President Murmu calls for raising a strong voice for countries contributing to UN peacekeeping forces

New Delhi, October 16 (IANS). President Draupadi Murmu on Thursday addressed a conference of army chiefs and deputy chiefs of nations contributing to UN peacekeeping missions. He said that countries contributing to UN peacekeeping missions should come together and create a framework that would further strengthen the voice of troop-contributing countries. He said that peace should not be simply imposed but nurtured with the cooperation of stakeholders and local stakeholders. President Murmu said that we should work for more active engagement with local stakeholders. This will create an environment in which peace can flourish through participation rather than imposition. He said that India, being the world’s largest democracy, strongly believes in multilateralism and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter. India is proud to be a consistent contributor to UN peacekeeping missions since their inception. Indian peacekeepers have demonstrated their bravery and dedication in some of the toughest missions in the world. The President said that India has also made significant progress towards gender equality and inclusion in peacekeeping operations. Women peacekeepers have played an important role in empowering local communities and strengthening mutual trust. He expressed confidence that this conference and other such events will encourage new ideas, deeper collaboration and lasting friendships. He said that as guardians of peace we must create a world where every child sleeps safely, every community progresses in harmony and conflicts remain only in the pages of history. The President said UN peacekeepers are currently deployed in 71 missions around the world, which aim to alleviate the suffering of innocent people, especially women, children and the elderly. He said that the peacekeepers deployed in these missions have shown incredible courage, discipline and compassion, even in extremely difficult circumstances. –IANS ASH/DKP Share this story Tags