Bangladesh has urged stronger political support, adequate resources, and modern capabilities for United Nations peacekeepers to enhance civilian protection amid rising conflicts and evolving global security threats.

“Peacekeepers remain vital in protecting civilians in increasingly complex conflict situations…So, they need strong political support, adequate resources and modern capabilities to this end,” said Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN.

He made the remarks at a UN side event titled “Dialogue to De-escalate: How United Nations Military Peacekeepers Protect Civilians through Dialogue and Engagement,” held at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN on Monday.

Ambassador Noman identified geopolitical tensions, rapid technological transformation, and funding constraints as major challenges to implementing Protection of Civilians (POC) mandates.

He stressed the critical need to equip peacekeepers with the necessary capabilities to address emerging threats, including those linked to artificial intelligence and evolving warfare technologies.

Referring specifically to the situations in Gaza and the Rohingya crisis, the ambassador expressed deep concern over rising civilian casualties.

He underscored the paramount importance of ensuring unhindered humanitarian access, safeguarding peacekeepers, and actively promoting dialogue-based engagement to de-escalate conflicts.

The event featured an insightful panel discussion with Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce of the UN Department of Peace Operations, Lieutenant General Humphrey Nyone of MINUSCA, and Lieutenant Colonel Herly Sinaga of Indonesia.

The high-level programme was co-hosted by Bangladesh, Australia, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Uruguay, Zambia, and the Stimson Center.

Lisa Sharland of the Stimson Center moderated the session, which was attended by senior UN officials, diplomats, and peacekeeping experts.