UK pledges support for UN peacekeeper training

James Heappey, minister for the armed forces, has committed the UK to an enhanced training offer for UN peacekeepers.

At the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial in Ghana, Heappey outlined the UK's current and new commitments to UN peacekeeping missions including a new Enhanced Training Model (ETM) for UN peacekeepers, which will see UK personnel assisting UN peacekeeping troops before and during missions; and building on the £1m of funding announced earlier this year, a continued commitment for the Elsie Initiative Fund for Uniformed Women in Peace Operations, which supports the participation of women in United Nations peace operations.

There will also be support for the UN’s counter misinformation and disinformation training efforts and a commitment to new training initiatives to build the counter-IED capability of others.

Heappey said: "From violent extremism in the Sahel, to political instability in a number of African states, the importance of working with our regional partners and the UN has rarely been clearer.

"It’s not enough for us to train peacekeepers and then let them put themselves in harm’s way with no support. Our new Enhanced Training Model will see our personnel accompany the UN’s peacekeepers on their missions, standing shoulder to shoulder with them on the ground as they work tirelessly to prevent conflict."

Whilst in Ghana, the minister also held a bilateral security dialogue with the Minister for National Security Albert Kan-Dapaah, Minister of Defence Dominic Nitiwul and Minister for Interior Ambrose Dery and met with Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumi and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Botchwey.

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