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United Nations

Global Leaders Pledge 40,000 Troops for United Nations Peacekeeping

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

United States leaders, with the initiative of US President Barack Obama, called for a summit to shore up UN peacekeeping missions, which are struggling to cope with rising global crises. The meeting drew more than 50 countries, with China scaling up its contribution to establish an 8,000-strong standby police force. The pledges mark a significant boost to UN peacekeeping, which relies on voluntary contributions from member states. The summit aimed to address the unprecedented strains peace operations are experiencing in more difficult and deadlier conflicts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The summit resulted in pledges of 40,000 troops for UN peacekeeping, exceeding the initial goal of 30,000 troops set by President Obama.
  • China took a lead in setting up an 8,000-strong standby police force, marking a significant increase in its contribution.
  • Colombia made its first-time offer of up to 5,000 troops, adding to the total number of pledged troops.
  • Rwanda pledged to contribute two attack helicopters, two field hospitals, an all-female police unit, and 1,600 new troops.
  • Indonesia pledged 2,700 new troops and increased its participation with training, while India offered 850 additional soldiers.
  • Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron announced 70 troops for the UN-African Union mission in Somalia and up to 300 troops for South Sudan.
  • Smaller nations like Armenia and Fiji, and larger countries like Brazil, Turkey, Germany, and Australia, also made pledges.
  • The total number of troops and police serving in UN peace missions worldwide is over 125,000 from 124 countries.

Statistics:

  • 40,000 troops pledged for UN peacekeeping missions, exceeding the initial goal of 30,000 troops.
  • 8,000-strong standby police force to be set up by China, the largest contributor to date.
  • 5,000 troops offered by Colombia as part of its first-time contribution.
  • 2,700 new troops pledged by Indonesia.
  • 850 additional soldiers pledged by India.
  • 70 troops pledged by Britain for the UN-African Union mission in Somalia.
  • 300 troops pledged by Britain for the mission in South Sudan.
  • Over 125,000 troops and police serving in UN peace missions worldwide from 124 countries.

Sources:

  • AFP - "More than 50 countries pledge 40,000 troops for United Nations peacekeeping"
  • AP Photo/Evan Vucci - "FILE - In a Friday, Sept. 25, 2015 file photo, President Barack Obama listens to Chinese President Xi Jinping's opening remarks during their joint news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington."

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