Basic Information
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is an annual event observed on May 29 to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication, and courage and to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.
Observed on: May 29
Organized by: UN
Introduced in: 2002 (UN Proclamation), 2003 (First Observation)
Observed: Worldwide
About International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
Every year May 29 is observed as International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. It is a day to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication, and courage and to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.
United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this day on December 11, 2002 and first celebrated in 2003. The date is the anniversary of the creation of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO). UNTSO is an organization created in 1948 to monitor the ceasefire after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which was the first ever UN peacekeeping mission.
Activities and Programs on the Day of UN Peacekeepers
This day is observed with different programs around the world. Countries honor their own persons who involve in peace keeping operations, discussion forums, seminars, exhibitions of photos related to peacekeeping organization, awarding medals to persons involved in different peacekeeping missions, etc. were also organized.
Theme for International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2021 Theme is “The road to a lasting peace: Leveraging the power of youth for peace and security”
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2020 Theme is “Women in Peacekeeping – A Key to Peace”
UN Peacekeepers Day 2019 Theme was “Protecting Civilians, Protecting Peace”
UN Peacekeepers Day 2018 Theme was “UN Peacekeepers: 70 Years of Service and Sacrifice“
2017 Theme: Investing in Peace around the World
2016 Theme: Honouring our Heroes
2015 Theme: Together for peace
2014 Theme: A force for the future
2013 Theme: Adapting to new challenges
2012 Theme: Peacekeeping is a Global Partnership
2011 Theme: Law. Order. Peace
2010 Theme: Ayiti Kanpe (Haiti Standing)
2009 Theme: Women in peacekeeping
2008 Theme: 60th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping