UN Peacekeeping conference opens

The strengthened role of ASEAN in peacekeeping and developing partnerships with the United Nations was the central topic of the conference held yesterday morning, with the opening ceremony held at the Vietnam Peacekeeping Centre.

The conference welcomed delegations from 26 countries and the European Union participating at the event; and international organisations including the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the United Nations in Vietnam and the ASEAN Secretariat.

The conference was initiated by Vietnam with the co-chairmanship of Canada and South Korea, with a view to strengthening the role of the ASEAN Regional Forum member countries in UN peacekeeping operations and in contributing to security and prosperity regionally and globally.

At the same time, the conference promoted co-operation with the United Nations to improve the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations, minimise violations of UN regulations in the course of participating in peacekeeping operations. During the three main sessions chaired by Vietnam, South Korea and Canada, delegates will share information and experiences as well as opportunities for collaborative training, expert exchange or resource support in peacekeeping activities. The conference will run until December 20th at the Vietnam Peacekeeping Centre.