Description

United Nations Staff Officer Course-48 (UNSOC-48) was held from 4 to 15 August 2025. The purpose of the course was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the United Nations’ functioning, basic principles, guidelines, and policies. The course aimed at equipping attendees with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively fulfil their responsibilities as Staff Officers (SOs) in Field Headquarters (FHQ) and Sector Headquarters (SHQ).

Participation

The course had a total of 41 participants. Of these, 26 were from the Pakistan Army. The remaining 15 participants came from various friendly countries, including China, Thailand, Jordan, Belarus, Bangladesh, Malawi, Iraq, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Nigeria, the USA, and KSA.

Instructors

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

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

Conduct Methodology

The course was conducted as per the 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.

Visits

During their stay, the officers enjoyed a series of visits and cultural engagements in and around Islamabad. The program included visits to markets, malls, as well as a cultural visit to Lok Virsa and the Pakistan Monument. A full-day excursion to Murree and lunch at the Chinar Golf Club allowed participants to experience the natural beauty of Pakistan’s hill stations. They also joined the Independence Day celebrations at Jinnah Auditorium, NUST, and concluded their stay with a send-off dinner at Ramada. These activities provided the participants with an opportunity to experience Pakistan’s vibrant culture, rich heritage, and warm hospitality.

Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony of the course was held on 15 August 2025. The opening remarks were delivered by Major General Zahid Mehmood, Retd, Principal NIPCONS, who warmly welcomed the participants, defence attachés, and distinguished guests. In his address, he highlighted Pakistan’s long-standing commitment to UN peacekeeping and underscored the role of the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) as a Centre of Excellence in training peacekeepers. He expressed confidence that, with the experienced faculty and state-of-the-art training infrastructure, participants had drawn maximum advantage of the course. He also hoped that allied officers would take home fond memories of their stay in Pakistan and wished them success in their future pursuits and a safe journey back home.

The ceremony proceeded with the distribution of certificates to the successful participants by the chief guest, His Excellency Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Following this, the allied officers presented souvenirs to the Principal NIPCONS as a token of appreciation.

In his closing address, the chief guest, His Excellency, Dr. Ilhab Hassan, congratulated the successful participants of UNSOC-48, appreciating the diversity of participants which reflected the multicultural environment of UN missions. He commended CIPS for its significant contribution in preparing peacekeepers and expressed his hope that the participants would carry forward the knowledge and experience gained during the course into their future assignments in UN peacekeeping operations. He further hoped that participants would carry with them positive memories of both the course and Pakistan’s hospitality and extended his best wishes for their continued success in professional endeavors.

Course Pictures

United Nations Staff Officer Course – 48