Portugal supports the review of UN Peace Operations

Portugal participated in the United Nations meeting on the review of the future of UN peace operations, following the presentation of the Secretary-General’s report mandated by the Pact for the Future.

Against a rapidly changing international peace and security landscape, the Secretary-General called for a reassessment of UN peace operations to ensure they remain effective and fit for purpose. His proposals include strengthening the primacy of politics, prevention and mediation; developing more focused and adaptable mandates; making operations more agile; and deepening partnerships with regional organizations, particularly the African Union. The review also emphasizes stronger capabilities, greater participation of women, and greater efficiency and accountability focused on results rather than cost-cutting alone.

In its statement, Portugal highlighted three priorities: prevention and the primacy of politics; strategic, adaptable and adequately resourced mandates, while preserving the protection of civilians, human rights and the meaningful participation of women and youth; and stronger partnerships, particularly with the African Union.

Portugal also stressed that greater efficiency cannot come at the expense of political responsibility, respect for international law or the capacity of peace operations to effectively deliver on their objectives.

As a longstanding contributor to UN peace operations and an incoming member of the Security Council for 2027–2028, Portugal welcomed the Secretary-General’s call for revision, supporting more agile operations, more focused mandates and, above all, a stronger political focus.