Addis Ababa, 9 June 2025 – The United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU), in partnership with the African Union Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AU PAPS) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), concluded a powerful photo exhibition today at the African Union Commission (AUC) in Addis Ababa. The exhibition commemorated the 77th Anniversary of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers and paid tribute to the commitment and sacrifice of peacekeepers serving under both UN and AU mandates.

Open from 29 May to 9 June 2025, the exhibition featured a curated selection of images capturing the bravery, humanity, and resilience of peacekeepers across the continent. It highlighted their critical roles in protecting civilians, supporting political transitions, disarming combatants, and rebuilding societies in some of Africa’s most challenging conflict zones.

The closing ceremony brought together high-level representatives from the AU, UN, members of the diplomatic community, and ISS, with keynote remarks delivered by Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for AU PAPS, Ms. Hester Adriana Paneras, Head of the Institutional and Operational Partnership Service at UNOAU, and Dr. Paul-Simon Handy, Regional Director and Representative to the AU for ISS.

Commissioner Adeoye emphasized the exhibition’s role in raising awareness of peace efforts at global, continental, and regional levels, particularly through the United Nations, which he described as "our foremost international platform." He stated, “Let us remember the gallantry, professionalism, and ultimate sacrifice of peacekeepers worldwide. Without peace, there can be no progress.”

Delivering remarks on behalf of SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Ms. Paneras paid tribute to the more than 4,300 peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948 and acknowledged the nearly 80,000 peacekeepers currently serving in some of the world’s most challenging environments. She underscored the essential role of AU-led Peace Support Operations (PSOs) in responding to Africa’s evolving security challenges and emphasized the need for innovation, gender inclusion, and sustainable financing to ensure peacekeeping remains fit for purpose. “Peacekeeping is not just about ending wars—it is about building a future where conflicts are prevented before they begin,” she said. “It is a means to support transition from armed conflict to sustainable peace.”

Dr. Paul-Simon Handy added, “Every single loss of a peacekeeper’s life is one too many. It is our collective endeavour to commit to ensure that those serving on the front lines are adequately safeguarded, enabling them to carry out their essential duties confidently and effectively.”

The event also spotlighted the importance of the UN-AU Joint Framework on Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, and welcomed the momentum created by UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which opens the door for the use of UN-assessed contributions to support AU-led Peace Support Operations (PSOs).

As the theme for this year’s commemoration, “The Future of Peacekeeping”, suggests, peacekeeping must adapt to changing threats, ranging from terrorism and asymmetric warfare to cyber challenges and climate-induced crises. The joint exhibition provided a timely platform to celebrate progress, commemorate sacrifices, and reaffirm a collective vision of sustainable peace in Africa.

The exhibition was made possible through the technical, financial, and logistical support of ISS. This collaborative initiative reflects the continued importance of the UN-AU-ISS partnership in strengthening peace and security efforts on the continent.