The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations in New York will jointly organize the “Thailand’s Contributions to UN Peacekeeping and Peace-Related Operations” exhibition at the UN Headquarters in New York from 16 to 26 February 2016. The exhibition will be held during the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34) meeting.

The exhibition will showcase Thailand as a dedicated UN member state and as a major contributor to UN peacekeeping operations since the country became a member 70 years ago. Thailand continues to play an active role in UN peacekeeping operations around the world. Contributions made by Thai peacekeepers, especially in development assistance and in bolstering women’s participation in peacekeeping operations, have been widely acknowledged by local and international communities. Thailand plans to contribute more Thai peacekeepers with a focus on development work. This decision comes in line with the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations Report, and the Prime Minister’s pledge at the Leaders’ Summit on Peacekeeping 2015. Hence, the exhibition will be a good opportunity for Thailand to share its distinctive approach to UN peacekeeping efforts with other countries. Thailand’s best practices, and the country’s emphasis on the connections between peacekeeping, peace building, and sustainable development are equally worth noting.

Side-events will also be held during the exhibition. One of which includes a Panel Discussion on “More than Mission Mandate: Towards Sustainable Peace”. The Panel Discussion will examine the unique contributions of Thai peacekeepers as well as the future of UN peacekeeping operations. Distinguished panelists include H.E. Mr. José Ramos-Horta, former President of Timor-Leste and Chair of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations, General Boonsrang Niumpradit (ret.) of Thailand, former UNTAET (East Timor) Force Commander, and Mr. Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.