On May 29th, 1948, the United Nations Security Council authorized the first United Nations peacekeeping operation – the UN Truce Supervision Organization in the Middle East.

On this 70th anniversary, we express our gratitude to the more than one million men and women who have served under the UN flag, saving countless lives.
We honor the more than 3,700 blue helmets who paid the ultimate price, said the UN Secretary General in a video message on the International day of the UN Peace keepers issued 29 May, 2018.

And we pay tribute to the fourteen missions working around the clock today to protect people and advance the cause of peace, the UN Secretary General says in his message. .
This year, I will spend International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers in Mali to express my solidarity with colleagues facing high casualties and enormous volatility, adds the UN SG.
As we recognize a legacy of service and sacrifice around the world, I am also committed to taking action for peacekeeping — action to make our operations safer and more effective in today’s challenging environments.

We also are committed to reinforcing the important role our forces must play in promoting human rights and addressing sexual exploitation and abuse, continues the UNSG.
United Nations peacekeeping is a proven investment in global peace, security and prosperity.
Together, let us pledge to do all we can to enable that mission to succeed, sums up the UN Secretary General.

(Based on a press note sent to us by the local UNDP Nepal office).
In yet another statement issued by the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau to mark the 70th anniversary of the UN peace keeping operation runs like this.
Text begins.
“UN Peacekeepers put their lives on the line to protect those most in need.

Today, we thank them and honor all those who have sacrificed greatly in pursuit of peace and safety, and freedom”.