Accra is preparing to host over 600 dignitaries and high-profile individuals from around 100 countries for the first United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting on the African continent. Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul, at a press briefing in Accra, revealed that the two-day event will start tomorrow at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) and conclude on December 6.
The meeting will commence with a welcome reception and includes two side meetings on “Women in Peacekeeping” and “Environmental Aspects of Peacekeeping,” jointly organized by Sweden and the United States.
Prominent figures, including Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, along with various Foreign and Defence Ministers, heads of international organizations, academics, social partners, civil society organizations, and journalists, will attend the meeting, aiming to boost the effectiveness of current UN peacekeeping operations.
According to a report by Daily Graphic, the Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, is scheduled to deliver a speech on the final day of the conference.
Highlighting the conference’s importance, Nitiwul, also the Member of Parliament for Bimbilla, noted it is the first time Africa is hosting such an event, which coincides with growing demands for the rapid evolution of peacekeeping operations programs.
The conference will focus on key issues identified by Ghana, including the crucial role of women in peacekeeping, protecting civilians, safeguarding the mental health of peacekeepers, and tackling misinformation and hate speech that target peacekeeping missions.
The event will also feature three-panel sessions based on themes Ghana chose, covering women in peacekeeping, civilian protection, the mental health of peacekeepers, their safety and security, and strategic communications in peacekeeping. Additionally, the conference will showcase a digital exhibition of Africa’s role in the UN Peacekeeping Enterprise and host several bilateral meetings.
Minister Nitiwul stressed Ghana’s rich experience in UN peacekeeping, which significantly influenced the selection of themes for this event. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong and Minister of Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah also attended the briefing.
