Islamabad: The 28th Annual Conference of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centres began today at the Centre for International Peace and Stability at the National University of Sciences and Technology. The five-day event marks the first time the conference is being held in Pakistan and was inaugurated by Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, with a ceremonial opening of a new building.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the conference began with prominent figures such as the Under Secretary General of the Department of Peace Operations, the United Nation’s Police Advisor, the Acting Deputy Military Advisor, the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, and the Rector of NUST joining the Chief of Army Staff for the inauguration and opening ceremony.

In his keynote address, General Munir stated that global peace is currently challenged by evolving threats and highlighted the importance of ongoing peacekeeping efforts. He referred to the situations of the Kashmiris and Palestinians as reminders of the work still needed to achieve peace despite numerous peacekeeping initiatives by the United Nations and other organizations.

Jean Pierre Lacroix, the Under Secretary General for the Department of Peace Operations, served as the Guest of Honour and lauded Pakistan for its contributions to UN Peacekeeping Operations. He expressed appreciation for Pakistan hosting the 28th Annual Conference of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centres.