Description

The United Nations Military Observers Course – 44 (UNMOC) was conducted at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), NUST Islamabad, from 6th  October to 17th  October 2025. 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 38 officers successfully completed the course. Of these, 20 participants were from allied nations, including Jordan, Kazakhstan, Rwanda, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Malaysia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, China, and Iraq. The remaining 18 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.

The course participants also attended a two-day event on “Peace Operations” at CIPS-NUST. On Day one, they engaged in a book presentation of “Military Diplomacy: Reflections by Former UN Force Commanders” by Lt Gen (R) Dr. Dennis Gyllensporre and Lt Col (R) Prof Håkan Edström, gaining insights from the experiences of former UN Force Commanders. On Day two an expert panel discussion on “Future of UN Peace Operations”, moderated by Dr. Col Arshad Mehmood and including Lt Gen (R) Dr. Dennis Gyllensporre, Lt Col (R) Prof Håkan Edström, Lt Gen (R) Maqsood Ahmad, and Maj Gen (R) Dr. Shahid Ahmad. The panel explored global power dynamics, ongoing peacekeeping reforms, and strategies to enhance UN credibility and effectiveness in a multipolar world, providing participants with a forward-looking perspective on their future roles as UN Military Observers.

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 Ramada. 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 taking place on 16 October 2025 started with the National Anthem followed by the closing remarks by Brig Sajjad Ahmad SI(M), Retd, HOD PKT. The ceremony continued with the distribution of certificates among the successful participants.  The certificate distribution ceremony was graced by H.E. Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, and H.E. Harerimana Fatou, High Commissioner of Rwanda to Pakistan, who presented certificates to the successful participants. 

Followed by the certificate distribution ceremony, Brig Sajjada Ahmad, SI(M), Retd, HoD PkT, presented the chief guests with souvenirs along with CIPS magazines and journals as a token of appreciation.

Shortly afterwards, H.E. Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador Azerbaijan addressed the participants.  H.E. extended his congratulations to the participants on the successful completion of the course, emphasizing that its diversity mirrors the multicultural environment that peacekeepers will encounter during UN missions. He underscored the pivotal role of CIPS as a centre of excellence, noting that the Department of Peacekeeping Training has successfully conducted over 200 courses in accordance with UN guidelines. He characterised UNMOC-44 as a significant milestone in expanding the participants’ understanding and preparing them for future peacekeeping missions, while expressing his hope that they appreciated Pakistan’s renowned hospitality and that the experience would have a lasting impact on their professional and personal development.

The ceremony concluded with a souvenir exchange, where participants from friendly countries presented tokens of appreciation to Brig Sajjad Ahmad, SI(M), Retd, HoD PkT.

Course Photos

United Nations Military Observers Course – 44 (UNMOC-44)