Description

The United Nations Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course – 14 (UNCPoCC – 14) was held from 07 April 2025 to 18 April 2025. This UN-certified course was conducted with the purpose of educating and sensitizing the participants about the functioning of the UN, the roles and responsibilities of the Peacekeepers, and educating participants about working in peacekeeping operations to develop a conceptual framework for PoC.

Participation

The course was attended by 37 participants from diverse backgrounds, including military personnel, police officers, and civilians. Of these, 20 were from friendly countries such as Belarus, China, Côte D’ivoire, KSA, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Malawi, Türkiye. Egypt, and Iraq. Additionally, 4 participants were from the Pakistan Army, 6 from the police department, and 17 were civilians, contributing to the course’s diversity.

Conduct Methodology

The participants went through an initial test at the commencement of the course. The course mainly focused on the latest Specialized Training Material (STM) for the Protection of Civilians. However, important and relevant lectures from the Core Pre-deployment Training Module (CPTM 2107) were included.  Subject Matters Experts (SMEs) including representatives from UN organizations also delivered lectures.  Moreover, the interaction of both army officers and civilian participants fostered a collaborative environment conducive to mutual learning and the exchange of insights from diverse perspectives on peacekeeping.

Visits

During their stay, the officers enjoyed visits to iconic landmarks in and around Islamabad with an entire day at Murree at the Chinar Golf Club, allowing them to experience the natural beauty of Pakistan. Alongside this, the participants visited the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum and Pakistan Monument to fully experience Pakistan and its rich heritage and culture.

Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony of the United Nations Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course (UNCPoCC-14) was held on 18 April 2025. The event included certificate distribution and was graced by H.E. Mr. Mohamed Karmoune, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, and Maj Gen Muhammad Arif Malik, Retd, Pro-Rector (P&R), NUST, as chief guests. Maj Gen (Retd) Raja Aftab Khan, HI(M), Retd, Principal NIPCONS, delivered the opening remarks, welcoming the participants and highlighting the growth of CIPS as a key contributor to UN peacekeeping training.

In his address, H.E. Mr. Karmoune commended the diverse participation in the course and lauded CIPS for its professional excellence and global outreach. He acknowledged Pakistan’s historic role as a major Troop Contributing Country and emphasized the importance of such training in equipping peacekeepers to protect civilians in complex conflict environments.

The ceremony concluded with the exchange of souvenirs by international participants as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation. Both dignitaries congratulated the graduates and expressed hope that they would apply their learning in future UN missions while carrying positive memories of Pakistan’s hospitality and culture.

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United Nations Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course – 14