The United Nations on Friday honoured more than 50,000 peacekeepers worldwide, including over 4,000 Bangladeshis, while paying profound tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of global peace.

Marking the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, observed annually on May 29, the UN formally recognised the dedication, courage, and sacrifice of peacekeepers serving in some of the world’s most volatile conflict zones.

In an official statement, the UN office in Bangladesh emphasized that the critical work of these individuals highlights the urgent need for greater global investment in stability, noting: “Their work underscores the urgency of investing in peace.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his message marking the day, stated that more than 50,000 UN peacekeepers are currently deployed across the globe to protect vulnerable civilians and support fragile peace efforts.

Elaborating on their complex frontline responsibilities, Guterres noted, “Far from home, in some of the world’s most dangerous settings, they de-escalate tensions between hostile parties, oversee aid delivery, support elections, and create space for political solutions to grow.”

The Secretary-General paid rich tributes to peacekeepers past and present, solemnly honouring the memory of nearly 4,500 blue helmets who have lost their lives since 1948, including 59 personnel who died last year.

“No one should die serving the cause of peace,” Guterres asserted.

He stressed that targeted attacks on peacekeepers constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law, and urgently called on member states to fully uphold their legal obligations to ensure the safety and security of all UN personnel.

Describing peacekeeping as a proven and highly cost-effective instrument for restoring stability and hope at a time of rising global tensions, the UN chief emphasized the necessity for sustained political commitment and reliable financial support from the international community.

This year’s theme, “Invest in Peace,” explicitly calls for decisive global action to ensure peacekeepers are thoroughly equipped with the resources necessary to fulfil their mandates effectively.

“An investment in peacekeeping is an investment in a safer future. Let us always support the people who help make peace possible,” Guterres said.

The UN further noted that peacekeepers routinely face significant, life-threatening risks while carrying out their everyday duties, and reaffirmed its institutional commitment to strengthening comprehensive measures aimed at enhancing their physical safety and operational effectiveness.

As a formal part of the global observance, Guterres is scheduled to lay a wreath at the Peacekeepers Memorial at the UN Headquarters on June 5 in honour of fallen peacekeepers.

He will also preside over a high-profile ceremony to award the prestigious Dag Hammarskjöld Medal posthumously to personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The upcoming event will additionally feature the presentation of the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year Award.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix is also expected to address a special briefing at the UN Headquarters on the occasion.