In a significant move, Canada has announced new commitments worth over $40 million in support of United Nations peace operations and peacebuilding efforts. The announcement comes on the heels of the 2025 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting hosted by Germany in Berlin, where Canadian officials reaffirmed their country's dedication to working with the UN to modernize multilateral approaches to global peace and security challenges.
At the ministerial meeting, Canada pledged to provide tactical airlift in support of UN peace operations, strengthen the UN system through specialized training and capacity building, advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda, protect civilians – particularly women and children – through the Elsie Initiative, and enhance the safety and security of peacekeepers. These commitments demonstrate Canada's commitment to supporting effective and inclusive peace operations, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding efforts.
"This announcement is a vote of confidence in the continuing relevance of peacekeeping," said Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs. "Our support is a recognition that our nation's interests are well-served by working with others to reform and innovate in the security interventions undertaken by the UN."
Canada's commitments are part of its broader military, police, civilian, and foreign policy support for global peace and security initiatives. The country has been an eighth-largest financial donor to UN peace operations through assessed contributions and one of the largest voluntary funders.
The 2025 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting aimed to strengthen UN peacekeeping, including by improving the performance and impact of UN peacekeeping operations in line with the UN Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping initiative. For the first time, high-level policy discussions focused on the future of peacekeeping, highlighting Canada's commitment to ensuring that peacekeeping remains fit for purpose in responding to contemporary conflicts.
"The men and women who carry out these operations are saving and protecting lives, pursuing peace and embodying some of the most important ideals for which the UN stands," said David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence. "In a world facing growing instability, effective UN peacekeeping is critical."
Canada's support for UN peacekeeping efforts demonstrates its commitment to promoting global stability and security. The country will continue to work with the UN and other organizations to modernize multilateral approaches to global peace and security challenges.
Key Commitments:
Providing tactical airlift in support of UN peace operations
Strengthening the UN system through specialized training and capacity building
Advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda
Protecting civilians – particularly women and children – through the Elsie Initiative
Enhancing the safety and security of peacekeepers
Related Information:
Backgrounder: Canada's commitments at 2025 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting
Operation PRESENCE
Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations
Canada's National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security
International Police Peacekeeping and Peace Operations Program
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