Every year on 29 May, the UN commemorates the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
"We pay tribute to the nearly 4,200 heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives in the cause of peace," said the Secretary-General, in his video message on the occasion.
"And we are reminded of an age-old truth: peace can never be taken for granted. Peace is the prize."
People. Peace. Progress: The Power of Partnerships
This year, the International Day will be marked on Thursday, 26 May at UN Headquarters in New York. Its theme is centred around People. Peace. Progress: The Power of Partnerships.
It highlights the centrality of partnerships – with Member States, local communities, regional organizations, NGOs, civil society, and within the UN system – in building and sustaining peace and achieving our mandates.
"Around the globe, UN peacekeepers work with Member States, civil society, humanitarians, the media, the communities they serve, and many others, to foster peace, protect civilians, promote human rights and the rule of law and improve the lives of millions of people," added the Secretary-General.
"Today and every day, we salute their dedication in helping societies turn away from conflict, towards a more peaceful and prosperous future for all. We are forever in their debt."
Follow the commemorations
The commemorations start at 9.30 am (New York time).
The Secretary-General will lay a wreath in honour of all fallen peacekeepers, followed by the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage, the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, and the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal ceremonies.
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