Complexity of Conflicts Demands New Approach to Peacekeeping, Peace-Building

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Hanna Tetteh, has called for bold and realistic reforms to make United Nations peace operations more effective, adaptable, and relevant to modern challenges.

She was speaking at a forum on “Adapt and Advance: Renewing the Impact of Peace Operations,” held in Accra last Tuesday by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).

Ms Tetteh said that as the UN marks its 80th anniversary, it is important to take an honest look at its peace operations, assess their impact, and explore ways to make them fit-for-purpose in a fast-changing global environment.

She noted that the complexity of today’s conflicts—shaped by non-state actors, foreign interference, technology, and disinformation—demands a new approach to peacekeeping and peace-building.

She explained that the United Nations must find innovative ways to adapt its tools, structures, and partnerships to be more agile and responsive to emerging threats.

“We should not believe that the mantra of doing more with less is practical or sustainable,” she warned, stressing that without proper resources and realistic mandates, peace operations cannot achieve their intended goals.

Ms Tetteh emphasised that future missions should focus on clear, achievable objectives supported by well-defined political strategies.

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, in his remarks, reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to global peacekeeping and multilateralism. He said Ghana’s participation in peace operations since 1960 reflects its belief that “peace anywhere contributes to stability everywhere.”

He said the government, through the KAIPTC, was proud to host the forum at a time when rising geopolitical tensions and financial constraints are threatening the UN’s ability to sustain peace operations.

Mr Genfi noted that the ongoing UN review of peace operations and the “New Agenda for Peace” present a real opportunity to rethink and reform peacekeeping for the future. He also called for stronger support for regional organisations such as the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS to take on greater leadership roles in peace and security efforts.

The Acting Commandant of the KAIPTC, Air Commodore David Akrong, said the forum aligns with Ghana’s long-standing role in promoting peace and security across Africa.

The Senior Policy Advisor for UN and Peacekeeping Affairs at the German Federal Ministry of Defence, Ms Inger-Luise Heilmann, commended Ghana’s leadership in hosting such an important dialogue.

She said Germany remains deeply committed to UN peacekeeping as one of the most legitimate and cost-effective tools for global crisis management.

Ms Heilmann said that despite current financial difficulties, the international community must continue to innovate and strengthen peacekeeping capacities.

She highlighted key outcomes from the Berlin Peacekeeping Ministerial, including a renewed commitment to reform, better use of technology, and improved operational resilience through renewable energy and digital solutions.

Ms Heilmann added that Germany would continue to support UN reforms, partnerships, and training initiatives that make peace operations safer, more efficient, and better prepared for future challenges.