The Integrated Training Service (ITS) of the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), with the support of the Governments of Canada and Malaysia, conducted the Fourth United Nations Staff Officers (UNSO) train-the-trainers course at the Malaysia Peacekeeping Centre in Port Dickson, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 24 November to 5 December.

The course aimed to strengthen national training capacity in the Asia-Pacific region and enhance the quality and consistency of pre-deployment training for UN military staff officers.

Twenty-three military officers from tweleve Member States (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam) participated in the programme.

Six women officers (26 per cent) took part, underscoring the UN’s continued commitment to the Gender Parity Strategy (2018–2028) and to fostering inclusive and representative peacekeeping training environments.

The course focused on the delivery of the UNSO Specialized Training Materials, which support troop-contributing countries by providing standardized UN training frameworks and promoting a common understanding of staff officer roles at force, sector, and integrated mission levels.

Over two weeks, participants engaged in interactive presentations, lesson delivery practice, mentoring, and structured peer and facilitator feedback.

Daily assessments and preparatory group work culminated in a scenario-based exercise, which allowed participants to apply staff procedures in realistic contexts, including military planning, coordination in integral settings, protection of civilians, and information integrity considerations.

Participant feedback highlighted the value of the course’s practical and participatory approach, with many noting that lesson delivery exercises and peer-learning significantly enhanced their instructional skills.

The diversity of experiences shared by officers from across the region enriched discussions and provided adaptable models for conducting UNSO training at national peacekeeping centres.

The successful delivery of the course was made possible through the financial support of Canada and the strong facilitation of Malaysia as the host nation.

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