Description

The United Nations Staff Officers Course-51 (UNSOC-51) was held from 13 to 24 July 2026. 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 fulfill their responsibilities as Staff Officers (SOs) in Field Headquarters (FHQ) and Sector Headquarters (SHQ).

Participation

A total of 46 participants completed the course, including 18 from friendly countries such as Germany, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Lebanon, Malawi, Morocco, Egypt, Mozambique, and the remaining from the Pakistan Army.

Instructors

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

• Peacekeeping Training Faculty

• Representatives from the Pakistan Army

• Representatives from the UNHCR and UNAIDS

• 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 materials such as peacekeeping training policies, standard operating procedures, and basic guidelines.

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 UNSOC-51, held on 24 July 2026, commenced with welcoming remarks from the Principal of NIPCONS, Maj Gen Zahid Mahmood, HI(M), TBt, Retd. He congratulated the participants on the successful completion of the course and commended the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) for effectively conducting the training. He highlighted the complex and challenging environments in which UN peacekeeping missions operate and emphasized that the course was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to these operational challenges. He concluded by encouraging the participants to uphold the standards of professionalism, integrity, and commitment while serving in UN peacekeeping missions, and wished them success in their future deployments.

The welcoming remarks were followed by the certificate distribution ceremony, where H.E. Ambassador Ina Lepel, Germany’s ambassador to Pakistan, presented certificates to participants for completing the United Nations Staff Officers Course (UNSOC-51).

In her closing remarks, Ambassador Lepel expressed her pleasure at joining the participants and commended the diverse international representation of the course, noting that it reflected the multicultural environment in which UN peacekeepers operate. She emphasized that quality pre-deployment training is essential for preparing personnel to effectively serve in complex UN peacekeeping missions. She also lauded the CIPS for its role as a Centre of Excellence in peacekeeping training, highlighting that the Department of Peacekeeping Training has successfully conducted 235 UN-certified courses and trained more than 4,523 peacekeepers in accordance with United Nations policies and guidelines. Concluding her remarks, Ambassador Lepel congratulated the graduates on successfully completing the course and expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills they had acquired would prepare them for future responsibilities as UN staff officers. She commended CIPS and NIPCONS for organizing the UNSOC-51 in a highly professional and impactful manner.

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 Staff Officers Course-51 (UNSOC-51)