Description

The United Nations Pre-Deployment Training Course – 40 (UNPDTC-40) was held at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) from 21 October to 1 November 2024. This course serves as a fundamental training for all peacekeeping personnel, equipping them with the essential knowledge required to operate effectively in UN peacekeeping missions. Its primary objective is to adopt a shared understanding of the core principles, procedures, and policies of UN peacekeeping. The course covers critical themes and priorities, including 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 course was attended by 11 personnel of the Pakistan Army.

Conduct Methodology:

The course was designed to prepare peacekeeping personnel for their roles in assisting the host countries in their pursuit of peace. It covered basic 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 Ceremony

Brigadier (R) Engr Syed Mohsan Shah, Head of the Peacekeeping Training (PKT) Department, in his closing remarks, commended the successful completion of the UNPDTC-40. He acknowledged the course’s ability to simulate a near-real UN office environment, enhancing the participants’ preparedness for future missions. Over its relatively short history, the Peacekeeping Training Department has made remarkable progress by organizing more than 200 courses and training 3,981 peacekeepers in alignment with UN policies and guidelines. The Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) remains in close institutional partnership with leading regional and international peacekeeping training entities, further solidifying its reputation.

HOD PKT further highlighted Pakistan’s pivotal role in UN peacekeeping missions. Under the UN flag, the country consistently contributes soldiers, police officers, diplomats, civil servants, and relief workers to conflict-affected regions. The country holds the distinction of being among the leading Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) globally. In conclusion, he expressed confidence that this course would serve as a milestone in broadening the participants’ understanding of the UN system and their roles in multidimensional peacekeeping missions. He emphasized the importance of such training in preparing participants to navigate the complexities of global conflict paradigms effectively.

Course Pictures

Description

From March 4 to March 15, 2024, 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 act as a foundation for all peacekeeping personnel, arming them with the necessary knowledge to operate efficiently in UN peacekeeping missions. The course aims to build a common understanding of the core principles, procedures, 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 course was attended by 27 military personnel of the Pakistan Army, among them nine were the lady peacekeepers.

Conduct Methodology

The course was designed to prepare peacekeeping personnel for their roles in assisting the host countries in their pursuit of peace. It covered basic 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

In his closing remarks, Dr. Muhammad Makki, the Associate Dean of CIPS, extended congratulations to the participants for successfully completing the course and offered best wishes for their upcoming deployments. He stressed the importance of thorough and diligent training in handling conflict zones, noting that the insights gained from the course would prepare participants for complex and uncertain situations. Dr. Makki also underscored Pakistan’s significant role in UN peacekeeping operations. Additionally, he praised the professionalism of the Peacekeeping Training (PKT) Faculty for organizing a comprehensive yet concise training program. Regarding the Center for International Peace and Stability, Dr. Makki reaffirmed the department’s unwavering commitment to achieving international peace and stability, pledging to continue the department’s dedicated efforts in this regard.

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Description

From June 24 to July 5, 2024, the United Nations Pre-Deployment Training Course (UNPDTC) was held at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) under the guidance of the Peace Operation Training Department (PKT Dep). This course serves as a fundamental training for all peacekeeping personnel, equipping them with the essential knowledge required to operate effectively in UN peacekeeping missions. Its primary objective is to foster a shared understanding of the core principles, procedures, and policies of UN peacekeeping. The course covers critical themes and priorities, including 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 course was attended by 40 Officers of Pakistan Army.

Conduct Methodology:

The course was designed to prepare peacekeeping personnel for their roles in assisting the host countries in their pursuit of peace. It covered basic 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

In the closing remarks, Brigadier (R) Engr Syed Mohsin Shah, HoD PKT congratulated the participants on successfully completing the course and extended his best wishes for their upcoming deployments. He commended the CIPS faculty and guest speakers for their valuable contributions, acknowledging their significant investment of time and knowledge in shaping the participants’ readiness for peacekeeping missions. He also emphasized Pakistan’s longstanding and impactful role in UN peacekeeping operations, reminding the participants of their crucial responsibility in representing Pakistan as a responsible member of the international community.

 

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Gen.

The UN Engagement Platoon (UNEP-1) course, the first of its kind, was introduced by the Peace Operations Training Department (PKT) at the Centre for International and Peace Stability (CIPS) under the United Nations Reinforced Training Package (RTP). The course took place from July 10 to July 21, 2023. This course placed a significant emphasis on ensuring the safety of vulnerable and at-risk populations. UN engagement platoons served as the central force structures in UN peacekeeping missions, playing a pivotal role in establishing a secure and safe environment. 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 engaging Scenario-Based/Tabletop Exercises, ensuring a well-rounded and experiential educational environment.

 

Certification awarded

Upon completion of the course, certificates were presented to participants who successfully met the requirements.

 

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Description

From March 4 to March 15, 2024, 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 act as a foundation for all peacekeeping personnel, arming them with the necessary knowledge to operate efficiently in UN peacekeeping missions. The course aims to build a common understanding of the core principles, procedures, 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 course was attended by 27 military personnel of Pakistan Army and nine of them were the lady peacekeepers.

Conduct Methodology:

The course was designed to prepare peacekeeping personnel for their roles in assisting the host countries in their pursuit of peace. It covered basic 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

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.

 

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 brief address he emphasized the increased importance of meticulousness and diligence in a conflict area and advised the graduated students to deal with every situation with extreme care and caution to avoid any undesirable outcomes. Furthermore, he commended the professionalism of the Peace Keeping Training Faculty to organize such a comprehensive yet brief training program for the Peacekeepers. Talking about the Center for International Peace and Stability, honorable dean ascertained the firm commitment of the department to strive for attaining the international peace and stability and vowed to continue the unconditional efforts on behalf of the entire department.

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Gen.

From June 5 to June 16, 2023, 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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Gen.

The UN Engagement Platoon (UNEP-2) course was conducted as per United Nations Reinforced Training Package (RTP) concerning the recently launched engagement platoon from January 8 to January 16, 2024.

Objectives

The objective 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

Fourteen officers from the Pakistan Army, including 12 female officers, attended the course, emphasizing gender-inclusive participation in peacekeeping training.

Methodology

The course was designed to equip peacekeepers with the essential knowledge needed to carry out tasks effectively in UN missions. Participants were exposed to the various facets of their roles and tasks as part of ET.  Additionally, they received enlightening presentations from Adjunct Faculty to gain insights from subject matter experts (SME). Participants also got in mission training through Seminars and hands-on learning through extensive Scenario-Based/Tabletop Exercises, ensuring a well-rounded and experiential educational environment.

Closing Ceremony

On 16 January 2024, a formal closing ceremony was organized wherein the participants were handed over certificates for completion of their training. In his closing remarks, the chief guest Dr. Muhammad Makki, the Associate Dean, emphasized the critical importance of gender inclusivity in peacekeeping efforts. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the participants who successfully completed the course, commending their dedication and commitment. Dr. Makki specifically recognized the significant contributions of female participants, particularly highlighting the noteworthy role of Pakistani female peacekeepers in making substantial impacts on UN peacekeeping missions worldwide.

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On 16th March, 2023, Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) celebrated International Women’s Day. During the event there were various activities generated which focused on woman peace and security. The ongoing Female Engagement Team and students of the Gender Advisor Course also joined the International Women’s Day celebration. The event was specially graced by the presence of Ms. Iina Pyykkö, Women Peace and Security Specialist, and Ms. Khushbakht Sohail, consultant Woman Peace and Security, UN Woman.

Initially, Ms. Farah Naz, the focal person of UN Woman spoke on diversity and the role of women as peacekeepers in various peacekeeping missions. Thereafter, Ms Iina Pyykkö, a Women, Peace and Security Specialist, interacted with the female Army Personnel and the postgraduate students of Peace And Conflict Studies (MS PCS). Ms. Pyykkö shared her own knowledge and expertise in Women, Peace and Security, providing insights on how to integrate gender perspectives into peacekeeping operations. She further emphasized on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and how it is a ground-breaking resolution that recognizes women’s leadership to achieve international peace and security and their contributions to conflict prevention, peacekeeping, conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Speaking at the event, Brig. Imran from the Peacekeeping Department expressed his appreciation for the support provided by UN Women, Pakistan, and emphasized the commitment of the department to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in its peacekeeping operations.

At the end of the event, souvenirs of peacekeeping training department along with CIPS magazine were presented to Ms Iina Pyykkö and Ms Khushbakht Sohail.

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Gen.

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 04^th July, 2022 and successfully concluded on 15^th July, 2022.

Participants.

Six civilian students attended the course.

Objective.

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 of the course took place on July 15^th, 2022 wherein successful participants were awarded certificates.

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Gen.

UN Female Engagement Team Course was conducted by the Department of Peacekeeping Training (PKT) at the Centre for International Peace & Stability (CIPS). The course commenced on 04^th  July, 2022 and successfully concluded on 15^th July, 2022.

Participation.

Eighteen lady officers of the Pakistan Army attended the course. The female peacekeepers were appointed to be deployed at UN Peacekeeping Missions in DR Congo (MONUSCO) and Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Objective.

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.

 

Closing Ceremony.

The closing ceremony took place on July 15^th, 2022 wherein successful participants were given certificates.

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