, this commemoration offers an opportunity for the AU, UN, Member States, and other key stakeholders to reflect on both the past and the future of peacekeeping and peace support operations. It encourages a rethinking of strategies to enhance the effectiveness, safety and sustainability of these missions in the face of complex security challenges.

For further information, please contact:
Ms. Lulit Kebede | Communication Officer, Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department | Email: lulitk@africa-union.org