KATHMANDU, JUNE 13

The seventh edition of International Partnership for Technology in Peacekeeping Symposium (PPTS) with the theme, 'Harnessing Technology for Digital Transformation' has commenced from today in the capital and will conclude on June 16.

Nepal, the second largest troop contributing member of the United Nations, has hosted this symposium in collaboration with the United Nations. The objective of the programme is to enhance digital technology in United Nations peacekeeping and mitigate digital discrepancies among peacekeepers.

The symposium will also focus on aligning technology deliverables with the objectives of the Department of Peace Operations' Digital Transformation Strategy and will build upon the momentum and initiatives resulting from prior symposia. To date, the Partnership for Technology in Peacekeeping initiative has resulted in the Department of Operational Support and Department of Peace Operations implementing impactful projects with the member States, international organisations, academia, and civil societies, and delivering technology solutions to address key challenges facing the United Nations field operations.

According to the Publication Relations and Information Directorate of the Nepali Army, the programme is being conducted under the leadership of the Ministry of Defence and in coordination with the Nepali Army in order to share experiences among the member countries of the peacekeeping forces about the technologies, challenges and best practices used in peacekeeping missions in accordance with the fastest development of information technology in the world and the changing security landscapes. Delegates from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Ministry of Finance are participating in the event.

Likewise, Under Secretary General of the UN Department of Operational Support Atul Khare is attending the symposium. A total of 230 participants from 47 nationalities are represented here in different capacities in this symposium, including 42 member states and 11 United Nations peacekeeping missions. This international event has been held annually since its inception in Italy in 2014. The symposium is a platform for peacekeeping stakeholders to discuss and share insights in technological advancements and their relevance in maintaining peace and security worldwide.

Nepal started to participate in the United Nations Peace efforts from 1958. Since then, Nepal holds a significant role in UN Peacekeeping, currently ranking as the second-largest and first female largest contributor to peacekeeping operations worldwide.

Since 1958, a total of 145,813 Nepali Peacekeepers have served in 44 different United Nations missions. In this long journey of peacekeeping, 93 Nepali Peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty for the noble cause of world peace. Currently, 6,264 Nepali peacekeepers are deployed in 13 different United Nations missions.

Demonstrating its commitment to peacekeeping, Nepal has pledged to provide up to 10,000 peacekeepers for future UN missions.

A version of this article appears in the print on June 14, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.