Ulaanbaatar, May 29, 2025 /MONTSAME/. The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers has been observed since 2003, under a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 11, 2002.

On this day in 1948, the UN Security Council decided to launch its first peacekeeping operation in the Middle East. Declaring May 29 of each year as the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, the UN General Assembly decided that this day would honor all those who serve in peacekeeping operations by demonstrating outstanding professionalism and bravery, even at the cost of their lives, and commemorate those who have fallen in the cause of peace. The General Assembly invited all UN Member States, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to celebrate this day.

The Day has been observed in Mongolia since 2012 under Government Resolution No. 140. Mongolia first dispatched two military observers to a peacekeeping operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2002. Since then, personnel from the Mongolian Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies have contributed to global peace and security. Over the past 23 years, around 23,000 Mongolian officers and troops took part in peacekeeping missions.

Mongolia has a proud history of fulfilling its duty to contribute to world peace and security. The first Mongolian peacekeepers to join these missions elevated the reputation of the Mongolian Armed Forces on the international stage, becoming symbols of national pride and peace.

Today, Mongolia ranks among the top 24 troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations, and it leads Asia in peacekeepers per capita. During his visit to Mongolia, UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the country as a “symbol of peace” and highly valued its efforts to promote international peace and stability. Likewise, the eighth UN Secretary-General and recipient of Mongolia’s highest “Chinggis Khaan” Order, Ban Ki-moon, lauded the skills of Mongolian peacekeepers—proof, he said, that “Mongolian soldiers are soldiers of the world.” At present, roughly 900 Mongolian service members are successfully carrying out their duties in nine UN-mandated operations across seven countries.

Today, Mongolia ranks among the top 24 troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations, and leads Asia in peacekeepers per capita. During his official visit to Mongolia, UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised Mongolia as a “symbol of peace” and highly valued its efforts to promote international peace and stability. Also, eighth UN Secretary-General and Laureate of the State Supreme Decoration of Mongolia, Order of Chinggis Khaan, Ban Ki-moon praised the skills of Mongolian peacekeepers. At present, roughly 900 Mongolian personnel are successfully carrying out their duties in nine UN-mandated operations across seven countries.

We extend our heartfelt greetings to all peacekeepers on this International Day of UN Peacekeepers.