By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The opening ceremony of the 2025 Challenges Annual Forum at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) was held under the theme “Adapt and Advance: Renewing the Impact of Peace Operations,”. The 3-day forum, brought together global peace and security experts, military leaders, diplomats, and policy actors to discuss innovative strategies for enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of peace operations in a changing global security landscape.
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Her Excellency Hanna Tetteh, stressed the need for UN peacekeeping missions to be guided by clear, realistic mandates that align with the evolving nature of conflicts.
“To maintain global peace and stability, the United Nations must explore institutional reforms and embrace technological innovation to improve mission delivery and operational effectiveness,” she said.
The Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, in his remarks, commended Ghana’s continued leadership and commitment to global peacekeeping operations. He reaffirmed government’s support for multilateral peace efforts, noting Ghana’s over six decades of experience in UN and AU missions.
“Our role in international peacekeeping is not just a duty but a moral commitment. We must continue to strengthen regional peace operations, integrate climate resilience, and adopt technology-driven solutions in future deployments,” he stated.
On his part, the Acting Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, reiterated the Centre’s dedication to fostering peace through professional training, dialogue, and international partnerships.
“This forum provides an important platform for sharing insights, shaping strategy, and finding practical solutions that will enable peace operations to adapt to modern-day challenges,” he said.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Chief of the Defence Staff, senior military officers, representatives of international organisations, and other high-profile dignitaries.The 2025 Challenges Annual Forum continues at KAIPTC, reinforcing Ghana’s central role in advancing peacekeeping excellence and global security dialogue.
