Description

The United Nations Military Observers Course – 45 (UNMOC) was conducted at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), NUST Islamabad, from 13^th to 24^th April 2026. The course aimed to equip peacekeepers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for their roles as UN Military Observers in both current and prospective UN Peacekeeping Operations. Participants engaged in comprehensive training aligned with the UN Integrated Training Service to ensure effective preparation for deployment.

Participation

A total of 25 officers successfully completed the course. Of these, 20 participants were from allied nations, including Kazakhstan, Rwanda, Bangladesh, Egypt, Mozambique, Malawi, Sri Lanka, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Eswatini, Qatar. The remaining 5 participants were officers from the Pakistan Army.

Conduct Methodology

The course employed a structured training methodology encompassing Core Pre-deployment Training Materials (CPTM), Specialized Training Materials (STM), and in-mission training. Experienced military observers shared insights on mission environments, mandates, and the specific roles and responsibilities of UN Military Observers. This approach enabled participants to gain a contextualized understanding of the operational areas they may be deployed to.

Visits

During the course, participants had the opportunity to experience Pakistan’s cultural and natural heritage through organized visits. These included exploring iconic sites in Islamabad, enjoying a day at Murree’s Chinar Golf Club, and attending a farewell dinner at the Monal. Additional visits included Jinnah Super Market, Centaurus Mall, Lok Virsa & Pakistan Monument, providing participants a well-rounded experience of Pakistan’s hospitality and rich cultural traditions.

Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony of the United Nations Military Observers Course (UNMOC-45), held on 24 April 2026, commenced with the National Anthem, followed by the distribution of certificates among the successful participants.

The ceremony was graced by H.E. Mr. Muhammad Iqbal Hussain Khan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh, who presented certificates to the graduating participants.

Subsequently, the allied officers from Belarus presented mementos and souvenirs to Brigadier General Naveed Qalb-I-Abbas, Director Overseas Operations. In return, he presented souvenirs, along with CIPS magazines and journals, to the Chief Guest as a token of appreciation.

H.E. Mr. Muhammad Iqbal Hussain Khan delivered the closing remarks as the Chief Guest. He expressed his pleasure and honor at addressing the participants and commended them on the successful completion of the course. He further noted that the course brought together a diverse group of officers, reflecting the multicultural environment in which United Nations peacekeepers are expected to operate in missions worldwide.

He further emphasized that the training and sensitization of prospective peacekeepers remains a vital element of pre-deployment preparation for all Troop Contributing Countries and commended the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) for its continued role as a Centre of Excellence in this regard. He appreciated the efforts of the Department of Peace Operations Training (DPOT), which, within a short span of time, has successfully conducted 231 courses and trained over 4,400 peacekeepers in line with United Nations policies and guidelines. He also acknowledged the value of in-situ training provided to infantry battalions and multi-role units, where CIPS teams serve as master trainers and evaluators of peacekeeping contingents. He also hoped that the participants would take back positive memories of the course as well as Pakistan’s hospitality and wished them continued success in their professional careers while commending the institute for conducting the course in a highly professional and impactful manner.

Course Photographs

United Nations Military Observers Course – 45 (UNMOC-45)