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New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS) President Draupadi Murmu on Thursday said countries that contribute brave women and men to the noble cause of UN-led peacekeeping should collectively strive for a framework that encourages a stronger voice for troop-contributing countries.
“We must also work towards more active engagement with local stakeholders. This will help create an environment in which peace will not be imposed but nurtured through participatory processes,” he said, addressing the Chiefs of Army Staff/Deputy Chiefs of Staff attending the Conference of Chiefs of Staff for UN Force Contributing Countries.
In a statement, he said that as the largest democracy, India strongly believes in multilateralism and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter.
India is proud to have been a steadfast contributor to UN peacekeeping since its inception. “Our peacekeepers have served with distinction in some of the most challenging missions around the world,” he said.
He said that in the journey of peacebuilding, India has made commendable progress in gender inclusion. She underlined that women peacekeepers have empowered local communities and fostered confidence.
The President expressed confidence that the Chiefs of Staff Conference and other events with similar objectives and focus for United Nations troop contributing countries will foster new ideas, deeper cooperation and enduring friendships.
He said that as guardians of peace, we must enable a world where every child sleeps in security, every community thrives in harmony and conflict is consigned to the pages of history.
The President said that the Army Chiefs/Vice Chiefs participating in the UNTCC are proud representatives of the best values and ethos of their respective countries. They bring together a wealth of experience, expertise and determination of your countries towards lasting peace and prosperity, he said.
The President said UN peacekeepers have been deployed to 71 different missions around the world. He said that these missions are aimed at reducing the suffering of innocent people, especially women, children and the elderly. UN peacekeepers deployed in remote and remote corners of the world have demonstrated exemplary courage and compassion.
–IANS
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