Description

United Nations Military Observers Training of Trainers Course UNMOC-TOT) was conducted at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), NUST Islamabad, from 8 to 19 June 2026. This course aimed to train selected officers as qualified trainers for the UN Military Observer Course, with the objective of strengthening the pre-deployment training capacity of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs). By aligning with UN DPO training standards, the program ensures a harmonized and coherent approach to the roles and responsibilities of Military Observers across integrated UN peace operations. It establishes baseline guidance for Member States to effectively deliver the updated training package while offering participants a multinational environment to refine their instructional skills and engage directly with UN trainers.

Participation

The course brought together 22 officers from 9 countries, Bangladesh, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe, alongside 7 experienced facilitators. This diverse multinational composition not only enriched the learning environment through a wide range of operational perspectives but also fostered cross-cultural collaboration and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange among the participants and facilitators alike.

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 area. In addition, the UNMOC Trainers had an interactive session as well with Principal NIPCONS Maj Gen Zahid Mehmood, HI(M), TBt, Retd.

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 and enjoying a day at Murree’s Chinar Golf Club. Additional visits included Jinnah Super Market, Centaurus Mall, Lok Virsa & Pakistan Monument, providing participants with a well-rounded experience of Pakistan’s hospitality and rich cultural traditions.

Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony of the United Nations Military Observers Training of Trainers (UNMOC–ToT) Course was held at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), NUST on 19 June 2026. The ceremony was graced by His Excellency Lt Gen Peter Mbogo Njiru, Retd, Ambassador of Kenya to Pakistan and H.E. Titus Mehliswa Johnathan Abu Basutu, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Pakistan. The representatives of the diplomatic community, officials from the United Nations, faculty members, facilitators, and participants from friendly countries also attended the event.

To commence the ceremony, Dr. Muhammad Makki, Associate Dean, CIPS congratulated the participants on the successful completion of the United Nations Military Observers Training of Trainers (UNMOC–ToT) Course. He appreciated the dedication of the participants, trainers, and organizing team, and expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills acquired during the course would contribute to strengthening peacekeeping training in their respective countries.

The Representative of the United Nations Integrated Training Service (UN ITS) highlighted that the course had successfully achieved its objective of enhancing Member States’ capacity to deliver the UNMOC using approved UN Specialized Training Materials. Congratulating the successful participants on behalf of the Chief of UN ITS, he emphasized that the true success of the course would be reflected in how effectively participants apply and share their knowledge. He also appreciated the Government of Pakistan and CIPS for their outstanding hospitality and professional conduct of the programme.

In his closing address, His Excellency Lt Gen Peter Mbogo Njiru, Retd, Ambassador of Kenya to Pakistan, congratulated the participants on successfully completing the course. He commended CIPS for its role as a Centre of Excellence in peacekeeping training and acknowledged its significant contribution to preparing peacekeepers in accordance with UN standards. Expressing confidence in the participants’ future roles as instructors and peacekeepers, he wished them continued success and appreciated CIPS and UN ITS for organizing the course professionally.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, souvenirs were exchanged among the Chief Guest, distinguished guests, and participants to commemorate the successful completion of the course.

Course Photos

United Nations Military Observers Training of Trainers Course (UNMOC- TOT)