Description

United Nations Staff Officer Course-47 (UNSOC-47) was held from 5 to 16 May 2025. The purpose of the course was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the United Nations’ functioning, basic principles, guidelines, and policies. The course aimed to equip attendees with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively fulfil their responsibilities as Staff Officers (SOs) in Field Headquarters (FHQ) and Sector Headquarters (SHQ).

Participants

The course included a total of 31 participants, of which 21 were from various foreign countries, representing Saudi Arabia, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, South Africa, Türkiye, Bangladesh, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Belarus, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, and France.

Instructors:

The participants received training from a diverse group of instructors, including:

• Peacekeeping Training Faculty

• Representatives from the Pakistan Army and Police Directorates

• Representative from the UNHCR

• Subject-Matter Experts (SMEs)

Conduct Methodology:

The course was conducted as per the Integrated Training Service (ITS) developed training materials. The Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials (CPTM) remained a fundamental component of the course. Participants received DPO/DOS guidance material such as peacekeeping training policies, standard operating procedures and basic guidelines Also, Subject-matter experts (SMEs) in the field delivered valuable lectures.

Visits

During their stay, the officers enjoyed a series of visits and cultural engagements in and around Islamabad. The program included visits to markets, malls, as well as a cultural visit to Lok Virsa and the Pakistan Monument. A full-day excursion to Murree and lunch at the Chinar Golf Club allowed participants to experience the natural beauty of Pakistan’s hill stations and a farewell dinner at Ramada. These activities provided the participants with an opportunity to experience Pakistan’s vibrant culture, rich heritage, and warm hospitality.

Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony of the course was held on 16 May 2025. The ceremony commenced with the opening remarks delivered by Associate Dean, Dr. Muhammad Makki. In his address, he welcomed the participants, faculty members, defence attachés, and distinguished guests, and highlighted the truly diverse and multicultural representation of the course, which mirrors the environment peacekeepers face in UN missions worldwide. Dr. Makki underscored the importance of training and sensitization as a critical component of pre-deployment preparations for Troop Contributing Countries, commending CIPS for its role as a Centre of Excellence in peacekeeping training. He noted that the Department of Peacekeeping Training has successfully conducted 216 courses and trained over 4,122 peacekeepers in line with UN policies and guidelines. He also emphasized CIPS’s institutional partnerships with leading regional and international peacekeeping training institutions, while appreciating the contribution of Colonel Nanjo Mamoru from Japan, whose role as an instructor added unique value to the course. In conclusion, Dr. Makki congratulated the participants of UNSOC-47, expressed confidence that the course would serve as a vital milestone in broadening their understanding of the UN system, and wished them continued success in their professional endeavors, while also hoping they would carry with them fond memories of Pakistan’s hospitality and warmth.

The ceremony proceeded with the distribution of certificates by the chief guest, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Karmoune, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco. This was followed by the presentation of souvenirs to Brig Sajjad Ahmad, SI(M), Retd, HOD Department of Peacekeeping Training by the allied officers as a gesture of appreciation.

In his closing address, the chief guest, congratulated the participants of UNSOC-47 and commended CIPS for its valuable role as a Centre of Excellence in peacekeeping training. He emphasized the importance of such courses in preparing peacekeepers for the multicultural environment of UN missions and extended his best wishes to the participants for their future professional responsibilities.

Course Pictures

United Nations Staff Officer Course – 47