Description:

United Nations Staff Officer Course-43 was held from 20^th May to 31^st  May 2024. 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 fulfill their responsibilities as Staff Officers (SOs) in Field Headquarters (FHQ) and Sector Headquarters (SHQ).

Participation:

The course included 16 participants from the Pakistan Army, of which 4 were female officers.

Instructors:

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

• Peacekeeping Training Faculty
• Representatives from Pakistan Army and Police Directorates
• Representative from the UNHCR
• Subject-Matter Experts (SMEs)

Conduct Methodology:

The course was conducted as per 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.

Closing Ceremony:

In his closing remarks, Brigadier (R) Engr Syed Mohsin Shah, HoD PKT, congratulated the participants on successfully completing the course. He noted that the course provided participants with an experience similar to working in a real UN environment. The training is expected to be a milestone in developing a broader understanding of the UN system and the participants’ future roles in peacekeeping missions within the challenging global conflict paradigm. The HOD PKT also expressed his gratitude to the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) for maintaining high training standards and extended his best wishes to the participants.

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Description

The United Nations Military Observer Course -37 (UNMOC) was conducted at the Centre for International Peace and Stability, NUST, Islamabad from April 22 to May 3, 2024. The goal of this course was to train the peacekeepers for their positions as UN military Observers in both, current and prospective UN Peacekeeping Operations and instill in them the essential knowledge required for their enhanced performance in operation areas. Attendees were asked for the application of the knowledge and skills with the role of UN Military Observer and within the context of Un integrated training service.

Participation

The course was attended by nine military personal out of which four were lady peacekeepers.

Conduct Methodology

Participants were exposed to a rigorous training process which encompassed Core pre-deployment Training Materials (CPTM), Specialized Training Materials (STM) and in-mission training. The sessions and trainings were conducted by the people representing diverse relevant institutions which includes:

• UN AIDS
• Motorway Police Authority
• Subject Matter Expert on Women, Peace and Security
• ISPR
• UNHCR
• Engineering Department

Field Visit

The course participants visited the Head Quarters of United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan located in Islamabad. There were briefed on the ongoing practices of the military observer group and their utilization on the field. Observing the on-ground practices helped the attendees to experience the real time working of the observer groups.

Closing Ceremony

In the closing remarks, Dr. Muhammad Makki, the Associate Dean of CIPS, congratulated the participants for the successful completion of the course along with the best wishes for upcoming deployments. In his short address he applauded the CIPS faculty and the guest speakers for their valued and precious investment of time and knowledge in the participants. Furthermore, he highlighted an undeniable role of Pakistan in the UN peacekeeping operations. As an advice, he realized the participants their importance in terms of image building of Pakistan as a responsible member of international community. At the end, he ascertained the firm commitment of the department to strive for attaining the international peace and stability and vowed to continue the unconditional efforts for the same.

 

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Gen.

The United Nations Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course – 12  (UNCPoCC – 12) was held from 19 February 2024 to 01 March 2024. This UN-certified course was conducted with the purpose to educate and sensitize 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 36 participants from diverse backgrounds, including military personnel and civilians from various institutions. Notably, there were 4 serving officers, 6 retired officers from the Pakistan Army, and 26 civilians representing various educational institutions.

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.

Closing Ceremony.

During the closing ceremony, Dr. Muhammad Makki, Associate Dean of CIPS, extended compliments to the participants of UNCPOC-12 for their successful completion of the course. He commended the dedication and commitment demonstrated by each participant throughout the program. Dr. Makki acknowledged the participants’ keen interest and their valuable contributions to fostering a collective understanding of the course, both in theory and practice. He particularly acknowledged the valuable contributions of subject matter experts such as Dr. Rathoor from, Brig H. Chohan, Mr. Tanveer Hussain from UNOCHA, Mr Rajwal from UNAIDS, and other esteemed representatives of the UN.

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Description

The United Nations Military Observer Course – 36 (UNMOC) was conducted at the Centre for International Peace and Stability, NUST Islamabad, from December 11 to December 22, 2023. The objective of this course was to equip Peacekeepers for their positions as UN Military Observers in both current and prospective UN Peacekeeping Operations. Participants were tasked with applying a range of knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with the role of a UN Military Observer within the context of the UN Integrated Training Service.

Participation

Fifteen officers participated in the course including one lady officer from the Pakistan Army.

Conduct Methodology

Participants underwent a thorough tiered training process, encompassing Core Pre-deployment Training Materials (CPTM), Specialized Training Materials (STM), and in-mission training. Military Observers from significant missions provided briefings on mission environments, mandates, and the specific roles/assignments of military observers. This approach aimed to offer participants a more contextualized understanding of their deployment areas.

Field Exercise:

The Peacekeeping Training Department conducted the field exercise for UNMOC-36, set in the semi-mountainous terrain of Pabbi, situated 160 km from Islamabad. This practical training session served as the linchpin for UNMOC-36, strategically crafted to comprehensively prepare military observers for the complexities of peacekeeping missions. Deliberately designed with scenario-based exposure, the exercise immersed participants in authentic situations, including UN interactions, hostage crises, and evacuation coordination.

Closing Ceremony

On December 22, 2023, Dr. Muhammad Makki, the Chief Guest, and Associate Dean, presented certificates to the successful participants during the closing ceremony. In his concluding remarks, the Associate Dean extended his appreciation to the dedicated participants. Stressing the importance of peacekeeping, particularly in the context of evolving conflicts, Dr. Makki underscored the crucial role of training programs in enhancing participants’ comprehension and addressing dynamic challenges essential for peacekeepers in mission areas. Moreover, he emphasized the synergistic relationship between practical application and academic knowledge as a fundamental strength of peacekeepers.

 

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Description:

United Nations Staff Officer Course-42 was held from 05^th February to 16^th February 2024. 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 fulfill their responsibilities as Staff Officers (SOs) in Field Headquarters (FHQ) and Sector Headquarters (SHQ).

Participation:

The course had a total of 30 participants. Among them, 18 were officers from the Pakistan Army, including 6 female officers. The remaining 6 participants were from foreign countries, including Sri Lanka, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Mozambique, Egypt, and Kenya.

Instructors:

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

• Peacekeeping training faculty
• Serving officers from Pakistan Army and Police Department
• Experts from the United Nations
• Subject-Matter Experts (SMEs)

Conduct Methodology:

The course was conducted as per 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 materials 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 visits to iconic landmarks in and around Islamabad including Pakistan monument, Faisal Mosque, and the local marketplaces with an entire day at Murree, allowing them to experience the cultural and natural beauty of Pakistan. Farewell dinner was hosted at a Monal Hill resort at the outskirts of Islamabad.

Closing Ceremony:

The closing ceremony of the course took place on 16th February 2024. Associate Dean Centre for International Peace and Stability, Dr. Muhammad Makki was the Chief Guest. Defense Attachés’ of Sri Lanka and Nigeria also graced the occasion. Senior Research Fellow, Brig(R) Imran Rashid welcomed the chief guest and all the dignitaries. Thereafter, GSO-1 Training gave a comprehensive briefing on CIPS and Peacekeeping Training Department. The chief guest Dr. Muhammad Makki was requested to distribute certificates to the successful participants. In his closing remarks the Associate Dean expressed gratitude to the diplomatic community, faculty, and participants from various countries. Acknowledging the diverse faculty and the unique blend of military officers and experts, he commended the two-week course for exposing participants to the multifaceted challenges of on-ground peacekeeping. The Associate Dean highlighted CIPS’ impressive history, having organized 195 courses and trained over 3600 peacekeepers, aligning with UN policies. Proudly representing a key troop-contributing country, he emphasized the nation’s commitment to UN peacekeeping missions. Congratulating UNSOC-42 graduates, he deemed the course a milestone in their understanding of the UN systems and future roles as staff officers. The remarks concluded with appreciation for foreign participants, recognizing their contribution to cross-cultural exchange, and wishing all participants success in their professional pursuits for the cause of global peacekeeping. Here afterwards, souvenirs were presented to Dean CIPS and respected faculty members by the participants.

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Gen.

The UN Engagement Platoon (UNEP-1) course was conducted as per United Nations Reinforced Training Package (RTP) concerning the recently launched engagement platoon. This course placed a significant emphasis on ensuring the safety of vulnerable and at-risk populations. The development of engagement capabilities was crucial to effectively bolster the achievement of the mission’s objectives and commitments.

Objectives

The objective of the UNEP-1 course was to cultivate meaningful involvement with gender in conflicted communities and advocate for the integration of individuals at all levels and roles within peacekeeping missions to achieve long-term sustainable peace.

Participation overview

Seventeen officers from the Pakistan Army, including 13 female officers, attended the UNEP-1 course, emphasizing gender-inclusive participation in peacekeeping training.

Methodology

The UNEP-1 course was designed to equip peacekeepers with the essential knowledge needed to carry out tasks effectively in UN missions. Participants benefited from a comprehensive learning approach in the UNEP-1 course, involving the provision of Specialized Training Material (STM) for in-depth study. Additionally, they received enlightening presentations from Adjunct Faculty to gain insights from subject matter experts (SME). The course further incorporated hands-on learning through extensive Scenario-Based/Tabletop Exercises, ensuring a well-rounded and experiential educational environment.

Certification awarded

Upon completion of the course, certificates were presented to successful participants.

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Gen.

From June 5 to June 16, 2016, the United Nations Pre-Deployment Training Course (UNPDTC) took place at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) under the guidance of the Peace Operation Training Department (PKT Dep). This course is fundamental for all peacekeeping personnel, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to operate effectively in UN peacekeeping missions. The course aims to establish a common understanding of the basic principles, guidelines, and policies of UN peacekeeping. This encompasses critical themes and priorities such as conduct and discipline, sexual exploitation and abuse, the protection of civilians, human rights, gender mainstreaming, conflict-related sexual violence, child protection, and environmental protection.

Participants:

The UNPDTC-34 witnessed an active participation of 49 military personnel, with 32 participants representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the remaining 17 being officers from Pakistan.

Conduct Methodology:

The course was designed to prepare peacekeeping personnel for their roles in assisting the host countries. It covered core UN functioning and specialized assignments through modules like Core Pre-deployment Training Material (CPTM), which focused on UN systems, legal frameworks, and specific subjects. Also, the adjunct Faculty presentations provided insights from UN partners. Scenario-based exercises enhanced participants’ responses to diverse situations, fostering readiness for UN security and cultural environments.

Closing remarks:

Closing the ceremony, Maj Gen (pilot) Awad bin Abdullah Alzahrani, HI (M) DA KSA, expressed his satisfaction with the UN Pre-Deployment Training Course – 34. He emphasized the importance of an integrative diverse environment for global UN missions and acknowledged the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) as a center of excellence in training and sensitizing peacekeepers. Highlighting the Department of Peacekeeping Training’s accomplishments, including 181 courses and over 3070 officers trained, he commended CIPS for hosting collaborations with leading institutions. Recognizing Pakistan’s 73-year commitment to UN peacekeeping, he congratulated the graduates, emphasizing the course’s significance in understanding UN systems. Wishing KSA armed forces officers success and hoping for fond memories of the course and Pakistani hospitality, he extended compliments to the institute for its professional course conduct.

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Description

The United Nations Military Observer Course – 35 (UNMOC) was conducted at the Centre for International Peace and Stability, NUST Islamabad, from October 16 to October 27, 2023. The objective of this course was to equip Peacekeepers for their positions as UN Military Observers in both current and prospective UN Peacekeeping Operations. Participants were tasked with applying a range of knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with the role of a UN Military Observer within the context of the UN Integrated Training Service.

Participation

Sixteen officers participated in the course, with 12 attendees hailing from friendly countries including China, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Nepal, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, and Kazakhstan, along with four officers from Pakistan.

Conduct Methodology

Participants underwent a thorough tiered training process, encompassing Core Pre-deployment Training Materials (CPTM), Specialized Training Materials (STM), and in-mission training. Military Observers from significant missions provided briefings on mission environments, mandates, and the specific roles/assignments of military observers. This approach aimed to offer participants a more contextualized understanding of their deployment areas.

Field Exercise:

UNMOC-35, orchestrated by the Peacekeeping Training Department, recently undertook a pivotal field exercise in the semi-mountainous terrain of Pabbi, 160 km from Islamabad. This hands-on training proved to be the cornerstone of UNMOC-35, designed to prepare military observers comprehensively for the intricacies of peacekeeping missions. The exercise, meticulously crafted with scenario-based exposure, immersed participants in realistic situations such as UN interactions, hostage crises, and evacuation coordination. By simulating such challenges, the exercise aimed to equip military observers with practical skills and a nuanced understanding of their roles.

Certificate distribution

H.E. Mohamed Karmoune, Ambassador of Morocco presented certificates to successful participants. The ceremony was also attended by esteemed representatives from Tunisia and Russia.

Closing remarks

In his closing statements, Maj General Raja Aftab Khan, the principal of NIPCONS, commended the participants. Stressing the importance of peacekeeping, particularly in the face of evolving conflicts, Principal NIPCONS underscored how training programs like these are instrumental in comprehending and effectively addressing dynamic challenges. He highlighted essential characteristics a peacekeeper should embody, emphasizing impartiality, neutrality, and professionalism. Additionally, he praised CIPS for delivering a comprehensive course that ensures participants acquire indispensable knowledge and skills for successful engagement in peacekeeping missions.

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Gen.

UN Female Engagement Team Course and UN Gender Advisory Course was conducted by the Department of Peacekeeping Training (PKT) at the Centre for International Peace & Stability (CIPS). The course commenced on 13th March, 2023 and successfully concluded on 24th March, 2023.

Participation.

Ten lady officers of the Pakistan Army attended the course. The female peacekeepers were appointed to be deployed at UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). 10 civilian students attended the UN Gender Advisory Course.

Objective – UN Female Engagement Team Course (UNFETC) – 07.

This course is conducted with the purpose to exclusively sensitize the female peacekeepers for the assignment in peacekeeping missions. During the course, the participants were trained to:

 

• • Build greater trust within the local community through interaction with the female population and understanding their problems.

• • Enhance local women’s engagement at grassroots level and resultant strategy to benefit this relatively neglected but needy segment of society.

• • Provide psychological support to local women as they grapple with conflict-related sexual violence, including sexual abuse and the resultant depression and stress.

• • Deliver awareness sessions for women regarding health, female empowerment, self-protection against violence, child abuse, among other issues.

• • Provide vocational training such as sowing, embroidery, first aid, computer skills to locals.

• • Provide training to female staff of the National Police and Army to enhance their professional capacity.

Objective UN Gender Advisor Course (UN GAC) – 07.

This course focused on the UN SG resolve to lay desired emphasis on Women Peace and Security, and Youth Peace and Security with specific focus on employment of peacekeepers as Gender Advisor and Gender Focal in UN field missions. The training enables participants to be sufficiently equipped to act as military gender advisers or military gender focal points in peace operations, and thus to be able to put into practice the UN Security Council resolutions on Women, Peace and Security, the protection of civilians, child protection and conflict-related sexual violence.

Closing Ceremony.

The closing ceremony took place on March 24th, 2023 wherein successful participants were given certificates.

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Gen.  

United Nations Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course – 11 (UCNPoCC – 11) was conducted from 11 September 2023 to 22 September 2023.  This UN certified course is conducted with a purpose to educate / sensitize the participants about functioning of UN, the roles and responsibilities of the Peacekeepers, and educating participants about working in peacekeeping operation to develop a conceptual framework for PoC.

Participation.  

23 participants from the military and other various institutions attended the course. These included 4 serving and 2 retired officers from Pakistan Army, 8 officers from friendly countries and 9 civilians from different Universities / Education institutions. The Foreign participants were from Jordan, Iran, Nepal, Moroccan, Nepal, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Tunisia.

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 Protection of Civilians. However, important and relevant lectures from Core Pre-deployment Training Module (CPTM 2107) were included. Subject Matters Experts (SMEs) including representatives from UN organizations also delivered lectures. A road safety talk was skillfully delivered by representatives from the National Highway and Motorway Police, bringing to the table their extensive experience gained from participating in three UN Peace Missions.

1. 1. Seminar: A live seminar was organized for the attendees, featuring guest speakers from the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). These officers provided valuable insights into the historical context and the mission’s mandate, particularly in relation to the protection of civilians. The experts also delved into a comprehensive discussion of the ongoing conflict. The seminar was highly regarded and enthusiastically received by the participants.

 

2. 2. Scenario Based Exercise: A scenario-based exercise was conducted for the participants, involving the formation of three distinct groups: military, civilian, and police. Each group was assigned specific scenarios that might occur in the conflict zone. All participants displayed strong enthusiasm and approached the task with a high level of professionalism, effectively presenting their plans and strategies.

Closing Ceremony. 

Brig (R) Imran Rashid, Senior Research Fellow R&A Cell, was the chief guest of the closing ceremony on 22^nd September 2023. Defense Attachés’ of Iran, Jordan, Nepal and Sri Lanka also graced the occasion. In his farewell remarks, Lt Col Abdullah Al Ajaleen, on behalf of the course participants, appreciated CIPS for organizing such courses. He also extended his gratitude to the faculty and staff for their hospitality and kindness. He further congratulated all the course participants and thanked all the peacekeepers for their contribution towards global peace and stability. Each DA was then equitably requested to distribute the certificates to the successful participants.

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